Applications for this course are now paused until more funding is released for these courses. Please check back again in May

This qualification is intended to build on knowledge and skills gained from the Level 2 Award in Spirits. You’ll acquire a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations. Through a combination of tasting and the application of theoretical knowledge you will learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other.

Unit 1

A detailed understanding of the techniques used in spirit production:

Processing of raw materials

Alcoholic fermentation

Distillation

Post-distillation practices

Factors affecting the style and quality of spirits, studying eleven core spirit categories in detail:

• Scotch Whisky
• Bourbon
• Rye Whiskey
• Tennessee Whiskey
• Cognac
• Armagnac
• Caribbean rum
• Tequila
• Mezcal
• Vodka
• Gin

An overview of 23 additional spirit categories, focusing on:

• Principal production methods
• Key styles
• Key labelling terms

Unit 2

How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 3 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.

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.

The Level 3 Award in Spirits is designed to build on a solid foundation of knowledge equivalent to that which is gained through Level 2 Award in Spirits (previously known as the Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits). For this reason, the course is primarily open to students who have studied for this qualification. If you do not hold the Level 2 qualification but believe you have the relevant knowledge, you can also gain entry through our Level 3 Award in Wines Online Entry Test.

All classes are delivered in English and the assessment requires your answers to be hand-written, therefore a good level of written and spoken English is very beneficial.