An intermediate-level qualification exploring spirits and aromatised wines for those working in the industry or spirits enthusiasts. This qualification is intended for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of spirits or those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits.
You’ll learn about the fundamental production methods and principal raw materials, discovering how they are used to make the key spirit styles. You’ll also explore the key practices and principles of serving spirits and the use of spirits in cocktails. Upon achievement you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits course deepened my knowledge about spirits. It is a very interesting and informative course for all — bartenders, waiters, sommeliers, spirit industry workers or just… connoisseurs
Steven Ringwald, UK
What you'll learn
- How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits ® (SAT)
- The techniques used during the four stages of spirits production: processing the raw material, alcoholic fermentation; distillation; and post-distillation operations
- How techniques used during the four stages of production determine the style of a spirit
- How aromatised wines are made
- How a balanced cocktail is made and examples in four notable cocktail families (the spirit-forward, the short sour, the highball and the long sour)
Find out if this course is right for you. Take the Level 2 Award in Spirits quiz here.
- How local production traditions, coupled with local laws, are used to create different styles of spirits in the following categories:
- fruit spirits
- whisky/whiskey
- sugar cane spirits
- Tequila and Mezcal
- vodka
- flavoured spirits (spiced rum, flavoured vodka, gin, aniseed spirits, bitter spirits/amaro, cocktail bitters, liqueurs)
Course delivery
This qualification has a minimum requirement of 26 hours of study time, including 14 hours of classroom or online delivery time with a WSET course provider.*
Available to study in these languages:
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English
(English)
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繁體中文
(Chinese Traditional)
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Français
(French)
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Deutsch
(German)
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Português
(Portuguese)
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Español
(Spanish)
*Delivery will vary by course provider; however, this is the minimum requirement that should be met.
Assessment
Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions.
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual.
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this is not a barrier to successfully completing the qualification. Requirements may vary by course provider.
Course Information
For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below.
