Distance Learning Level 3 – WSET® Award in Spirits – Intro. course 21.10.2026 – examination on the 21.01.2027 – Bern – registration deadline 20.09.2026

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’ll 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®

N.B. Please be advised that we would strongly suggest that you complete the registration process by the end of the 15th of December 2024 as you are expected to not only know the textbook prior to the first day of class, but you will also need to complete the online module: Preparation for the Level 3 – WSET® Award in Spirits 

Financial assistance:

For those of you who are employed by, or are responsible for a restaurant, hotel, bar or nicht club in any of the following Cantons, there is a possibility of being subsidised for the course fee.

The Cantons we currently have an agreement with are:

• • Fribourg

• • Geneva – it is possible to apply for « a grant or a loan » from the Canton

• • Jura

• • Neuchâtel

• • Valais – ritzy further and continuing education

For managers and employees of a restaurant, bar, hotel or nightclub (subject to the L-GAV / CCNT) in a Canton that does not offer a subsidy for continuing education, we offer a 10% discount on the price of the course at our main premises and also in the Canton of Ticino. Please contact us to find out more.

For the Cantons with which we have an agreement, contact us and we will assist you in the process. We look forward to welcoming you to the next course.

Course and examination location:

HSO Wirtschafts- & Informatikschule

Länggassstrasse 35

CH-3012 Bern

14 minutes walk from Berne main train station, or 2 minutes by bus. Entrance beside the CooP.