Right now, you're...
Passionate about rum but lack formal certification
Curious about the details of distillation, aging, and terroir
Struggling to confidently lead tastings or speak with authority
Wondering how to stand out in a competitive industry
Imagine...
You’re the go-to expert in the room when it comes to rum.
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Your knowledge commands respect, your tastings are unforgettable, and your expertise opens doors to exciting opportunities in the spirits world.
I'm Ready to Become a Rum Ambassador!
Transform your love for rum into a Professional Edge.
Develop deep knowledge of rum's rich history and production techniques.
Learn how to lead tastings and master storytelling.
Build your reputation as an expert in the spirits industry.
Access a custom AI tailored to Rum, ready to answer your questions anytime.
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER...
The Fascinating History of Rum:
From the sugarcane fields to the high seas, explore rum’s journey across centuries and cultures, gaining stories you can share to enrich tastings, travels, and conversations.
Production Deep Dive:
Understand distillation, aging techniques, and how geography influences flavor, so you can taste rum with greater insight and spot the differences like an expert.
Tasting & Sensory Skills:
Learn how to evaluate rum like a pro and create memorable tasting experiences, so you can savor every glass with confidence and impress others with your expertise.
Ambassadorial Skills:
Hone your storytelling, presentation, and leadership abilities to inspire and educate others, so you can share rum’s legacy with authority and become a trusted voice in the community.
The Business of Rum:
Discover how to represent rum brands, organize events, and build partnerships within the industry, so you can turn your passion into professional opportunities and influence in the rum world.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
- Rum Enthusiasts: Take your appreciation of rum to the next level.
- Hospitality Professionals: Elevate your career with specialized knowledge.
- Creators & Educators: Build content and lead tastings with confidence.
- Entrepreneurs: Expand your spirits portfolio and build connections with industry leaders.
- Lifelong Learners: Dive deep into a subject you're passionate about and gain formal recognition.
"As someone in the spirits industry, this course was a game-changer. I learned to lead tastings that leave a lasting impression on clients and guests."
— Anna K., Hospitality Professional
"The Rum Ambassador Course gave me the confidence to speak about rum with authority. My career in hospitality has reached new heights thanks to the knowledge and skills I gained!"
— Jordan M., Rum Enthusiast
"If you're serious about rum, this is the course for you. The content is engaging, and the certification gave me credibility I couldn’t get anywhere else."
— Michael S., Spirits Entrepreneur
This Program is not for you if you are...
❌ Looking for a generic overview with no depth. This course is all about mastery.
❌ Not willing to put in the time to complete the lessons.
❌ Uninterested in rum’s history, production, or cultural significance.
❌ Expecting a quick certification without effort or commitment.
Christian Esser
Founder, Academy of Wine and Spirits
Wine – Spirits – Sake Expert | Sommelier | Educator | Business Developer | Rum Evangelist
Christian Esser is a globally respected sommelier, educator, and hospitality consultant with over two decades of experience across 43 countries. He is the visionary founder of the Academy of Wine & Spirits, a world-class institution delivering certified beverage education throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
Christian’s career began with a formal education in viticulture and winemaking, followed by more than 15 years of hands-on experience in the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries. From Michelin-starred restaurants to biodynamic vineyards, his diverse journey has shaped him into a multi-disciplinary expert and a trusted voice in beverage education.
Christian is a certified educator across a wide range of disciplines—including wine, spirits, sake, cheese, beer, and mixology. His passion for continuous learning and innovation has earned him accolades and invitations to consult with leading wineries, distilleries, and hospitality groups around the world.
Christian is especially known for his deep knowledge of Pinot Noir and Northern Hemisphere wine regions, along with a growing specialty in Sake, Scotch Whisky, Cognac, and artisanal cheese. His most recent endeavor—launching The Rum Ambassador, the world’s first formal international certification for rum—has established a new global benchmark in spirits education.
Christian is also the founder and culinary director of Le Petit Bar in the Cayman Islands, a boutique wine and charcuterie bar renowned for its curated tastings and high-end hospitality experiences.
Nicolas RatkovichÂ
Rum & Spirits Specialist
Nicolas Ratkovich is a chemical engineer, sommelier, educator passionate about rum and distilled spirits. He holds the WSET Level 3 in Spirits and Level 2 in Wines, along with the General Certificate in Distillation, Gin Production, and Spirit Sensory Analysis from the Chartered Institute of Brewing and Distilling (CIBD). His expertise extends to certifications in Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey, and Gin from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy (EWA), Whisky Ambassador (WA), a Diploma in Rum and Spirits from UCAB (Venezuela), a Diploma in Cachaça Production from UFLA (Brazil), and the Bartender Certificate from the International Bartenders Association (IBA).
As a professor and researcher at Universidad de Los Andes (Colombia), Nicolas specializes in fermentation, distillation, and spirits production, combining scientific innovation with traditional craftsmanship. He is also a Wineschool3 Ambassador, dedicated to sharing his knowledge through courses, tastings, and industry events.
