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 will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. 

You can join us at our central London location for training in-person, or for online classes – whatever suits you. 

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

Available in-person or online, the Level 1 Award in Sake requires: 

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

We 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

“The Level 1 Award in Sake teaches you about how Sake is made, in a way that explains what you are tasting in the glass. 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 Parkinson, Group Head of Wine, Hakkasan

COURSE INFORMATION

Entry requirements 

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

 

Assessment 

Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions. This qualification is regulated by Ofqual. Exams will be available both online and in-person. 

You'll receive your results approximately four weeks after the exam. On successful completion of the examination you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated certified logo. 

WSET is 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 do discuss this with us. 

 

Course specification 

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

 

When can you enrol? 

To register your interest in booking a WSET beer course, please complete the below form. 

 

STUDY OPTIONS

Day release course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 09:00am-5:00pm on one day (includes exam)

Private study: Not required. There are recapping and revision exercises throughout the day

 

What's included?

  • Workbook
  • Sake samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

Evening course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 6:30-8:30pm once a week for three weeks (includes exam)

Private study: 11 hours. This format gives you the most time to pre-read and recap topics between classes

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Sake samples
  • 6 tasting glasses
  • 16 hours of tuition, with access to additional resources on WSET's Online Classroom
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

Designed for those who are unable to study in the daytime. 

Saturday course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 10:30am-2:00pm over two consecutive Saturdays (includes exam)

Private study: Not required, but this format gives you the flexibility to pre-read or recap topics between classes

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Sake samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

A popular option for those want to explore the local area or those who are unable to study on weekdays.

Enhanced online course - £210

Location: Online via WSET's Online Classroom, with an online exam*

Duration: 4 weeks self-guided study to be completed around your schedule

Private study: At least three hours a week

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Sake samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

Enhance features:

  • Revision videos
  • Flash cards
  • Exam tips

 

Technology requirements:

We recommend that you use a laptop or desktop device and have a reliable internet connection. To sit your exam online you will also need one additional smart device such as a smartphone or tablet

 

Suited for those who need a flexible study option, international students or those far aware from our classroom centres.

 

*More information on how online examinations work will be shared with you once you enrol. If you are a student in Mainland China or the UAE, it's not possible for you to take the exam online due to technological restrictions.