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.

Due to high demand, funding applications for this course are now closed until January 2025. Please sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all our DEVELOP courses

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

FIND OUT MORE

 

WSET BURSARIES

WSET offers a bursary scheme which is designed to help potential students in the UK who would otherwise be unable to take a WSET qualification due to financial hardship. The Drinks Trust has been appointed to administer the WSET bursaries by offering free WSET courses through its Develop programme. 

ABOUT THE PROVIDER

WSET provides best-in-class education and qualifications to inspire and empower the world’s drinks professionals and enthusiasts. WSET qualifications are globally recognised as the international standard in wine, spirit and sake knowledge. They are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines, spirits and sake.

WSET, The Wine & Spirit Education Trust logo

BEFORE YOU START

Please read the criteria and ensure you have all the documents you need before you begin your application as once you start the form you will not be able to exit and come back to it. 

Please choose whether you’d like to attend an in-person class at WSET School London in Bermondsey Street – London SE1, or an online class, or choose a course with one of our regional WSET Approved Programme Providers before starting the application process.

REGIONAL PROVIDERS
Midlands
South East
South East
South West
South East
North West
South West
Scotland
South West
South East
Scotland
South East
Greater London
South West
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
  • Must be 18 or over
  • Must be resident of UK with NI number
  • Must have UK bank account
  • Must be able to provide up to 300 words about why this course will help their career
  • No prior work experience needed

As a guideline for approval, applicants must have either less than £2,000 in their current and savings bank accounts or earning less than £26,000 per annum. The assessment will be made on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration exceptions to the above guideline. If you're in doubt about being eligible, please submit the application and the Develop Team will assess your case.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED
  • Your National Insurance Number
  • Bank statements
  • 300 words about why this course will help their career
ENQUIRIES

For any enquiries related to any of the WSET courses offered by Develop please email WSETBursary@drinkstrust.org.uk

Due to high demand, funding applications for this course are now closed until January 2025. Please sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all our DEVELOP courses