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WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

An intermediate level qualification for anyone looking to develop their expertise in spirits. You’ll discover how raw materials and production choices come together to create the wide range of spirit styles available today. You’ll also explore the core cocktail families and the principles involved in creating balanced cocktails. Upon completion you’ll gain a globally recognised qualification and the skills to select, taste and describe spirits with confidence.

What you’ll learn: 

  • How production methods affect the characteristics of spirits 
  • The characteristics of the principal international categories of spirits, from brandy to gin 
  • The principles used to create a balanced cocktail and the core cocktail families 
  • How to describe and assess spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits®


Course delivery

This qualification has a minimum requirement of 26 hours of study. This includes 14 hours of guided learning with a WSET course provider (online or in person), 11 hours of private study, and a one-hour exam.

Assessment

Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple choice questions. 

COURSE REGISTRATION

All course registrations will close 8 days prior to the date of commencement of the course. Late registrations unfortunately can not be accepted.


Upcoming WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

    • 25 Nov 2024
    • 29 Dec 2024
    • Online Study
    Registration is closed

    WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

    02SP2504APPwith added Australian Distillers bonuses.

    The Australian Distillers Association is working with WSET APP 3033 to provide these courses.

    Qualification aims

    The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is intended to provide a comprehensive level of spirit product knowledge from raw materials to production methods and tasting by the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. Develop Product Knowledge and Tasting skills required to underpin job skills and competencies in spirit production, bar service, retail, wholesaling businesses.

    Successful candidates will be able to give information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and aromatised wines as well as their methods of production.

    They will confidently provide guidance on the use and service of spirits and make informed recommendations to customers when selecting spirits and liqueurs to meet their taste and price requirements.

    Qualification structure

    Learning Outcomes

    In order to meet the qualification aims there are four Learning Outcomes.

    1. Learning Outcome 1: Understand the main production factors that affect a spirit's style.
    2. Learning Outcome 2: Understand how the principal types of spirits are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
    3. Learning Outcome 3: Understand how the principal types of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
    4. Learning Outcome 4: Know the principles used to create a balanced cocktail and name some core cocktail families.

    Course outline

    The course is based around a five-week, six-module online programme with a recommendation of six hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. The course modules should be followed in sequential order during this five-week window. Regular access and participation in the online activities is essential for this mode of study.

    The course prepares the student for our qualification and they are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each module includes a series of independent activities to help students understand the key styles of spirits and how they are made.

    Students should be advised to taste a range of spirits during their studies.

    A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the Specification. Students can post their tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator.

    Additional live tastings tutorials offered by Certified WSET Spirits Educators and Industry Specialists are included by WSET and the ADA.

    Course REGISTRATION

    All course registrations will close 8 days prior to the date of commencement of the course. Late registrations unfortunately can not be accepted.

    EXAMS

    Exam dates on offer include : 5th Jan '25. You will be contacted once the course has started to select your preferred dates.

    Entry requirements

    There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits except must be legal drinking age in Australia.

    Total Qualification Time (TQT) and Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

    TQT is an estimate of the total amount of time, measured in hours, that a learner would reasonably need to be able to show the level of achievement necessary for the award of a qualification. It is made up of GLH and private study time. GLH include all tutor-supervised learning and supervised assessments.

    The TQT for the Level 2 Award in Spirits is 26 hours. This is made up of 15 GLH (of which 1 hour is for the examination) and 11 hours of private study.

    Recommended progression routes

    The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits, or an equivalent level of knowledge, is recommended for entry to the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits.

    SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT

    Cost:

    $820 +GST - Australian Distillers Members
    (Please note you must be logged in to receive the Australian Distillers member fee).

    $1025 +GST - Non-Members

    For all VIC Distillers that qualify, the course cost will be taken from your 'Upskilling Distillers fund'. Please select the relevant ticket price.

