A high-level course in spirits, covering a broad range of spirits from across the world and looking in detail at the production and maturation methods that define them.
Course information
This new advanced-level course has been developed in collaboration with the global spirits industry's keenest minds, and will develop to a high-level your ability to describe spirits accurately, and account in detail for the style, quality and price of spirits.
Successful students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
Unit 1
- A detailed understanding of the techniques used in spirit production:
- Processing of raw materials
- Alcoholic fermentation
- Distillation
- Post-distillation practices
- An overview of 23 additional spirit categories, focusing on:
- Principal production methods
- Key styles
- Key labelling terms
The 2½ hour closed-book examination is made up of:
- Unit 1: a two-part theory examination
- Part 1 is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions
- Part 2 is made up of short answer questions
- Unit 2: a tasting examination of two spirit samples tasted blind
This course is open to students who have passed the Level 2 Award in Spirits, or the Spirits of the World unit (Unit 4) of the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits. If you haven't passed either of these, but have obtained the relevant knowledge and experience, you are eligible to gain entry through successful completion of an online entry test.
All classes are delivered in English, and assessment involves the writing of short-form answers. Therefore, a strong grasp or written and spoken English is beneficial.
Study options
At WSET School London we deliver this course as an intensive classroom course taking place over 5 consecutive teaching days, followed by the examination on the 6th day.
This is a rewarding and demanding course - you are required to allot plenty of time for pre-study prior to your first day. We recommend minimum of 52 private study hours, in addition to classroom attendance, most of which will need to take place prior to the course start date. We recommend booking at least three weeks in advance.
This course is currently unavailable for online study.
Course dates
No courses could be found.
Anyone with a real passion for spirits and the desire to progress in the industry should get involved in this new qualification.
Ben Gibbins, Hospitality Consultant