WSET podcasts

WSET has launched its first podcast Spirits Distilled.

Over the course of five episodes WSET’s spirits specialists, Liam Scandrett, Charlie McCarthy and Rob McCaughey will share their expertise about everything distilled.

From alcoholic fermentation to flavour additions, as well as tips and techniques to improve your tasting skills using WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting spirits – they will keep you informed and entertained!

Whether you’re new to the world of spirits or you’re hoping to build your knowledge, whether you’re working in the hospitality and service industry, or you’re a passionate enthusiast, Spirits Distilled is essential listening.

If you're keen to know more, WSET's spirits qualifications will equip you with the skills to look beyond the brand to understand the base material and production choices that define a spirit’s category, flavour and aroma profile.

Level 1 Award in Spirits Level 2 Award in Spirits Level 3 Award in Spirits

Spirits Distilled, a podcast from WSET

Episode 1: Tasting spirits (Part 1)

WSET's Charlie McCarthy, Business Development Manager – Spirits chats with Elayne Duff of "Duff on the Rocks" and Dawn Davies MW of Speciality Drinks, to discuss tasting spirits. Throughout the episode, they will discuss their careers in the drinks industry and how their experiences have shaped the way they assess and judge spirits.

We also will hear from Russell Burgess, Managing Director of Wet & Dry about his three "Desert Island Drinks", and Richard Paterson, Master Blender at Whyte & Mackay addressing his "Letter To My Younger Self".

Find episode 1 here

Episode 2: Beauty of the yeast

In this episode “Beauty of the yeast”, WSET's Liam Scandrett chats with Maggie Campbell and Shane McNamara about their careers in the drinks industry and what they have learned about fermentation.

In this instalment we also hear from a special guest: Dani Umoette tells us about his three "Desert island drinks", and shares his inspirational "Letter to my younger self".

Find episode 2 here

Episode 3: Maturation

In this episode “Maturation”, WSET's Charlie McCarthy chats with Ashok Chokalingam, Lora Hemy and Yuchen Zhong about their careers in the drinks industry and what they have learned about maturation.

In this instalment we also hear from a special guest: Billy Abbott tells us about his three "Desert island drinks", and shares his inspirational "Letter to my younger self".

Find episode 3 here

Episode 4: Adding flavour - Part 1

In this episode “Adding flavour - Part 1”, WSET's Liam Scandrett chats with Joe McGirr, Matt McGivern and Siobhan Freely about their careers in the drinks industry and what they have learned about Adding Flavour.

In this instalment we also hear from a special guest: Natsuki Kikuya tells us about her three "Desert Island Drinks", and shares her inspirational "Letter to My Younger Self".

Find episode 4 here

Episode 5: Adding flavour - Part 2

In this episode “Adding Flavour - Part 2”, WSET's Liam Scandrett chats with Flavour Architect Tom Gibson about his role and the specifics of flavour creation and chemistry.

In this instalment we also hear from two special guests: Hebe Richardson tells us about her three "Desert Island Drinks", and Joe Cabassa shares his inspirational "Letter to my younger self" in English and Spanish.

Find episode 5 here