    ADDED AUSTRALIAN DISTILLERS ASSOCIATION BONUS VALUE

    By booking your course through the Australian Distillers and WSET, you will have access to a number of additional resources to help you with your studies.

    • Live Course Induction on Course Start Date
    • 2 x live tasting sessions in Week 2 & Week 4 with WSET Spirits Specialists(UK) and WSET Certified Spirits Educators (Australia)
    • Availability of Spirits Samples Packs through Sweet & Chilli – with the choice of two pack sizes. Details will be provided in your confirmation pack. (additional costs apply).

    Our very own Spirits Victoria Association secretary Geoff Rowles recently completed the Level 2 in Spirits course and caught up with Sarah Andrew from WSET to talk about what students can expect from the coarse in a short 15 minute interview. You can see this below.

    Event Waiver and Terms & Conditions:

    These courses are delivered by a third party and you must adhere to their terms and conditions. You will be required to purchase, as additional cost, samples for tasting. (details of which will be sent in your confirmation email).

      All participants agree to release ADA from any cost, loss, damage, claim, expense or other liability whatsoever they might suffer or incur as a result of relying on the Course Materials, or otherwise arising out of or in relation to or in connection with the matters acknowledged above.

      By registering for this course you agree to the above waiver and to the Australian Distillers event terms and conditions, particularly in relation to any cancellations.

      WSET Terms & Conditions:
      By registering for this course you also agree to the WSET terms and conditions.

      • 20 Jan 2025
      • 23 Feb 2025
      • Online Study
      Register

      WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

      02SP2504APPwith added Australian Distillers bonuses.

      The Australian Distillers Association is working with WSET APP 3033 to provide these courses.

      Qualification aims

      The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is intended to provide a comprehensive level of spirit product knowledge from raw materials to production methods and tasting by the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. Develop Product Knowledge and Tasting skills required to underpin job skills and competencies in spirit production, bar service, retail, wholesaling businesses.

      Successful candidates will be able to give information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and aromatised wines as well as their methods of production.

      They will confidently provide guidance on the use and service of spirits and make informed recommendations to customers when selecting spirits and liqueurs to meet their taste and price requirements.

      Join students from around the world to learn about the various distillation techniques used by worldwide spirit categories, cover a broad range of spirits and develop a systematic process to taste and evaluate the quality of the spirit.

      The course takes five weeks, is conducted via an online learning platform and the local WSET team are facilitating zoom meeting exclusively for the Australian participants to learn some tasting and assessment tips from international experts. Students complete the course with an online exam and walk away with enhanced skills they can apply to their work from day one!

      Our very own Spirits Victoria Association secretary Geoff Rowles recently completed the Level 2 in Spirits course and caught up with Sarah Andrew from WSET to talk about what students can expect from the coarse in a short 15 minute interview. You can see this below.

      Qualification structure

      Learning Outcomes

      In order to meet the qualification aims there are four Learning Outcomes.

      1. Learning Outcome 1: Understand the main production factors that affect a spirit's style.
      2. Learning Outcome 2: Understand how the principal types of spirits are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
      3. Learning Outcome 3: Understand how the principal types of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
      4. Learning Outcome 4: Know the principles used to create a balanced cocktail and name some core cocktail families.

      Course outline

      The course is based around a five-week, six-module online programme with a recommendation of six hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. The course modules should be followed in sequential order during this five-week window. Regular access and participation in the online activities is essential for this mode of study.

      The course prepares the student for our qualification and they are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each module includes a series of independent activities to help students understand the key styles of spirits and how they are made.

      Students should be advised to taste a range of spirits during their studies.

      A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the Specification. Students can post their tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator.

      Additional live tastings tutorials offered by Certified WSET Spirits Educators and Industry Specialists are included by WSET and the ADA.

      Course REGISTRATION

      All course registrations will close 8 days prior to the date of commencement of the course. Late registrations unfortunately can not be accepted.

