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Our Spirit Courses

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust is an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines and spirits. Established in 1969 for the UK wine trade, WSET has since grown to become the global industry leader.

Making Cocktails

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

A beginner level introduction to spirits for those starting a career in the industry or pursuing an interest in spirits.
For individuals new to the subject, this qualification offers a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits. You’ll explore the main styles and types of spirits through sight, smell, and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas. As well, you will learn how to mix and balance cocktails using different spirit bases. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.

What you'll learn

  • The basic principles of spirit production

  • The main types and styles of spirits

  • How to serve spirits

  • Factors affecting the flavour of spirits

  • Mixing cocktails 

  • How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)

Trendy Bar

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

An intermediate-level qualification exploring spirits and aromatised wines for those working in the industry or spirits enthusiasts. This qualification is intended for those wishing to learn more about a wide range of spirits or seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits.

You’ll learn about the fundamental production methods and principal raw materials, discovering how they are used to make the key spirit styles. You’ll also explore the key practices and principles of serving spirits and the use of spirits in cocktails. Upon achievement you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

 

​What you'll learn:

  • How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits ® (SAT)

  • The techniques used during the four stages of spirits production: processing the raw material, alcoholic fermentation; distillation; and post-distillation operations

  • How techniques used during the four stages of production determine the style of a spirit

  • How aromatised wines are made

  • How a balanced cocktail is made and examples in four notable cocktail families (the spirit-forward, the short sour, the highball and the long sour).

  • How local production traditions, coupled with local laws, are used to create different styles of spirits in the following categories:

  • fruit spirits

  • whisky/whiskey

  • sugar cane spirits

  • Tequila and Mezcal

  • vodka

  • flavoured spirits (spiced rum, flavoured vodka, gin, aniseed spirits, bitter spirits/amaro, cocktail bitters, liqueurs)

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