Welcome to our guide to the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 in Spirits. WSET Level 3 in Spirits is a great course wanting to take their spirit knowledge to the next level. Whether you are a budding spirit expert or already working in the drinks industry it is a great qualification. 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 cover a range of varieties and be taken on a tour of the key spirit making areas of the world.
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits – Syllabus
The course covers 4 main topics:
1. Principal Factors of Spirit Production
The first learning outcome of the WSET Level 3 in Spirits will give you a deep dive into:
- The processing of raw product
- Fermentation
- Distillation
- Post-Distillation factors
It will serve as the framework and core understanding which will form the basis of your analysis of key global spirits, both in theory and in your tasting examination.
2. Key characteristics, labeling terms and legal frameworks
The second learning outcome covers the key characteristics, labeling terms and legal frameworks that govern the main spirits globally. You will cover:
- Scotch Whisky
- Whiskey made in the USA
- Cognac
- Armagnac
- Caribbean rum
- Tequila
- Mezcal
- Vodka
- Gin
3. Other Global Spirits
In this section you will be exposed to an exciting and wide range of spirits from around the world. This includes whiskies from Ireland, the USA, Canada and Japan as well as taking a look at Asian spirits such as Soju. You’ll also cover a range of other fruit spirits such as Brandy, Pisco and Grappa. In addition, you’ll learn about a range of agave spirits, sugar cane spirits and aromatized wines.
4. Analytic Tasting of Spirits
The final component of the qualification covers the tasting component. This will help you to prepare for the tasting component of your exam. You’ll learn how to analyse spirits by using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits, which will server as your framework for answering the tasting questions in your final examination.
WSET Level 3 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 5 consecutive days or it could be broken up across multiple weeks. There is a minimum of 30 hours of classroom time and a recommended 51.5 additional hours of personal study time.
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits – Examination
The level 3 exam has 3 components:
30 minutes tasting exam. This exam is closed book and you will analyse two spirits.
A two hour, closed book, written exam comprising:
- A 50 multiple choice questions
- 10 short answer questions
You’ll need to pass all 3 components in order to pass the examination.
Prerequisites for Entry
There are no prerequisites for entry into the WSET Level 3 in Spirits course. However, if you are just start out it may be worth considering taking the Level 1 Award in Spirits or the Level 2 Award in Spirits qualification first.
Candidates who are below the local legal drinking age are allowed to take the examination written examination, but will not be allowed to take part in the classroom spirits tasting. They can receive a record of achievement for completing the written component but will not be allowed to receive the full WSET Level 3 in Spirits qualification.
WSET Level 3 in Spirits – Conclusion
The WSET Level 3 in Spirits is perfect for those incredibly interested in spirit and those at the cutting edge of drink service. It provides you a great 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 drinks professional, the qualification will give you a great base of spirits knowledge.