WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits

How does a raw ingredient become a spirit with depth, texture and complexity? What determines quality? The Level 3 Award in Spirits will equip you to answer these questions and give you industry-leading expertise in both production and evaluation. 

This qualification is intended to build on knowledge and skills gained from the Level 2 Award in Spirits. You’ll acquire a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations. Through a combination of tasting and the application of theoretical knowledge, you’ll learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other. 

 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits develops professional-level knowledge and tasting skills. You’ll understand how raw ingredients become spirits, explore the techniques behind production and learn to evaluate and describe a wide range of spirits accurately. You’ll gain the confidence to explain style, quality and differences with authority. 

What's covered?

 

A detailed understanding of the techniques used in spirit production: 

  • Processing of raw materials 

  • Alcoholic fermentation 

  • Distillation 

  • Post-distillation practices 

 

Factors affecting the style and quality of spirits, studying 11 core spirit categories in detail:

  • Scotch Whisky 

  • Bourbon 

  • Rye Whiskey 

  • Tennessee Whiskey 

  • Cognac 

  • Armagnac 

  • Caribbean rum 

  • Tequila 

  • Mezcal 

  • Vodka 

  • Gin 

 

An overview of 23 additional spirit categories, focusing on: 

  • Principal production methods 

  • Key styles 

  • Key labelling terms 

  

How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits (SAT) 

QUALIFICATION DELIVERY

Qualifications are available in-person or online through a network of WSET course providers. The Level 3 Award in Spirits requires: 

  • 30 hours of guided learning with a WSET course provider 
  • 51 ½ hours of private study 
  • 2 ½ hour closed-book exam 

WSET course providers will be able to 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

"Being a part of the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits course was a fantastic experience! Some of the best education that I’ve received in this industry taught by folks who are passionate about what they are teaching."

Steven, Level 3 Award in Spirits student

COURSE INFORMATION

Entry requirements

We recommend that you hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits or can demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course and exam to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this isn’t a barrier to successfully completing Unit 1.  

Requirements may vary by course provider. 

 

Assessment

The 2½ hour closed-book exam consists of: 

 

Unit 1: a two-part theory examination 

Part 1 -  50 multiple-choice questions 

Part 2 -  short answer questions 

 

Unit 2: a tasting exam of two spirit samples tasted blind 

You need to pass both parts of the theory exam (Unit 1), and the tasting exam (Unit 2), to achieve the qualification.

 

If you’re successful, you’ll receive a digital certificate and badge and will be able to use the associated certified logo. 

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.