Level 3 Award in Spirits

The WSET Level 3 Award 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 spirit.
This qualification is intended to build on knowledge and skills gained from the Level 2 Award in Spirits. 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.
Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

What's Covered

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 eleven 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 WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits®(SAT)

Assessment

The 2½ hour closed-book examination is made up of:

• Unit 1: a two-part theory examination
  • Part 1 is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions
  • Part 2 is made up of short answer questions

• Unit 2: a tasting examination of two spirit samples tasted blind

What is the difference between our Online Zoom Course and the Online Self Study Course? 

Our Online Zoom Classes are hosted live via Zoom at certain times and we record each session in case you can’t make it. 

The Self Study Courses have a set start date with 12-month of full access to the online platform. However, there are no fixed times to log-on as there is no "live" delivery of content. Students will learn through a range of independent and/or group activities supported by videos and quizzes, designed to achieve the required learning outcomes to prepare for the examination.

Throughout the course, students will have access to a subject-specialist educator who’ll provide feedback on any assigned exercises and respond to course-related queries.