Advance Your Hospitality Career: The Certified Tequila Masterclass

Join the Doc Agave Masterclass and Elevate Your Knowledge of Agave Spirits

Why Get Certified?

The tequila industry is flooded with marketing gimmicks, celebrity endorsements, and additive-laden products disguised as “premium.” This certification cuts through the noise and gives you the tools to identify, evaluate, and recommend truly authentic agave spirits.

For Bartenders: Increase your tips and guest loyalty by confidently recommending additive-free, craft tequilas. When you can explain terroir, production methods, and flavor profiles with authority, guests trust your recommendations—and they order more.
For Managers & Buyers: Build a high-margin agave program that differentiates your bar or restaurant. Learn how to source family-owned distilleries, avoid overpriced celebrity brands, and create a tequila menu that tells a story your competitors can’t match.
For Enthusiasts: Stop wasting money on overhyped bottles. This course teaches you to spot additives, evaluate production transparency, and identify brands that deliver authentic flavor and craftsmanship—not just slick marketing.

What You’ll Learn: Comprehensive Curriculum

This self-paced online certification takes you deep into the world of agave spirits—from the fields of Jalisco to the science behind every sip. You’ll learn how to evaluate tequila and mezcal like a professional, spot production shortcuts, and confidently recommend authentic brands.

The Chemistry of Agave: Understand how Highland vs. Valley terroir impacts flavor, sugar content, and aging potential. Learn why some tequilas taste floral and sweet while others are earthy and mineral-forward.
Production Transparency: Master the art of reading NOM numbers, identifying diffuser-made spirits, and recognizing the red flags of industrial production. You’ll know which brands cut corners and which ones honor traditional methods.
Sensory Analysis & Tasting Protocol: Follow a structured tasting methodology to identify additives like glycerin, caramel coloring, and vanilla flavoring. You’ll train your palate to distinguish authentic agave character from artificial enhancements.
Brand Evaluation & Sourcing: Learn how to research distilleries, verify additive-free claims, and build relationships with importers and producers who prioritize quality over profit.

Who This Certification Is For

Whether you’re a hospitality professional looking to advance your career or a spirits enthusiast committed to drinking better, this course is designed for anyone who wants to move beyond marketing hype and understand agave spirits at a deeper level.

Bartenders & Mixologists: Build your reputation as a tequila expert and command higher earnings through confident recommendations and guest education.
Restaurant & Bar Managers: Differentiate your venue with a curated, high-margin agave program that tells a story and drives repeat business.
Sommeliers & Beverage Directors: Expand your expertise into the fastest-growing spirits category and offer your guests a complete luxury beverage experience.
Spirits Enthusiasts: Stop relying on marketing and start making informed purchasing decisions based on production quality, terroir, and authenticity.
Industry Professionals: Distributors, brand reps, and consultants who need credible, in-depth knowledge to educate clients and build trust.

Why Learn From DOC Agave?

This isn’t a generic online course created by marketers. The Doc Agave Tequila Masterclass is taught by Chef Marcus Guiliano, a hospitality veteran with over 30 years of experience and a relentless commitment to transparency and quality.

Real-World Expertise: Marcus has visited over 350 wineries and dozens of tequila and mezcal distilleries across Mexico. He’s built relationships with master distillers, family producers, and industry insiders—and he brings that firsthand knowledge to every lesson.
No-Nonsense Approach: Marcus doesn’t sell hype. He teaches you how to cut through marketing spin, spot industry tricks, and make decisions based on production transparency and flavor integrity.
Proven Track Record: As the founder of Aroma Thyme Bistro—one of the Hudson Valley’s most awarded restaurants—and creator of Doc Agave, Marcus has built his career on authenticity, ethics, and doing the right thing even when it’s harder.
Industry Recognition: Featured in The New York Times, NBC, CNN, and Forbes, Marcus is a trusted voice in hospitality, sustainable sourcing, and spirits education.

Course Format & Access

The Doc Agave Tequila Masterclass is designed for busy hospitality professionals and enthusiasts who want to learn at their own pace, on their own schedule.

100% Online & Self-Paced: Access the course anytime, anywhere. Learn on your phone, tablet, or desktop—no live sessions or rigid schedules.
Video Lessons & Interactive Content: Engaging video modules, guided tastings, and real-world examples that bring the content to life.
Lifetime Access: Once you enroll, you have unlimited access to all course materials, updates, and future content additions.
Certificate Upon Completion: Earn your Doc Agave Tequila Certification to showcase your expertise and credibility to employers, guests, and clients.

What Your Certification Includes

When you complete the Doc Agave Tequila Masterclass, you’ll receive an official certification that demonstrates your expertise in agave spirits evaluation, production transparency, and authentic brand curation.

Official Doc Agave Certificate: A digital certificate you can share on LinkedIn, resumes, and professional portfolios.
Industry Credibility: Show employers, guests, and clients that you’ve trained with a recognized authority in agave spirits education.
Career Advancement: Stand out in job applications, promotions, and professional opportunities by demonstrating specialized knowledge in one of the fastest-growing spirits categories.
Ongoing Support: Join a community of certified professionals and gain access to exclusive updates, industry insights, and continued education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior spirits knowledge to enroll?
No. This course is designed for beginners and professionals alike. We start with the fundamentals and build from there.

How long does it take to complete the course?
Most students complete the course in 3-5 hours, but you can move at your own pace and revisit lessons anytime.

Will I receive a physical certificate?
You’ll receive a digital certificate that you can print, share on social media, or add to your professional profiles.

Is this certification recognized in the industry?
While this isn’t a government-regulated certification, it’s created by Chef Marcus Guiliano—a respected authority in hospitality and spirits education—and demonstrates your commitment to authentic agave expertise.

Can I access the course on my phone?
Yes. The course is fully mobile-friendly and accessible on any device.