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 is intended for anyone wishing to learn about the different styles of sake and how they are made, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake. 
 
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 2 Award in Sake focuses on how the ingredients used by brewers are processed and combined to create the many different styles of sake. It will also teach you how to describe and assess the quality of the sakes you taste. 

If you are a sake or hospitality professional, you’ll be able to offer valuable guidance on selection and service to your colleagues and customers. If you are a sake enthusiast, you’ll know exactly what to look for when choosing sakes for any occasion. 

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 

  • This includes 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 

  • We cover 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 all of the main techniques that are used from fermentation starter to dilution 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. 

 

COURSE DELIVERY

Available in-person or online, the Level 2 Award in Sake requires: 

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

“While WSET Sake Level 1 is an introductory course, 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. You will want to travel to Japan and visit sake breweries on your own!”

Ayuko Yamaguchi, WSET Sake Educator, Kyoto, Japan

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 

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 

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
  • Beer 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
  • Beer 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. A popular choice for beer enthusiasts and trade professionals with demanding daytime jobs.

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
  • Beer 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
  • Beer 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 2 Award in Sake course

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