Welcome to our guide to the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 in Spirits. WSET Level 2 in Spirits is a great place to start for anyone wanting to expand their spirits knowledge. Whether you are a budding spirits expert or already working in the spirits industry the WSET Level 2 in spirits could be for you. In this guide we’ll help you to navigate the details of the qualification and decide if it is the right one for you.
The WSET Level 2 spirits course gives you a solid overview of the world of spirits. Over the duration of the course you’ll be cover a range of varieties and be taken on a tour of the key spirit making areas of the world.
If you are new to spirits it may be worth starting with the Level 1 Award in Spirits.
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits – Syllabus
The WSET Level 2 in Spirits covers 4 main topics:
Production Factors
In this learning outcome you will learn about the key stages of production and the various methods used. You’ll start by covering the key stages of production and then go on to look at the various raw materials used, the fermentation process and the distillation process. This will include a more detailed look at pot stills and column stills. Finally, you will cover the post distillation processes including maturation, blending and finishing.
Overall, this learning outcome will give you a solid framework with which to study the principal spirits and other drink in the second and third learning outcomes.
Principal spirits – Production Methods and Labelling
Perhaps the best module of the four, this learning outcome will guide your through the principal spirits of the world, their production methods, key characteristics and labelling. You will learn about:
- Fruit Spirits, including
- Cognac
- Calvados
- Armagnac
- Grappa
- Pisco
- Whiskey / Whisky, including a look at:
- Key USA Whiskies
- Key Scottish Whiskies
- Whiskies from Canada, Ireland and Japan
- Rum
- Vodka
- Tequila and other agave spirits
Flavored Spirits, Liqueurs and Aromatized Wines
The third learning outcome in the WSET Level 2 in Spirits course is predominantly focused on flavored spirits. It covers the common production processes and goes on to take a look at:
- Spiced rum
- Flavored vodka
- Gin
- Aniseed spirits
It then goes on to look at the production of bitters and the key styles involved as well as the production options for liqueurs. You will also look at the common production processes of aromatized wines, with Vermouth being the key style analyzed.
Spirits Service
The final learning outcome in the WSET Level 2 in Spirits covers the service of spirits. It is broken into four sections as follows:
Glassware and equipment
This section covers the different glassware that you should use depending on the type of drink being served. It also takes a look at equipment and their uses including Julep strainers, muddlers and bar blades. You’ll also cover the key components of a bar workstation include speed rails and drip mats.
Cocktail Ingredients
Covers the key components that are added to cocktails including juices, bitters and garnishes. These lessons will assist you with the balancing and cocktail and cocktail family sections later in the learning outcome.
Balancing a Cocktail
Balancing the four factors. Strong vs weak. Sour vs sweet.
Cocktail families
A look at the cocktail families such as Highball, sour and Collins along with the cocktails in the family. Every wanted to know how to make a Cuba Libre or a Tom Collins. Now you can…
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits – Teaching
You’ll need to register for the course with an approved WSET course provider. Depending on the teaching method that you choose this may involve two full day course or it could be broken up across multiple days or weeks. There is a minimum of 15 hours of classroom time and a recommended 11 additional hours of personal study time.
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits – Examination
The level 2 exam takes the form of a closed book, multiple choice exams. There are 50 questions in total and you will have 60 minutes to complete the exam. The 50 questions will be split across the learning outcomes as follows:
- 14 questions on the main factors in spirit production
- 23 questions on the principal types of spirits
- 7 questions on flavored spirits, liqueurs and aromatized wines
- 6 questions on spirits service
You’ll need a minimum score of 55% (28/50) in order to pass the examination. If you score between 70% and 84% you will earn a pass with merit. For marks of 85% of higher you will earn a pass with distinction.
Prerequisites for Entry
There are no prerequisites for registration onto the course. If you are new to spirits it may be worth considering starting with the WSET Level 1 in Spirits qualification.
Candidates who are below the local legal drinking age are allowed to take the examination, but will not be allowed to take part in the classroom spirit tasting.
WSET Level 2 in Spirits – Conclusion
The WSET Level 2 in Spirits is a qualification for spirits enthusiasts and those on the cutting edge of spirit service. It provides you a solid knowledge base and gives you exposure to a wide range of spirits from around the world. Whether you’re a spirit enthusiast or a budding spirits professional, the level 2 qualification could be right for you.