Description

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits (ONLINE)

This entry level qualification provides basic product knowledge of styles, production methods and service of spirits.  The course will be based around a 4-week, 7 module online learning programme with educator support available for this time. The course material should take about 6 hours in total to complete, plus revision time.

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Lesson Dates
Exam Date
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06 Jan – 02 Feb 2025
TBA
19 Dec 2024
10 Mar – 06 Apr 2025
TBA
27 Feb 2025
12 May – 08 Jun 2025
TBA
01 May 2025
14 Jul – 10 Aug 2025
TBA
03 Jul 2025

Course Duration:4 weeks
Exam Duration:45 minute
Exam Type:30 multiple choice questions
Award:Certificate and Metal Lapel Pin
Cost:R4,900*

*Additional costs may be incurred to courier your certificate if required outside of South Africa. Contact us for details

Overview

The course will be based around a 4-week, 7 module online learning programme with educator support available for this time. The course modules should be followed in order, but students are free to complete the modules at their own pace during this 4-week window. The course material should take about 6 hours in total to complete, plus revision time.

The course prepares the student for the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits examination and are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each week includes a series of independent and/or group activities to help the students further understanding.

All study materials are included in the online course and will be available to you within the Online Classroom.

Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study.

Students are advised to taste a range of spirits during their studies. All the required spirits for the course can be found in the online Equipment List. Students can post their tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator. Additional tastings may be included by the APP at their discretion.

Students will require access to a computer (recommended) and/or HTML5 compatible mobile or tablet with the following minimum requirements: Internet Explorer 10, Firefox 25.0, Safari 6, Chrome 30.0 or other HTML5 compatible; web browser with Javascript and cookies** enabled; Adobe Reader XI or equivalent; Internet access (broadband recommended)

Please note:
Spirits are not included in the cost of this course and although it will greatly enhance your learning experience, it is not compulsory to taste any spirits.

Who it is aimed at:
Spirits consumers wanting to know more about spirits within an interactive, structured framework.
Candidates with their first job in hospitality or retail.

Topics Covered

Module 1: Spirits Production

  • List and state the purpose of the four key steps used in spirits production.

Module 2: Brandy & Vodka

  • State the raw materials used to produce brandy and vodka.
  • State the key flavour characteristics of these two spirits.
  • Identify the key production processes that can have a defining influence on the characteristics of brandy and vodka.
  • State the meaning of the key labelling terms for brandy. Identify the two types of still, state how they are used and the style of spirit they can produce.
  • An introduction to tasting spirits using language from the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT).
 

Module 3: Rum, Tequila and Whisk(e)y

  • State the raw materials used to produce Rum, Tequila, and Whisk(e)y.
  • State the key flavour characteristics of these three spirits.
  • Identify the key production processes that can have a defining influence on the characteristics of Rum, Tequila, and Whisk(e)y.
  • State the different styles of Rum and the labelling terms for Tequila and Whisk(e)y.
 

Module 4: Flavoured Spirits, Storage & Service of Spirits

  • Describe the different techniques to add flavour to spirits.
  • State the principal types of flavoured spirits.
  • Describe the correct procedures for the storage of spirits. Name the important ingredients used to make cocktails.
  • Identify the common equipment and glassware used in the service of spirits.
  • State the four factors to consider when making a balanced cocktail.
 

Module 5: Revision & Resources

  • Mock multiple-choice feedback examination which can be attempted as many times as the student likes.

Included with this course

  • All online tuition
  • Exam Fees
  • International courier costs (exams are marked in London)
  • Certificate with Metal Lapel Pin for all successful students
  • Domestic courier costs for your Certificate and Lapel Pin (Note: if you require these sent outside of South Africa there may be an additional charge required for international courier fees)

Please note: The course fee does not include spirit samples, but you will be given guidance on what styles to source and taste. However, being able to taste spirits throughout the course will naturally assist your studies, it is not compulsory to do so.

Exam

You have 45 minutes to complete the exam which comprises 30 multi-choice questions and a pass mark of 70%.

Below are the results you can attend and the marks required.

Pass:
70% and above
Fail:
69% and below

The course is designed to be fully online that includes computer-based testing via Remote Invigilation (RI) to take your exam. You will be monitored via webcam, screen sharing technology and a secondary recording device during your exam to ensure integrity with the qualification. A video explaining this in more detail can be found below

Further information on the operation of RI can also be found in the Candidate Information document.

Alternatively, the exam can be taken in person as opposed to online. Please contact us for further details.

WSET inform us of your results by email and as soon as we know we will inform you. A certificate and metal lapel pin for successful candidates will follow from London shortly afterwards.

If you are unsuccessful, you are able to retake the exam without having to retake the course if you do not wish to. Please contact us for potential dates and cost.