WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS - ONLINE

The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is ideal for students looking to build on the knowledge learned in the Level 1 Award in Spirits, or beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of spirits. This intermediate level course is particularly helpful for those students working in the industry, or spirits enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge or embark on a new career path!

For more information regarding the course, please see the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits Specification. The WSET Level 1 in Spirits is recommended, but not a required prerequisite for the Level 2 course.

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits Online is a five-week class, with fixed beginning and ending dates. After the course has ended, students will take a proctored exam. Exams can be taken in-person or online. Please see registration information below for specific in-person exam dates. Online exam dates will be arranged with you after registration, on a day of your choosing. Advanced registration is required. 

All students must be 21 years of age or older by the first day of the course.  

General Topics Covered Include: 

• How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits^® (SAT)
• Techniques used in 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 to craft a balanced cocktail
• Discussion of examples in the four cocktail families (spirit-forward, short sour, highball, and long sour)
• Creation of the following spirits categories based on production traditions and local laws: 
  • Fruit spirits
  • Whisky/whiskey
  • Sugar cane spirits
  • Tequila and Mezcal
  • Vodka
  • Flavored spirits (spiced rum, aniseed spirits, flavored vodka and gin, bitter spirits/amaro, cocktail bitters, and liqueurs) 
    

Tasting is an important part of this course. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found inside your course. The cost of tasting samples is not included in the course fee. 

Additional Information

• Self-paced! Log on anytime during the week to complete the weekly tasks. There are no set times to be online during the week.
• One exam registration, access to the Online Classroom, and a study pack are included in course fee
• Candidates will receive a digital certificate and digital badge with a passing exam score. Within 4 weeks students will receive a physical lapel pin, mailed to the address given at checkout for the course. Shipping charges will apply for non-domestic addresses. 
• Access to an online tutor is available in the Online Classroom
• It is recommended to register sooner to allow yourself more time to familiarize yourself with the material before the course begins
• Students must complete material during the posted course dates
• Exam must be completed within one year of course start date.
  
• In order to access course materials students will require access to a computer (recommended) and/or HTML5 compatible mobile or tablet with the following minimum requirements: Internet Explorer 10, Firefox 25.0, Safari 6, Chrome 30.0 or other HTML5 compatible; web browser with Javascript and cookies** enabled; Adobe Reader XI or equivalent; Internet access (broadband recommended) 

Textbook Information:

Students have a choice of a digital (e-reader) textbook, or a physical hard copy textbook. 

Digital textbooks will be delivered to students within 3-5 business days of purchase. Digital materials are accessible for one year from purchase, and include highlighting, post-it, and note-taking functions. The digital materials are in an e-reader style format, and can be accessed on up to 3 different devices (laptops, tablets, or mobile phones). The digital materials are accessible through the e-reader platform, they are not a downloadable PDF format.

Hard copy textbooks sent within the continental US are sent Media Mail, with an estimated arrival of 8-10 business days after shipment. If you would prefer to have your materials sent Priority Mail or another expedited service, please write this in the "Notes" section of the checkout page and we will reach out to you within 24 hours with shipping options and quotes. A payment link will be sent for postage costs for packs sent any other method than Media Mail. 

Textbooks sent international will be sent Ground/First Class. Shipping for international destinations has an estimated delivery of 15-30 business days, depending on your location. Students are responsible for any duties or taxes. If you would like your international shipment sent via an expedited service please put this in the "Notes" section of checkout and we will invoice you for the additional shipping. 

Students preferring both digital and print copies please write that both materials are needed in the "Notes" section of the checkout page. We will reach out to you within 24 hours, a fee of $60 will be added for the second copy. Postage fees will apply for expedited rates or international destinations.

Online Exam Information

• Exam must be taken within one year of course start date
• Exams may not be taken prior to the posted end date of the course
• In order to take the online exam students will need a computer with a webcam and microphone (ex: laptop), and a secondary device with a camera to record the exam room (ex: Android phone or iPhone).

• Please note: Android tablets (Nexus 7, etc.), iOS tablets (iPad, iPad mini, etc.), and Microsoft Surface Pro and earlier devices are not supported for the exam device, but can be used as your secondary recording device. The exam device (laptop) must have either Windows 10 or 11, or Mac OS (latest two releases). You will need to use Chrome to take the exam.

• Google Pixel 3 or newer, Huawei P30, and the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) are not able to be used as your secondary recording camera device. If you have any questions regarding your devices please contact us for assistance.

• An in-person exam option is available in Las Vegas for students that cannot meet the tech requirements for an online exam, or who would prefer a paper exam. Dates listed below.

Exams can be taken in-person or online. Online exam dates are selected by student, and offered every day of the week, except for holidays (UK and US holidays). In-person exam dates are listed below. Students can choose either in-person or online for exams.

Online exam registration information will be provided to students after completed registration, and prior to the course start date. Exams may not be taken prior to the posted end date of the course.