Welcome to our guide to the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 in Sake. WSET Level 1 is a great place to start for anyone wanting a solid introduction to sake. Whether you are a budding sake expert, looking to get started in the sake industry, or just looking to learn some more about sake it is a great place to start. In this guide we’ll help you to navigate the details of the qualification and decide if it is the right one for you.
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake – Syllabus
The WSET Level 1 in sake covers three main topics:
Ingredients and Production Steps
The first learning outcome in the WSET Level 1 in Sake will cover:
The key ingredients, including rise, koji, yeast and water. as well as the four main production steps:
- Rice preparation
- Koji Production
- Fermentation
- Filtration and bottling
Principal Categories, Grades and Specialities
The second learning outcome will cover:
- Principal categories and grade of sake
- Special styles of sake
- A look at controlled production steps including rice polishing, pasteurization and maturation
- Labeling terms
Storage and Service of Sake
The final learning outcome will coverage:
- Storage of sake
- Service of sake (including temeratures and the appropriate vessels)
- Identifying the common faults in a sake
- Considerations for sake and food pairings
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake – 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 one full day course or it could be broken up across multiple days or weeks. There is a minimum of 6 hours of classroom time.
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake – Examination
The level 1 exam takes the form of a closed book, multiple choice exams. There are 30 questions in total and you will have 45 minutes to complete the exam. Of the 30 questions 10 will relate to ingredients and production steps, 15 will relate to the principal categories and grade and the final 5 marks will relate to the storage and service of sake. You’ll need a minimum score of 70% (21/30) in order to pass the examination.
Prerequisites for Entry
There are no prerequisites for registration onto the course. 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 sake tasting.
WSET Level 1 in Sake – Conclusion
The WSET Level 1 in Sake is a great place to start if you are interested in sake . It provides you a solid introduction to a number of factors, including exposure to key sake from around the world. Whether you’re a weekend sake drinker, or a budding sake professional, the level 1 exam will give you a solid grounding to help you going forward.