Welcome to our guide to the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 in Spirits. WSET Level 1 is a great place to start for anyone wanting a solid introduction to spirits. Whether you are a budding spirit expert, looking to get started in the industry, or just looking to learn some more about the spirits that you enjoy 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.
The introduction to spirits course gives you a solid introduction to the world of spirits. Over the duration of the course you’ll be introduced to the main types and be taken on a tour of the key spirit regions of the world.
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits – Syllabus
The WSET Level 1 in Spirits covers 3 main topics:
Production Processes and Stills
This learning outcome is designed to give you a core understanding of the different production processes and stills. It covers:
- The 4 main steps in production:
- Processing of the raw material
- Fermentation
- Distillation
- What happens after distillation
- The different types of still and their attributes:
- Pot still
- Column still
- How the different production processes affect:
- Color
- Sweetness
- Flavor
Principle Categories, Types and Styles
This learning outcome is the largest of the 3 and accounts for two thirds of the marks in the examination. It builds upon the first learning outcome, assessing the main production steps, still use and production processes involved in the main spirits from around the world. In this learning outcome you will cover:
- Brandy
- Vodka
- Whisky
- Scotch (including single malt vs blended)
- Burbon, Tennesse and Rye
- Other whiskies including those from Ireland, Japan and Canada
- Tequilla
- Caribbean Run
- Flavored Spirits
Storage and Service
In this learning outcome you will cover how to store spirits and the effects on the spirits if the storage is not correct. You’ll also take a look at important cocktail ingredients and how they are used, including an analysis on how to make a balanced cocktail depending on the drinker’s desires. Finally, the learning outcome also takes a look at equipment and glassware that you will come across. This includes the appropriate glassware for certain cocktails as well as the equipment such as a Jigger, Boston shaker and a Hawthorne strainer.
WSET Level 1 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 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 Spirits – 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, 5 will relate to production process and stills, 20 relate to the principal categories, types and styles of spirits, and the final 5 will cover the storage and service of spirits. 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 spirits tasting.
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits – Conclusion
The WSET Level 1 in Spirits is a great place to start if you are interested in spirits. It provides you a solid introduction to a number of factors, including exposure to key spirits from around the world. Whether you’re a weekend whiskey drinker, or a budding spirits professional, the level 1 exam will give you a solid grounding to help you going forward.