      EXAMS

      Exam dates on offer include : 2nd March '25. You will be contacted once the course has started to select your preferred dates.

      Entry requirements

      There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits except must be legal drinking age in Australia.

      Total Qualification Time (TQT) and Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

      TQT is an estimate of the total amount of time, measured in hours, that a learner would reasonably need to be able to show the level of achievement necessary for the award of a qualification. It is made up of GLH and private study time. GLH include all tutor-supervised learning and supervised assessments.

      The TQT for the Level 2 Award in Spirits is 26 hours. This is made up of 15 GLH (of which 1 hour is for the examination) and 11 hours of private study.

      Recommended progression routes

      The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits, or an equivalent level of knowledge, is recommended for entry to the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits.

      SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT

      Cost:

      $895 +GST - Australian Distillers Members
      (Please note you must be logged in to receive the Australian Distillers member fee).

      $1025 +GST - Non-Members

      For all VIC Distillers that qualify, the course cost will be taken from your 'Upskilling Distillers fund'. Please select the relevant ticket price.

      ADDED AUSTRALIAN DISTILLERS ASSOCIATION BONUS VALUE

      By booking your course through the Australian Distillers and WSET, you will have access to a number of additional resources to help you with your studies.

      1. Live Course Induction on Course Start Date 
      1. 2 x live tasting sessions in Week 2 & Week 4 with WSET Spirits Specialists(UK) and WSET Certified Spirits Educators (Australia)
      1. Availability of Spirits Samples Packs through Sweet & Chilli – with the choice of two pack sizes. Details will be provided in your confirmation pack. (additional costs apply).

      Event Waiver and Terms & Conditions:

      These courses are delivered by a third party and you must adhere to their terms and conditions. You will be required to purchase, as additional cost, samples for tasting. (details of which will be sent in your confirmation email).

        All participants agree to release ADA from any cost, loss, damage, claim, expense or other liability whatsoever they might suffer or incur as a result of relying on the Course Materials, or otherwise arising out of or in relation to or in connection with the matters acknowledged above.

        By registering for this course you agree to the above waiver and to the Australian Distillers event terms and conditions, particularly in relation to any cancellations.

        WSET Terms & Conditions:
        By registering for this course you also agree to the WSET terms and conditions.

        • 17 Mar 2025
        • 20 Apr 2025
        • Online Study
        Register

        WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

        02SP2505APPwith added Australian Distillers bonuses.

        The Australian Distillers Association is working with WSET APP 3033 to provide these courses.

        Qualification aims

        The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is intended to provide a comprehensive level of spirit product knowledge from raw materials to production methods and tasting by the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. Develop Product Knowledge and Tasting skills required to underpin job skills and competencies in spirit production, bar service, retail, wholesaling businesses.

        Successful candidates will be able to give information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and aromatised wines as well as their methods of production.

        They will confidently provide guidance on the use and service of spirits and make informed recommendations to customers when selecting spirits and liqueurs to meet their taste and price requirements.

        Join students from around the world to learn about the various distillation techniques used by worldwide spirit categories, cover a broad range of spirits and develop a systematic process to taste and evaluate the quality of the spirit.

        The course takes five weeks, is conducted via an online learning platform and the local WSET team are facilitating zoom meeting exclusively for the Australian participants to learn some tasting and assessment tips from international experts. Students complete the course with an online exam and walk away with enhanced skills they can apply to their work from day one!

        Our very own Spirits Victoria Association secretary Geoff Rowles recently completed the Level 2 in Spirits course and caught up with Sarah Andrew from WSET to talk about what students can expect from the coarse in a short 15 minute interview. You can see this below.


        Qualification structure

        Learning Outcomes

        In order to meet the qualification aims there are four Learning Outcomes.

        1. Learning Outcome 1: Understand the main production factors that affect a spirit's style.
        2. Learning Outcome 2: Understand how the principal types of spirits are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
        3. Learning Outcome 3: Understand how the principal types of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
        4. Learning Outcome 4: Know the principles used to create a balanced cocktail and name some core cocktail families.

