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 beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of spirits or those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award 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

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)

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
South East
South West
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 have less than £2000 in your current and savings bank accounts. (We will need visibility of every account that you are named on)
  • Must be able to provide up to 300 words about why this course will help their career
  • No prior work experience needed
DOCUMENTS NEEDED
  • Your National Insurance Number
  • Bank statements
  • 300 words about why this course will help their career
ENQUIRIES

For 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