Level 3 Award in Spirits

How does a raw ingredient become a spirit with depth, texture and personality? What determines true quality? The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits blends science, story and sensory skill, challenging you to analyse spirits at a professional level. 

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 will learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other. 
 
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 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?

Unit 1 

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 eleven 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 

  

Unit 2 

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

 

COURSE DELIVERY

Available in-person or online, the Level 3 Award in Spirits requires: 

  • 30 hours or guided learning with a WSET course provider 
  • 51 ½ hours of private study 
  • 2 ½ 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

"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. If you are looking to grow as a professional in this industry you have to have a solid foundation of knowledge to build upon. This course provides for that and so much more."

Steven Tomonari Yamada, Certified Spirits Educator, Stalwart of the New Orleans Bartending Community

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Entry requirements 

It is recommended 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 UK to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this is not a barrier to successfully completing Unit 1. 

 

Assessment 

The 2½ hour closed-book examination is made up of: 

Unit 1: a two-part theory examination 

  • Part 1 is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions 
  • Part 2 is made up of short answer questions 

 

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

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

 

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
  • 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 3 Award in Spirits course

MORE FROM WSET

Level 1 Award

Beer

Friday 30 October 2026 • Day Release • WSET School London, 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF
Course details

Level 1 Award

Wine

Thursday 3 September 2026 • Evenings • WSET School London, 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF
Course details

Level 2 Award

Sake

Monday 14 September 2026 • Consecutive • WSET School London, 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF
Course details