The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits covers the main categories of spirits and liqueurs and examines the influences of production methods on the different styles available in each category. Throughout the course, you’ll develop analytical tasting skills while exploring the use of spirits in cocktails.
The knowledge gained on this course will be a significant advantage to anyone working with spirits in both the on- and off-trade, and the course is also perfect for spirits enthusiasts wanting to learn more about the product behind the brand.
The course will cover:
o Spirits production methods and how they affect style and quality
o The characteristics of the main styles of spirits and liqueurs
o The major global spirits brands
o Tutored tastings of around 40 spirits and liqueurs (classroom courses only)
o How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)
Throughout the course you’ll become a more confident spirits taster under the guidance of our expert educators, learning how to use a globally-recognised approach to tasting to analyse the appearance, nose, palate and quality level of a range of styles.
By the end of the course you’ll be able to identify a how key raw ingredients and production methods influence the style and quality of the key spirits and liqueurs of the world. If you work with spirits, you'll be able to 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.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the perfect wine course for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of grapes and styles, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. You’ll gain enviable knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce.
This qualification has a minimum requirement of 28 hours of study time, including:
- 16 hours of guided learning (in the classroom or online)
- 11 hours of personal study and revision
- A one-hour examination
The course covers:
o How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
o How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio/Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah/Shiraz
o The style and quality of wines:
- made from 22 regionally important grape varieties (e.g. Nebbiolo, Malbec and Viognier)
- produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
o How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
Sparkling wines
Fortified wines
Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
Principles of food and wine pairing
On successful completion you will be a more confident wine taster, able to describe and compare the styles of wines produced from internationally and regionally important grape varieties. You'll know how to interpret wine labels from the main wine producing regions of the world, and how to store, serve, taste and pair wines to get the best out of every glass.
