WSET Level 2 Award in Sake

Curious why some sakes taste airy and floral while others feel deep and savoury? Wondering how brewing choices shape every drop? The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake uncovers the techniques, categories and craft behind sake’s most recognisable styles, building confidence with every taste. 

It’s intended for anyone wishing to learn about the different styles of sake and how they’re made, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake. 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Curious why some sakes taste airy and floral while others feel deep and savoury? Wondering how brewing choices shape every drop? The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake uncovers the techniques, categories and craft behind sake’s most recognisable styles, building confidence with every taste. 

It’s intended for anyone wishing to learn about the different styles of sake and how they’re made, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake. 

What's covered?

How to describe and assess the quality of sake using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake (SAT) 

 

The ingredients used to make sake 

  • Including the ingredients that brewers are required to use and the ones they can choose. We also cover the varieties of rice that are used to make sake. 

 

Processing the raw materials 

  • Including how steamed white rice and kōji (a type of fungus used for fermentation) are made and how different styles of sake require rice with different polishing ratios and different styles of kōji. 


 
How sake is made 

  • We explore the main techniques that are used from fermentation starter to filtration and packaging and how different choices are made when making the different styles of sake.


 
Common labelling terms

  • Including how some of the most important ones are written in Japanese Kanji characters. 

COURSE DELIVERY

Qualifications are available in-person or online through our network of course providers. The Level 2 Award in Sake requires: 

  • 14 hours or guided learning with a course provider 
  • 11 hours of private study 
  • A one-hour 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) 

  • 日本語
    (Japanese) 

 

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

"Level 2 takes you on a deeper adventure into the world of sake - a great course for those of you interested in sake, giving you a more comprehensive knowledge and tasting experience of a greater number of sake samples."

Ayuko, Level 2 Award in Sake student

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 50 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 60 minutes. Exams will be available both online and in-person. 

This qualification is graded: 

  • Pass: 55% - 69% 
  • Pass with Merit: 70% - 84% 
  • Pass with Distinction: 85% or more 

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.