WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

This hands-on course is an ideal starting point for those embarking on a career in spirits or hospitality, or enthusiasts wanting to get to grips with a range of key spirit styles.

Course information

This confidence-boosting spirits course for beginners is the perfect way to gain knowledge of the key styles of distilled beverage found around the world.

In a short space of time, you’ll find yourself feeling more confident navigating a drinks list, stocking up your bar, and serving spirits optimally. 

The course will cover:

  • The basic principles of spirit production
  • The main types and styles of spirits
  • Factors affecting the flavour of spirits
  • Tutored tastings of 10 spirits (classroom courses only)
  • How to serve spirits
  • How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)

By the end of the course you’ll be able to taste and describe spirits using a globally-recognised approach, identify important styles of spirits, and know the raw materials and production methods that define them.

The Level 1 Award in Spirits exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. To pass you must correctly answer 70% of the questions.

Successful students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. All exams must be sat in person at WSET School London (excluding students who are studying online).

This qualification is Ofqual regulated.

No prior spirits knowledge is required, just enthusiasm! 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. 

There is no need to prepare anything before starting the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits. However, anyone embarking on a WSET course should familiarise themselves with the qualification specification. This document will help you understand what to expect and what you will get out of the course.

Want to familiarise yourself with the spirits before the course starts? Check out this 10-sample tasting set, created by The Spirit Study with input from WSET educators (UK delivery only).

Study options

We have four study options available for this course at WSET School London.

  • Where: WSET School London
  • Duration: 9:00am-5.00pm on one day (includes exam)
  • Private study: Not required. There are recapping and revision exercises throughout the day
  • Samples: In-class spirit samples included*
  • Includes: Your workbook, 10 spirit samples, six hours of tuition, your examination, and exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card
  • Who: Those who want to complete the course as quickly as possible

*Want to familiarise yourself with the spirits before the course starts or refresh your knowledge after the course? Check out this 10-sample tasting set, created by The Spirit Study with input from WSET educators.

Browse day release courses

Course dates

 
Start date Study option Location Price Booking deadline Availability
Saturday 16 Nov 2024 Saturdays WSET School London £250 Wednesday 06 Nov 2024 10+ Book Now
Saturday 01 Feb 2025 Saturdays WSET School London £250 Wednesday 22 Jan 2025 10+ Book Now
It was such a brilliant experience! From my point of view it was great to taste so many products in an unbiased and marketing-free environment.

Kristiane Sherry, Editor – The Spirits Business