Discover 3 levels of spirits qualif
Spirits bring together raw materials, tradition and innovation in endlessly fascinating ways. The WSET Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Awards in Spirits will give you the confidence to link the production choices made by distillers to what you taste in your glass.
Designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, our qualifications deepen understanding and help you speak about spirits with assurance.
Choose your location and filter ‘spirits’ to find a spirits course provider near you.
Our qualifications are designed for enthusiasts and hospitality professionals alike – anyone wanting to build credible spirits knowledge. Whether you’re starting out or advancing your career, our interactive, expert-led courses give you the confidence to taste, describe and discuss spirits professionally.
In our interactive, expert-led spirits courses, you’ll:
Learn key production methods for major spirit categories
Understand how raw materials and production choices affect style and quality
Taste and evaluate spirits using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
Discover principles of serving spirits and making balanced cocktails
WSET’s trademarked Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) is at the core of how we teach spirits tasting. This structured framework gives you a universal language to describe spirits and a clear method for assessing their quality.
Through the SAT, you’ll learn to evaluate a spirit’s appearance, aroma, taste and texture, exploring each element in detail before understanding how they combine as a whole. It’s a professional, step-by-step approach that builds confidence and expertise at every level.
Above: An example of our WSET Level 2 SAT for spirits tasting
The Level 1 Award in Spirits is ideal for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in spirits knowledge, whether you’re just starting out or expanding your understanding. Through interactive activities and guided tastings, students will explore:
The basic principles of spirit production
The main categories of spirits
How to serve spirits
How to taste and assess the quality of spirits with confidence using our Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
The Level 2 Award in Spirits is perfect for anyone eager to expand their knowledge of spirits, whether you’re a beginner or already have some spirits knowledge. It’s a longer, more in-depth course than Level 1 and covers the essentials in greater detail, including:
How raw materials and production choices determine style and quality
The principles used to create a balanced cocktail and the core cocktail families
Local production traditions and styles for key categories
How to taste and assess the quality of spirits with confidence using our Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
The Level 3 Award in Spirits develops advanced knowledge and professional tasting skills. Students will learn:
Detailed techniques used in spirit production from raw materials to post-distillation
How production choices influence style and quality
Characteristics of 11 core spirit categories and an overview of additional categories
How to taste and assess the quality of spirits with confidence using our Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
"The real achievement of this journey is the knowledge I’ve gained through the course of preparation. It feels immense.I started as a mere enthusiast, but now am here in a new dimension. Coming from a finance background and just starting to explore opportunities in the spirits industry, this has been a very meaningful learning experience and transition for me."
Our qualifications are taught by expert educators who undergo rigorous training, ensuring a consistent, high-quality learning experience no matter where you study. Through engaging sessions and tutored spirits tastings, our approach is unmatched in its depth and expertise, whether you’re learning in-person or online.
WSET spirits qualifications are developed independently of any drinks brand or producer, giving you comprehensive knowledge across every major spirits category, from whisky and brandy to agave, rum, gin and beyond. WSET equips you with objective knowledge and analytical skills that apply across the industry. Available through our global network of Approved Programme Providers and delivered in multiple languages, WSET spirits qualifications are among the most widely accessible independent spirits credentials available
We uphold the highest integrity in our exams and learning materials. Regularly updated and refined, our courses deliver the most relevant, effective, and engaging education available, ensuring students absorb and apply their knowledge with confidence.
Perfect for professionals in all areas of the drinks industry as well as enthusiasts eager to deepen their spirits knowledge. Our courses cover key topics to build product knowledge, confidence, and tasting skills.
