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.

For individuals 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 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 Spirits introduces you to the world of spirits through tasting, sight and smell. You’ll explore how raw materials and production techniques shape flavours and aromas, building confidence in describing and understanding spirits across styles and types. 

What's covered?

  • The basic principles of spirit production 
  • The main types and styles 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) 

 

COURSE DELIVERY

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

  • 6 hours of guided learning with a WSET course provider 
  • This is a fully guided course, meaning there are no private study requirements 
  • A 45-minute exam 

We also offer the course through WSET’s Online Classroom – our interactive e-learning platform where you complete the course at your own pace over four weeks, under the guidance of an expert educator. 

 

Available to study in these languages: 

  • English

“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 Sherry - Editor, The Spirits Business

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. 

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 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
  • Spirits 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
  • Spirits 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
  • Spirits 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
  • Spirits 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.

Book a Level 1 Award in Spirits course

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