BISON BOURBON AND SPIRITS TRAINING COMPANY
Mastering Spirits, Guiding Choices
The Bison Bourbon and Spirits training Company is a hands-on spirits educational program designed for whiskey novices, spirits enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and distillery professionals. The workshop blends science, history, a tour and tasting in an immersive and fun program.
The Company Story
Having attended numerous whiskey and spirits education programs (see below), Mike quickly recognized a frustrating gap between the high cost—often $750 a day or more—and the value delivered. These programs are frequently financially and geographically out of reach for many, whether they're seeking personal enrichment, career advancement, or a deeper appreciation of spirits.
He also discovered how challenging it is to find new and interesting whiskey and spirits at retail outlets. Most employees lacked training to offer meaningful guidance, and existing resources—ratings, medals, blogs, reviews, and YouTube videos, etc.— were often biased, based on paid performance or personal taste and just not helpful.
That’s why Mike founded The Bison Bourbon and Spirits Training Company: to bridge this divide by offering accessible, down-to-earth spirits education at a fair price for those with the desire to learn.
At The Bison Bourbon and Spirits Training Company, we’re passionate about sharing our love of whiskey and spirits with enthusiasts, beginners, retail employees, and professionals alike. Led by a seasoned instructor with deep industry experience and a genuine desire to help, our workshops focus on whiskey and spirits production, tasting, and appreciation—with a healthy dose of fun and discovery along the way.
Mike brings over 45 years of real-world experience—as a salesman, instructor, police officer, farmer, and father—to everything he does. His sharp sense of humor, shaped by a lifetime of travel, encounters, and parenting makes learning with him as entertaining as it is insightful. His current home is shared by his two Border Collies, Jax and Rip, who are always up to no good. Once he gets rolling, it’s nearly impossible not to laugh, have a great time, and walk away with a nugget of wisdom or two.
About the Founder & Director , Michael (Mike) A. Foti, CLS, MBA, CSJ
Founder & Director, Bison Bourbon & Spirits Training Company
Mike brings decades of experience and a deep passion for whiskey education to the Bison Bourbon & Spirits Training Company. With an extensive background in distillation, blending, maturation, and sensory evaluation, Mike pairs hands-on expertise with formal instruction to deliver immersive, engaging learning experiences.
He holds prestigious certifications from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, the Stave & Thief Society, and the Council of Whiskey Masters. His credentials include Certified Spirits Judge, Executive Bourbon Steward, and Whisky Ambassador. Mike has trained at the Highland Whisky Academy (UK), Moonshine University (Louisville, KY), the Springbank Distillery Training Company (Campbeltown, UK), and the Speyside Whisky Training Company (UK), and he continues to expand his expertise through the Society of Wine Educators.
Mike’s industry roles include Tour Director and Tasting Specialist at Buffalo Distilling Company and Ambassador at Hartman’s Distilling Co. With 40+ years in pharmaceutical marketing, a BS in Medical Technology & Biology, and an MBA in Marketing from SUNY Buffalo, he seamlessly integrates science, branding, and pedagogy into each program. He is also a certified adult instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience.
As the Founder and Owner of the Bison Bourbon & Spirits Training Company, Mike combines his deep industry knowledge with a passion for teaching, helping enthusiasts and professionals refine their understanding of whiskey, gin, and spirits through immersive, hands-on learning.
Mike is a highly credentialed whiskey and spirits expert with decades of experience spanning education, production, and sensory evaluation. He holds certifications from prestigious institutions, including the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, the Highland Whisky Academy, the Council of Whiskey Masters, Edinburgh Whisky Academy, and Stave & Thief Society, earning distinguished recognition as a Certified Spirits Judge, Executive Bourbon Steward, and Whisky Ambassador, to name just a few of his credentials. His expertise extends to distillation, blending, fermentation, and cask maturation, with specialized training from Moonshine University, Louisville, Springbank Distillery Training Company, Campbelltown, UK, and the Spirit of Speyside Board, Dufftown, UK and is currently studying for credentials with the Society of Wine Educators.
Mike's industry experience includes working as the Distillery Ambassador, Tour Director, and Tasting Specialist at Buffalo Distilling Company and served as a Tour Guide & Tasting Specialist at Hartman's Distilling Co. His background in clinical laboratory science and chemistry, coupled with an MBA in marketing and 40 years in the pharmaceutical industry, enables him to bridge the science, business, and artistry of whiskey production while crafting engaging educational experiences.
The workshop size is limited to 20 individuals so register now.
Bison Bourbon and Spirits Training Company – Terms & Conditions
Registration – Registration closes five (5) business days before the scheduled class date unless prior arrangements have been made.
Deposit & Payment Plan: A non-refundable $100 down payment is required at registration.
Payments – Full Payment: Full tuition must be paid at least 15 business days before the course start date.
Refund Policy – Cancellations made 30 calendar days or more prior to the course date will receive a refund of any amount paid less the $100 down payment– No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 15 business days of the course. The total amount paid can be used to attend the program at a future date.
Course Cancellation Policy - All funds paid to the Training Company will be refunded in the unlikely event of a course cancellation or may be applied to a future course at the payees descretion.
Age Restriction – Participation is limited to individuals of legal drinking age in their respective jurisdiction. – Bison Bourbon and Spirits Training Company does not knowingly collect or solicit information from individuals under this age.
Non-sharing of Contact Information Policy - The Training Company will not share any contact information provided as part of the registration process.
What’s Included – Tuition covers course materials, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and any included distillery tour or tasting activities. (Note: We do not provide transportation or lodging).
Drink responsibly. At Bison Bourbon and Spirits Training Company, we’re here to educate, not overindulge. We believe enjoying spirits is about discovery, not excess. Please savor thoughtfully, know your limits, and never drink and drive. Let’s raise our glasses to good taste, good judgment and Uber!
Special Dietary Needs must be communicated by email at or before final payment and we will do our best to accommodate our students.
Course Offerings
I. Whiskey Workshop - A one-day immersive course taking you through the journey of bourbon production—from grain to glass. Explore the art of appreciation, blending, and flavor mapping, culminating in an exclusive distillery tour. And, of course, enjoy a few well-selected tastings along the way! Perfect for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this workshop helps you discover your next favorite bottle and deepen your whiskey knowledge.
II. Employee and Custom Workshops - Tailored spirits education designed to fit your team or parties needs. Whether you’re interested in whiskey, gin, rum, or any other spirits, we craft custom programs with flexible durations and locations to suit your goals. Work directly with Mike Foti, to design a one-of-a-kind experience blending expertise with enjoyment. Ideal for corporate events, employee training, or team-building events. Mike's contact information is below.
III. Custom and Employee Workshop
I. Whiskey Workshop - A one-day immersive course taking you through the journey of bourbon production—from grain to glass. Explore the art of appreciation, blending, and flavor mapping, culminating in an exclusive distillery tour. And, of course, enjoy a few well-selected tastings along the way! Perfect for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this workshop helps you discover your next favorite bottle and deepen your whiskey knowledge.
II. Employee and Custom Workshops - Tailored spirits education designed to fit your team or parties needs. Whether you’re interested in whiskey, gin, rum, or any other spirits, we craft custom programs with flexible durations and locations to suit your goals. Work directly with Mike Foti, to design a one-of-a-kind experience blending expertise with enjoyment. Ideal for corporate events, employee training, or team-building events. Mike's contact information is below.
