WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

Ever asked why gin bursts with botanicals, rum warms with richness or vodka stays so clean? Curious how distillation shapes flavour? The WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits lets you explore spirits hands-on, discovering what really makes each style tick. 

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

 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits introduces you to the world of spirits through taste, sight and smell. You’ll explore how raw materials and production techniques shape flavours and aromas, building your confidence in describing and understanding spirits across styles and types. 

 

What's covered?

 

The basic principles of spirit production

 

The main categories of spirits

 

How to serve spirits

 

Factors affecting the flavour of spirits

 

How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT

QUALIFICATION DELIVERY

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

  • 6 hours of guided learning with a WSET course provider
  • A 45 minute closed-book exam 

Our course providers offer the course in a variety of formats, for example over consecutive days, weeks or evenings. You can also study through our 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) 

  • 한국어
    (Korean) 

  • Português
    (Portuguese) 

  • Español
    (Spanish) 

  • ภาษาไทย
    (Thai) 

  • Türkçe
    (Turkish) 

“It was such a brilliant experience! From my point of view, it was great to taste so many products in an unbiased and marketing-free environment.”

Kristiane Westray, Level 1 student

QUALIFICATION INFORMATION

Entry requirements

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

Requirements may vary by course provider. 

 

Assessment

Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions. This qualification is regulated by Ofqual. 

We’re committed to making our exams fair and accessible, and ensuring that no candidate is placed at a disadvantage. If you have any special requirements or need to request reasonable adjustments, please discuss this with your chosen course provider. 

 

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.