Certificate in Rum and Sugar Cane Spirits

Gain a recognised qualification in rum and sugar cane spirits while developing your knowledge of production methods, styles, flavour profiles, and global regions. This course is ideal for hospitality professionals and spirits enthusiasts alike.

The 10-week course is delivered by a Master Rummelier® from the Royal Rum Society, in partnership with the University of Lynchburg, and is promoted through Forth Valley College.

It provides an in-depth introduction to rum and sugar cane spirits from around the world. Delivered primarily online, the programme explores the history, production, maturation, classification, and sensory characteristics of a wide range of spirits.

Learners will also attend on-site tasting sessions at the College in Weeks 3 and 10, providing the opportunity to apply their learning through guided sensory evaluation and comparative tasting.

Explore the full production lifecycle of rum and cane spirits—sugar-cane cultivation, distillation, aging, bottling and marketing.

Taste and evaluate white, dark, aged and spiced rums, plus lesser-known cane spirits such as cachaça and rhum agricole.

Master mixology fundamentals for rum-based cocktails and learn how to pair rum with food and culture.

Strengthen your professional vocabulary and service skills in rum and sugar-cane spirits contexts.

Build connections with hospitality, beverage retail, tourism and event-planning sectors.

Module 1:  Rum and Sugar Cane Spirits, A Global Perspective

Module 2:  Sugar Cane History Part 1: World Focus

Module 3:  Tasting Techniques and Flavor Profiling 

Module 4:  Sugar Cane History Part 2: American Focus

Module 5:  Types of Rum and Cane Spirits

Module 6:  Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits Production Process

Module 7:  Production Process

Module 8:  Rum Brands and Marketing

Module 9:  Mixology with Rum and the Sugar Cane Spirit

Module 10:  Terminology, Resources, and Trivia

Optional Extras:

3 course evening meal at our award winning Gallery restaurant in Stirling for only £25 pp  (Date: 20th October 2026 at 5.30pm)

Celebration dinner and presentation of certificates from Master Rummelier® in person at £35 pp  (Date: 8th December 2026 at 5.30pm)

Upon successful completion you'll receive:

• University of Lynchburg Professional Development Institute Certificate
• Royal Rum Society Level 1 Rummelier® credential
• Forth Valley College Certificate of Achievement