WSET LEVEL 3 AWARD IN SPIRITS - ONLINE

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines course is an advanced course suited for industry professionals working in hospitality, wholesale, and retail, or enthusiasts looking to gain an in-depth understanding of spirits. Students will gain detailed theoretical knowledge of production techniques and how they influence the style and quality of different spirits. Students will also learn to describe spirits accurately, assess their quality, and provide recommendations to guests or clients.

WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits Online is a nine-week class, with fixed beginning and ending dates. After the course has ended, students will take a proctored, in-person exam in Las Vegas. Exams can only be taken in Las Vegas. Please see registration information below for specific exam dates. Advanced registration is required. 

Exams must be taken in-person in Las Vegas, there is no online exam option for Level 3. 

For more information regarding the course, please see the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits Specification.

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

Topics Covered: 

• Module 1: Tasting & Assessing Spirits, Principles of Spirits Production (Part 1)
  • Learn to describe and assess a spirit using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting^® (SAT)
  • Learn about raw materials, alcoholic fermentation and the fundamentals of distillation

• Module 2: The Principles of Spirits Production (Part 2) 
  
  • Discussion of the different stills: pot, column and hybrid, and the fundamentals of maturation in oak and other post-distillation operations

• Module 3: Processing Starch & Scotch Whisky 
  
  • Starch processing and the factors that affect the style and quality of Scotch whisky

• Module 4: American Whiskey & Other Whiskies
• Discussion of the factors that affect the style and quality of American, Irish, Canadian, and Japanese whiskies

• Module 5: Asian Spirits 
• Overview and discussion of production techniques of shochu, baijiu, and soju

• Module 6: Fruit Spirits
  • Discussion of the factors that affect the style and quality of Cognac, Armagnac, and other fruit spirits from around the world

• Module 7: Sugar Cane Spirits
  • Discussion of the factors that affect the style and quality of sugar cane spirits from the Caribbean, including Cachaca from Brazil

• Module 8: Agave Spirits
  • Discussion of the factors that affect the style and quality of agave spirits such as Tequila, Mezcal, Raicilla, Bacanora and Sotol

• Module 9: Vodka Flavored Spirits & Aromatised Wines
  • Discussion of the factors that affect the style and quality of vodka, gin, and other flavored spirits and aromatised wines

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

• • 10 hours study time per week is recommended 
  • Students may access the material at any times during the course period, no set log in times during the week
  • This course includes weekly activities/forums, weekly textbook chapter readings, and personalized feedback from your tutor on your submissions
• • The exam consists of two sections: 50-question multiple choice with a short written answer component, and a blind-tasting of two spirits

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.
• WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is highly recommended prior to completing the Level 3 qualification, but not required
• One exam registration, access to the Online Classroom and tutor, and one textbook are included in the 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 student forum and educator is included 
• Exams must be taken within one year of course start date
• 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)
• Course materials ship within two business days. We do recommend registering sooner to allow yourself more time to learn the material
• Students have the option of participating in a tasting workshop/review the day before the exam - please see posted dates. This is not required, but is included in your course fee and highly recommended. All other tasting samples throughout the online course are student-procured. 
• Exams can only be taken in-person in Las Vegas. Exam dates are listed below their corresponding course dates. 

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 two years 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 $80 will be added for the second copy. Postage fees will apply for expedited rates or international destinations.

Course Registration Deadlines Beginning 2026:

• • • June 1 - August 2 - Please Register by May 18
      • Tasting Practice: September 16
      • Exam: September 17
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    • Fall 2026 Dates Coming Soon!