        Course outline

        The course is based around a five-week, six-module online programme with a recommendation of six hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. The course modules should be followed in sequential order during this five-week window. Regular access and participation in the online activities is essential for this mode of study.

        The course prepares the student for our qualification and they are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each module includes a series of independent activities to help students understand the key styles of spirits and how they are made.

        Students should be advised to taste a range of spirits during their studies.

        A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the Specification. Students can post their tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator.

        Additional live tastings tutorials offered by Certified WSET Spirits Educators and Industry Specialists are included by WSET and the ADA.

        Course REGISTRATION

        All course registrations will close 8 days prior to the date of commencement of the course. Late registrations unfortunately can not be accepted.

        EXAMS

        Exam dates on offer include : 14 April '25. You will be contacted once the course has started to select your preferred dates.

        Entry requirements

        There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits except must be legal drinking age in Australia.

        Total Qualification Time (TQT) and Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

        TQT is an estimate of the total amount of time, measured in hours, that a learner would reasonably need to be able to show the level of achievement necessary for the award of a qualification. It is made up of GLH and private study time. GLH include all tutor-supervised learning and supervised assessments.

        The TQT for the Level 2 Award in Spirits is 26 hours. This is made up of 15 GLH (of which 1 hour is for the examination) and 11 hours of private study.

        Recommended progression routes

        The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits, or an equivalent level of knowledge, is recommended for entry to the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits.

        SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT

        Cost:

        $895 +GST - Australian Distillers Members
        (Please note you must be logged in to receive the Australian Distillers member fee).

        $1025 +GST - Non-Members

        For all VIC Distillers that qualify, the course cost will be taken from your 'Upskilling Distillers fund'. Please select the relevant ticket price.

        ADDED AUSTRALIAN DISTILLERS ASSOCIATION BONUS VALUE

        By booking your course through the Australian Distillers and WSET, you will have access to a number of additional resources to help you with your studies.

        1. Live Course Induction on Course Start Date 
        1. 2 x live tasting sessions in Week 2 & Week 4 with WSET Spirits Specialists(UK) and WSET Certified Spirits Educators (Australia)
        1. Availability of Spirits Samples Packs through Sweet & Chilli – with the choice of two pack sizes. Details will be provided in your confirmation pack. (additional costs apply).

        Event Waiver and Terms & Conditions:

        These courses are delivered by a third party and you must adhere to their terms and conditions. You will be required to purchase, as additional cost, samples for tasting. (details of which will be sent in your confirmation email).

          All participants agree to release ADA from any cost, loss, damage, claim, expense or other liability whatsoever they might suffer or incur as a result of relying on the Course Materials, or otherwise arising out of or in relation to or in connection with the matters acknowledged above.

          By registering for this course you agree to the above waiver and to the Australian Distillers event terms and conditions, particularly in relation to any cancellations.

          WSET Terms & Conditions:
          By registering for this course you also agree to the WSET terms and conditions.

          • 7 Jul 2025
          • 10 Aug 2025
          • Online Study
          Register

          WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

          02SP2507APPwith added Australian Distillers bonuses.

          The Australian Distillers Association is working with WSET APP 3033 to provide these courses.

          Qualification aims

          The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is intended to provide a comprehensive level of spirit product knowledge from raw materials to production methods and tasting by the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. Develop Product Knowledge and Tasting skills required to underpin job skills and competencies in spirit production, bar service, retail, wholesaling businesses.

          Successful candidates will be able to give information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and aromatised wines as well as their methods of production.

          They will confidently provide guidance on the use and service of spirits and make informed recommendations to customers when selecting spirits and liqueurs to meet their taste and price requirements.

          Join students from around the world to learn about the various distillation techniques used by worldwide spirit categories, cover a broad range of spirits and develop a systematic process to taste and evaluate the quality of the spirit.

