WSET Level 1 Award in Sake

Ever wondered how a handful of rice becomes something delicate, aromatic, and endlessly expressive? Want to taste the difference polishing makes? The Level 1 Award in Sake opens the door to sake’s surprising flavours, textures, and traditions, one sip at a time. 

For individuals new to the subject, this qualification offers a hands-on introduction to the world of sake. You’ll explore the main styles and types of sake through sight, smell and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas. Upon successful completion you’ll receive a WSET certificate. 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The WSET Level 1 Award in Sake introduces the essential principles of sake. You’ll develop the skills to observe and describe sake confidently, learning how brewing methods and ingredients influence flavour and style. You’ll get a solid foundation for further study or professional use. 

 

What's covered?

  • The basic principles of sake production 
  • The main types and styles of sake 
  • How to serve sake 
  • Factors affecting the flavour of sake 
  • How to describe sake using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake (SAT)  

COURSE DELIVERY

Qualifications are available in-person or online through our network of course providers. The Level 1 Award in Sake requires: 

  • 6 hours of guided learning with a WSET course provider 
  • An exam 

Our course providers offer the course in a variety of formats, for example over consecutive days, weeks, or evenings. It can also be studied through WSET’s Online Classroom, an interactive e-learning platform where you complete activities at your own pace over five weeks, under the guidance of an expert educator. 

Available to study in these languages:

  • English
    (English)

  • 繁體中文
    (Chinese Traditional)

  • Français
    (French)

  • Deutsch
    (German)

  • Italiano
    (Italian)

  • 日本語
    (Japanese)

  • 한국어
    (Korean)

  • Português
    (Portuguese)

  • Español
    (Spanish)

*Delivery will vary by course provider; however, this is the minimum requirement that should be met.

"This is one of the best ways to learn about sake. You’ll come out of the course with a great start to really understanding sake.”

Christine, Level 1 Award in Sake

COURSE INFORMATION

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this is not a barrier to successfully completing the qualification. 

Requirements may vary by course provider. 

 

Assessment

Your learning will be assessed by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. Exams will be available both online and in-person.

 

Course specification

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below:

 

When can you enrol?

Courses will be offered through an international network of approved course providers. 

To find your nearest course provider, head to our Where to Study page below.