WSET Spirits In-Person
Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of spirits or looking to develop professional-level expertise, our WSET Spirits courses provide a structured and internationally recognised pathway to spirits knowledge. From discovering the world's principal categories of spirits, understanding the fundamentals of production, tasting, and service in Level 1, to exploring how raw materials, fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending, and regional traditions influence the style and quality of the world's leading spirits in Level 2, each course combines expert tuition with extensive guided tastings and practical learning. Led by award-winning educators, these qualifications are designed for both passionate enthusiasts and hospitality professionals seeking confidence, credibility, and an internationally recognised certification.
WSET Spirits Level 1
Take your first step into the world of professional spirits education with the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits. This internationally recognised course introduces the main styles of spirits, production fundamentals and systematic tasting, providing the perfect foundation for beginners, hospitality professionals and passionate spirits enthusiasts.
Summary
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Spirits is an ideal starting point for anyone considering a professional career in the drinks industry, or for those with little or no prior experience in spirits.
It is an enjoyable, relaxed and interactive course completed in a single day, including the exam, making it easy to fit in with busy working schedules.
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits has full accreditation from Ofqual as part of the UK Government’s Qualifications & Credits Framework as a Level 1 Vocational Qualification.
Location: Podere Tovari
Duration: 9:00am – 5:00pm (one day, including the exam)
Private study: Not required – recap and revision exercises are built into the day
What Will I Learn?
During the course, you will cover:
- The basic principles of spirit production
- The main types and styles of spirits
- The factors that influence the flavour of spirits
- A guided tasting of a selection of spirits
- How to store and serve spirits correctly
- How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)
By the end of the course, you will be able to taste and describe spirits using a globally recognised method, recognise key styles of spirits, and understand the raw materials and production techniques that define them. You will also gain confidence in selecting and serving spirits in a professional or personal setting.
For more information, please view the WSET course specification.
What’s included?
- Six hours of expert guidance from our awarded Sommeliers and Educators (Winners of the 2025 Sommelier Edit UK “Excellence in Education Award”).
- Course workbook
- Refreshments throughout the course
- Lunch in exclusive venues with our seasoned Educators and former Sommeliers. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions outside the scope of the specifications.
- A guided tasting of a selection of 10 selected spirits
- 30 multiple-choice questions examination
- WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits digital certificate and WSET lapel pin for those who pass the course (collected by or posted to guests once all exams have been assessed by WSET)
Assessment
- Examination:
- The Level 1 Award in Spirits assessment consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, to be completed within 45 minutes. To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 70% or higher.
- Certification:
- Successful candidates will be issued with a secure digital certificate by WSET, which you will be able to print for framing, along with a lapel pin (a globally recognised mark of spirits knowledge).
- Results:
- This qualification is Ofqual regulated and results are issued approximately two working weeks after the exam.
For further details, please refer to the Exam & Results FAQs.
WSET Spirits Level 2
Build real confidence in spirits with the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits. Through guided tastings and structured learning, you will explore the world’s major spirit categories, production methods and flavour profiles while earning an internationally recognised qualification valued across the global drinks and hospitality industry.
Summary
When selecting one of the available dates, please ensure you are able to attend all three days of the programme. Full attendance is recommended to complete the course.
Our WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) courses give you the opportunity to achieve an internationally recognised qualification in spirits, all while learning in the stunning dedicated rooms of our trusted partners — an inspiring setting that elevates the entire experience.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is designed to build real confidence and understanding of the world’s most important spirits. You will begin by learning the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT) — the globally recognised method for analysing and describing spirits with clarity and precision.
From there, the course explores how raw materials, fermentation, distillation techniques, maturation and blending decisions influence the style and quality of spirits.
You will study the major categories of spirits in depth, including whisky, brandy, rum, tequila, vodka and gin, exploring how production methods and regional traditions create distinctive styles.
The programme blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice as attendants taste a wide selection of spirits from around the world throughout the course.
The course includes 18 hours of expert-led tuition, providing structured guidance and support, alongside 11 hours of recommended home study to consolidate and deepen your understanding at your own pace.
Assessment takes place at the end of the course in the form of a 60-minute multiple-choice examination, designed to evaluate your knowledge and reinforce your progression as a confident spirits enthusiast. Successful candidates receive an official digital certificate and the WSET lapel pin.
No prior experience is necessary to enrol. However, students who have completed the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits may find it beneficial preparation for achieving the strongest possible results.
Location: Podere Tovari
Duration: Three consecutive days from 9:00am – 5:00pm (one day, including the exam)
What Will I Learn?
- How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)
- How raw materials, fermentation, distillation, maturation and blending influence the style and quality of spirits
- How production techniques influence key styles of spirits including whisky, brandy, rum, tequila and mezcal, vodka, gin, flavoured spirits and liqueurs
- How regional traditions and production choices shape the character of spirits from around the world
- The key labelling terms used to indicate origin, production method and quality
- Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of spirits
For more information, please view the WSET course specification.
What’s included?
- Expert guidance from our awarded Sommeliers and Educators (Winners of the 2025 Sommelier Edit UK “Excellence in Education Award”).
- All spirits and tasting equipment
- Study pack: Students will receive the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits course study pack prior to the beginning of the course. The course study pack consists of the official course textbook, a study guide (including example questions and tasting note templates), the course specification document and a laminated tasting card.
- Refreshments throughout the course
- Lunch in exclusive venues with our seasoned Educators and former Sommeliers. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions outside the scope of the specifications.
- Approximately 30 spirits samples during the course
- 60-minute multiple choice examination
- WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits digital certificate and WSET lapel pin for those who pass the course (collected by or posted to guests once all exams have been assessed by WSET)
Assessment
- Examination:
- 60-minute multiple-choice exam designed to test your understanding of spirits production, styles and tasting techniques. The exam includes 50 multiple-choice questions, and a minimum of 55% is required to pass.
- Certification:
- Successful candidates will be issued with a secure digital certificate by WSET, which you will be able to print for framing and a lapel pin (a globally recognised mark of spirits knowledge).
- Results:
- This qualification is Ofqual regulated and results are issued approximately two working weeks after the exam.
For further details, please refer to the Exam & Results FAQs.
FAQ
Do I Need Any Prior Knowledge?
The entry requirements depend on the WSET level you choose:
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
No previous spirits knowledge or tasting experience is required. This course is designed for complete beginners and anyone looking to take their first structured step into the world of spirits.
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
No prior experience is required, though completing the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits can help you achieve the best results.
With 18 hours of expert-led tuition and 11 hours of recommended home study, you’ll be fully prepared to deepen your understanding of spirits production, styles and tasting.
Additional Requirements
- All classes are delivered in English, so a good level of spoken and written English is recommended.
- Participants must be at least 18 years old.
- We recommend reviewing the official course specification before attending to understand the syllabus and maximise your learning experience.
Who Are These Courses For?
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
Perfect for complete beginners, spirits enthusiasts and anyone starting a career in hospitality or beverage retail. It introduces the fundamentals of spirits production, styles, tasting, storage and service, providing an ideal foundation for further study.
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
Designed for enthusiastic spirits lovers and hospitality professionals who want to develop a broader understanding of production methods, major spirit categories and flavour profiles. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll learn how raw materials, distillation, maturation and regional traditions shape spirits from around the world.
This internationally recognised qualification is ideal for professionals working in the drinks industry as well as anyone wishing to study spirits through a structured programme and build a solid foundation for a career in the beverage sector.