          The course takes five weeks, is conducted via an online learning platform and the local WSET team are facilitating zoom meeting exclusively for the Australian participants to learn some tasting and assessment tips from international experts. Students complete the course with an online exam and walk away with enhanced skills they can apply to their work from day one!

          Our very own Spirits Victoria Association secretary Geoff Rowles recently completed the Level 2 in Spirits course and caught up with Sarah Andrew from WSET to talk about what students can expect from the coarse in a short 15 minute interview. You can see this below.


          Qualification structure

          Learning Outcomes

          In order to meet the qualification aims there are four Learning Outcomes.

          1. Learning Outcome 1: Understand the main production factors that affect a spirit's style.
          2. Learning Outcome 2: Understand how the principal types of spirits are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
          3. Learning Outcome 3: Understand how the principal types of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
          4. Learning Outcome 4: Know the principles used to create a balanced cocktail and name some core cocktail families.

          Course outline

          The course is based around a five-week, six-module online programme with a recommendation of six hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. The course modules should be followed in sequential order during this five-week window. Regular access and participation in the online activities is essential for this mode of study.

          The course prepares the student for our qualification and they are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each module includes a series of independent activities to help students understand the key styles of spirits and how they are made.

          Students should be advised to taste a range of spirits during their studies.

          A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the Specification. Students can post their tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator.

          Additional live tastings tutorials offered by Certified WSET Spirits Educators and Industry Specialists are included by WSET and the ADA.

          Course REGISTRATION

          All course registrations will close 8 days prior to the date of commencement of the course. Late registrations unfortunately can not be accepted.

          EXAMS

          Exam dates on offer include : 3 August '25. You will be contacted once the course has started to select your preferred dates.

          Entry requirements

          There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits except must be legal drinking age in Australia.

          Total Qualification Time (TQT) and Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

          TQT is an estimate of the total amount of time, measured in hours, that a learner would reasonably need to be able to show the level of achievement necessary for the award of a qualification. It is made up of GLH and private study time. GLH include all tutor-supervised learning and supervised assessments.

          The TQT for the Level 2 Award in Spirits is 26 hours. This is made up of 15 GLH (of which 1 hour is for the examination) and 11 hours of private study.

          Recommended progression routes

          The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits, or an equivalent level of knowledge, is recommended for entry to the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits.

          SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT

          Cost:

          $895 +GST - Australian Distillers Members
          (Please note you must be logged in to receive the Australian Distillers member fee).

          $1025 +GST - Non-Members

          For all VIC Distillers that qualify, the course cost will be taken from your 'Upskilling Distillers fund'. Please select the relevant ticket price.

          ADDED AUSTRALIAN DISTILLERS ASSOCIATION BONUS VALUE

          By booking your course through the Australian Distillers and WSET, you will have access to a number of additional resources to help you with your studies.

          1. Live Course Induction on Course Start Date 
          1. 2 x live tasting sessions in Week 2 & Week 4 with WSET Spirits Specialists(UK) and WSET Certified Spirits Educators (Australia)
          1. Availability of Spirits Samples Packs through Sweet & Chilli – with the choice of two pack sizes. Details will be provided in your confirmation pack. (additional costs apply).

          Event Waiver and Terms & Conditions:

          These courses are delivered by a third party and you must adhere to their terms and conditions. You will be required to purchase, as additional cost, samples for tasting. (details of which will be sent in your confirmation email).

            All participants agree to release ADA from any cost, loss, damage, claim, expense or other liability whatsoever they might suffer or incur as a result of relying on the Course Materials, or otherwise arising out of or in relation to or in connection with the matters acknowledged above.

            By registering for this course you agree to the above waiver and to the Australian Distillers event terms and conditions, particularly in relation to any cancellations.

            WSET Terms & Conditions:
            By registering for this course you also agree to the WSET terms and conditions.

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          Sydney, NSW, 2000

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