WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

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

Course information

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 40 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.

View the full qualification specification

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 certificate.

This qualification is Ofqual regulated.

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. 

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, which will be sent to you on booking or can be collected from WSET School London.

Study options

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

We recommend selecting the option that best suits your own schedule, factoring in both attendance and private-study requirements. If you are unsure which option will suit you best, please feel free to get in touch.

  • Where: WSET School London
  • Duration: 9:00am-5:30pm over two consecutive days (includes exam)
  • Private study: 11 hours. We recommend completing the majority of home study before the course begins
  • Samples: In-class spirit samples included
  • Includes: Your workbook, 30 spirit samples, six tasting glasses, 14 hours of tuition, access to WSET School London additional resources on WSET’s Online Classroom, your examination, and exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card
  • Who: Those who want to complete the course as quickly as possible

 

Browse intensive courses

Course dates

 
Start date Study option Location Price Booking deadline Availability
Monday 06 Jan 2025 Intensive WSET School London £540 Tuesday 17 Dec 2024 10+ Book Now
Monday 20 Jan 2025 Online Online (exam via Remote Invigilation) £440 Wednesday 08 Jan 2025 10+ Book Now
Wednesday 05 Feb 2025 Intensive WSET School London £540 Tuesday 21 Jan 2025 10+ Book Now
Wednesday 12 Mar 2025 Intensive WSET School London £540 Tuesday 25 Feb 2025 10+ Book Now
Monday 17 Mar 2025 Online Online (exam via Remote Invigilation) £440 Wednesday 05 Mar 2025 10+ Book Now
Friday 04 Apr 2025 Day Release WSET School London £540 Wednesday 26 Mar 2025 10+ Book Now
Wednesday 16 Apr 2025 Intensive WSET School London £540 Tuesday 01 Apr 2025 10+ Book Now
Tuesday 06 May 2025 Intensive WSET School London £540 Tuesday 01 Apr 2025 10+ Book Now
Monday 12 May 2025 Online Online (exam via Remote Invigilation) £440 Wednesday 30 Apr 2025 10+ Book Now
Monday 09 Jun 2025 Intensive WSET School London £540 Friday 23 May 2025 10+ Book Now
Monday 07 Jul 2025 Online Online (exam via Remote Invigilation) £440 Wednesday 25 Jun 2025 10+ Book Now
Monday 14 Jul 2025 Intensive WSET School London £540 Thursday 26 Jun 2025 10+ Book Now

It was great to have tutored tastings for so many different spirits; it has opened up a whole new world to me.

Level 2 Award in Spirits student