What do all of these items have in common: A new official designation for American Single Malt Whiskey, updated regulations in the Jamaica Rum GI, and the newly created definition of Artisanal Cachaça?
Answer: You’ll find these topics included—as updates and expanded information—in the just-released 2025 version of the Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide and Workbook.
Click here to find the 2025 CSS Study Guide on Amazon. The cost is $59.
Click here to find the 2025 CSS Workbook on Amazon. The cost is $49.
CSS Exam Availability: CSS Exams based on the 2025 edition of the Study Guide will be available at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and via at-home, online proctoring beginning on January 2, 2025. (Exams based on the 2024 book will likewise remain available until December 30, 2026.) Click here for more information on the timing and availability of CSS exams.
CSS Online Prep Course: Our next instructor-led CSS Online Prep Course is scheduled to begin the week of February 2, 2025. The aim of the prep course is to get attendees “as prepared as humanly possible” for a successful sitting of the CSS Exam. Online prep courses are available, free-of-charge, to Professional members of SWE who have a valid CSS Exam attendance credit. Click here to learn more about our online prep classes.
Addendum: Click here for an addendum listing the substantive changes between the 2024 and 2025 versions of the CSS Study Guide: Addendum for the 2025 CSS Study Guide
Flashcards and Practice Quizzes: Our popular online flashcards and practice quizzes have also been updated for 2025 (while previous versions remain available as well). The cost for these products is $19 each. Click here for the digital flashcards and practice quizzes. Please note that this is a separate website from the SWE homepage and will require a separate login.
Click here for more information on the Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) program.
If you have any questions regarding these materials, please contact our Director of Education at jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org