WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

Want to become more confident in the world of spirits and liqueurs?

Develop your expertise in distilled beverages and gain knowledge and understanding of a broad range of spirits and liqueurs in a brand-neutral environment.

The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits covers the main categories of spirits and liqueurs, and examines the influences of production methods on the different styles available in each category. Throughout the course, you’ll develop analytical tasting skills while exploring the use of spirits in cocktails.

The knowledge gained on this course will be a significant advantage to anyone working with spirits in both the on- and off-trade, and the course is also perfect for spirits enthusiasts wanting to learn more about the product behind the brand.

The course will cover: 

• Spirits production methods and how they affect style and quality
• The characteristics of the main styles of spirits and liqueurs
• The major global spirits brands
• Tutored tastings of around 30 spirits and liqueurs (classroom courses only)
• How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)

Throughout the course you’ll become a more confident spirits taster under the guidance of our expert educators, learning how to use a globally-recognised approach to tasting to analyse the appearance, nose, palate and quality level of a range of styles.

By the end of the course you’ll be able to identify a how key raw ingredients and production methods influence the style and quality of the key spirits and liqueurs of the world. If you work with spirits, you’ll be able to confidently provide guidance on the use and service of spirits and make informed recommendations to customers when selecting spirits and liqueurs to meet their taste and price requirements.

Assessment

• The Level 2 Award in Spirits exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in one hour.
• Pass marks:
  • Pass: 55% – 69%
  • Pass with Merit: 70% – 84%
  • Pass with Distinction: 85% and above
• All students who pass the exam will receive a WSET digital certificate.
• This qualification is Ofqual regulated.
• You’ll receive your results approximately four weeks after the exam.

Do I need any prior knowledge?

• No prior knowledge is required and you don’t need to complete any other qualification to enrol. If you are completely new to the world of spirits, you may wish to study the Level 1 Award in Spirits first, but this is not essential.
• All our classes are delivered in English therefore a good level of English is beneficial.
• You must be at least 18 years old to enrol on any of our courses.

How should I prepare?

• This course requires you to undertake a recommended total of 11 hours of private study time. Those choosing the consecutive (intensive) study option are strongly recommended to complete most of the recommended private study hours before starting the course.
• The only necessary study material for this course is the Level 2 Award in Spirits study pack (you will get before the course starts).