Who should attend?
The Level 3 – WSET® in Spirits is an advanced-level qualification for professionals and enthusiasts wishing to acquire a detailed understanding of the spirits of the world and develop the tasting skills required to accurately describe and evaluate a distilled spirit.
This qualification is intended to build on knowledge and skills gained from the Level 2 – WSET® in Spirits.
How will you benefit?
You will acquire a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations. Through a combination of tasting and the application of theoretical knowledge you will learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other.
Outline programme
Unit 1
- a detailed understanding of the techniques used in spirit production:
- processing of raw materials
- alcoholic fermentation
- distillation
- post-distillation practices
- factors affecting the style and quality of spirits studying elevel core spirit categories in detail:
- Scotch Whisky
- Bourbon
- Rye Whiskey
- Tennessee Whiskey
- Cognac
- Armagnac
- Caribbean Rum
- Tequila
- Mezcal
- Vodka
- Gin
- An overview of 23 additional spirit categories, focusing on:
- principal production methods
- key styles
- key labelling terms
Unit 2
- how to taste and describe spirits using the Level 3 – WSET® Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits®
To gain the Level 3 qualification candidates will be required to:
Successfully complete
Unit 1 – a two part theory examination
- a multiple choice paper of 50 questions
- short answer questions
Unit 2 – practical
- a blind tasting of two spirits samples
N.B. Instruction, course material and the examination in the English language
Included in the course price are: – The course material, the spirits samples, the Wine and Spirit Education Trust examination (recognised in over 80 countries in the World), the teaching, as well as access to our study support site during the course of study
Required prior knowledge: – Level 2 – WSET® in Spirits
N.B. if you are not sure, contact us, so that we can help you choose the course level according to your needs and objectives.
Guided learning hours: – It is recommended that a candidate should allocate a minimum of 60 hours for self-study to successfully complete the full programme.
Learning outcomes – at the end of this course, the candidate will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the key factors influencing the production of spirits and liqueurs and how these factors influence the characteristics of spirits and liqueurs
- display a thorough understanding of the world and local markets for spirits and liqueurs, and explain the importance of branding in the spirits and liqueurs market
- describe the characteristics of the principal international spirits and liqueurs
- produce tasting notes using the WSET® Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits
- use knowledge to make recommendations for the selection, service and use of spirits and liqueurs
- understand the social and health issues relating to spirits and liqueurs
Progression routes – on successful completion of the Level 3 – WSET® in Spirits, the candidate will be able to progress to:
Our Operations Management Courses:
- Advanced Wine Service Skills
- Beverage and Wine List Development
- Performance Analysis for Wine and Beverage Lists
- Manage Cellar and Beverage Operations