Description

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits underpins the skills needed in all areas of the spirit trade – customer service, hospitality, retail and wholesale. The course covers the history, production and style of spirits of the world: Cognac, Armagnac and other brandies; Scotch, Bourbon and whiskeys; white spirits, including vodka, rum, Tequila, gin; and liqueurs and other flavored spirits. Tasting is part of every session.

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Course Schedule to be Confirmed

Course Duration: 2 days
Exam Duration: 1 hour
Exam Type: 50 multiple choice questions
Award: Certificate and Metal Lapel Pin
Cost: TBC

Overview

Who is it aimed at
People employed in the spirits industry needing basic information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and liqueurs of the world, to provide guidance on brand selection and assist with tasting and evaluating of spirits and liqueurs using the Systematic Approach to Tasting.
People who are not employed in the drinks industry but who have a serious interest in spirits and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way.

Topics Covered

Introducing Spirits

  • Learn to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®
  • Discover how spirits are made and the influence of production methods on the style of spirit produced.
 

Fruit and Sugar Cane Spirits

  • Learn about the raw materials and production processes used to produce the principal types of fruit and sugar cane spirits.
  • Learn about the key characteristics and labelling terms used for these styles of spirits.
 

Whisk(e)y, Tequila and Mezcal

  • Learn about the raw materials and production processes used to produce the principal types of whiskies, tequila and mezcal.
  • Learn about the key characteristics and labelling terms used for these styles of spirits.
 

Vodka; Flavoured Spirits; Liqueurs and Aromatised Wines

  • Learn about the raw materials and production processes used to produce the principal types of vodka, flavoured spirits, liqueurs and aromatised wines.
  • Learn about the key labelling terms used for these styles of spirits.
 

Bar Essentials and Cocktails

  • Learn about the common equipment and glassware used in the service of spirits and cocktails.
  • Learn about the key ingredients and the factors to be considered when making a balanced cocktail.
  • Learn about the key cocktail families and know notable examples from each.

Included with this course

  • All tuition
  • All course materials including:
    • WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits Card
    • 117 page Level 2 Course Book
    • 79 page Level 2 Study Guide
    • Course Specifications Guide
  • Exam Fees
  • International Courier Costs (exams are marked in London)
  • Domestic courier costs for your course books
  • Certificate with Lapel Pin when you pass.
  • 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 when results are known for international courier fees)

Exam

You have one hour to complete the exam which comprises 50 multi-choice questions and a pass mark of 55%.

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

Pass with Distinction:
85% and above
Pass with Merit
Between 70% and 84%
Pass
Between 55% and 69%
Fail:
Between 45% and 54%
Fail unclassified:
44% and below

As with every WSET exam around the world, the exam papers are sent to WSET in London, UK to be marked to ensure global continuity with the results.

Results are normally known up to 3 weeks later, however with the current working restrictions in the UK due to Covid-19, results can take up to 6 weeks at present. WSET inform us by email and as soon as we know we will inform you by email. The 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. The cost to resit the exam is currently R1,600. Please contact us for potential dates.