Crafting a Higher Standard for Spirits Education
About Spey Academy
Based in London, Spey Academy is a premier, independent educational hub operating with an official license from the prestigious Edinburgh Whisky Academy (EWA). Driven by an authentic passion and curiosity for spirits culture, our core purpose is to share accurate, objective knowledge and advance deep cultural appreciation. We deliver exceptional training experiences globally, hosted either online or in person at premium, carefully curated venues.
Our curriculum spans far beyond traditional boundaries. While deeply rooted in comprehensive whisky education, Spey Academy offers expert-led masterclasses across a diverse spectrum of distilled spirits including gin, cognac, rum, tequila, mezcal, and rakı, complemented by dedicated explorations into sherry, port wine, and the refined world of cigars. This multi-category expertise ensures a holistic, sophisticated learning journey designed for those who seek true mastery.
Why Study With Us?
Whether you are pursuing professional excellence or embarking on a personal journey of discovery, we provide the ultimate foundation for your spirits education. Step into our world of curated expertise and redefine how you experience every glass.
Official EWA Licensed Provider
Spey Academy operates with an official license from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy (EWA), approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). This ensures our curriculum delivers rigorously verified knowledge adhering to the highest international industry standards.
Kickstart Your Career
Whether you are a spirits professional looking to validate your expertise or a hospitality team aiming to elevate your service standards, our structured training programs provide the definitive global credentials and deep commercial insights needed to stand out in a competitive global industry.
Learn from Certified Experts
Our curriculum is developed and delivered by an industry professional holding advanced credentials, including the prestigious WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits and EWA certifications. You will gain insights rooted in deep technical expertise, unbiased brand analysis, and years of international market experience.
Explore Your Passion
Education is not just for professionals. If you are an enthusiast wanting to move beyond superficial tasting notes, our bespoke masterclasses offer a sophisticated yet welcoming environment to explore the rich history, science, production culture, and sensory nuances of your favorite spirits.
Baris Mercan | Founder
Baris holds a BSc in International Trade and an MSc in Business Administration from the University of Nottingham. Following a successful 10-year corporate career in sales and marketing, he transitioned his strategic expertise into the spirits industry, founding veviski.com, which has grown into one of the world's most prestigious whisky platforms.
As a highly regarded consultant and educator, Baris has led masterclasses, high-impact projects, and luxury experiences internationally for world-leading brands including The Macallan, Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Suntory, and Glenmorangie. His deep technical expertise is backed by top-tier credentials, including the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits (with Merit), the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (with Merit), and professional certifications from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy.
Based in London, Baris delivers premium consultancy, professional staff training, and bespoke educational projects for global brands and elite hospitality venues, while currently authoring his definitive book on whisky culture, scheduled for publication in late 2026.