WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits 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 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 and are available to purchase from our store. Any additional spirits can be found in the Specification and can be requested by sending an email to WSET.Education@OakBarrel.com.au. You can post you tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator. Additional tastings may be included by us at our discretion.

For all WSET Level 2 Online Classroom courses, the textbook is provided to you within the online materials. . A printed copy can be ordered from our store.

For more information, please click on the below links:

• WSET Level2 Spirits Specification
• WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)
• WSET’s Level 2 Award in Spirits Online Classroom Demo

There are no entry requirements for this qualification – it is suitable for complete beginners.

1. How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits ® (SAT)
2. The techniques used during the four stages of spirits production: processing the raw material, alcoholic fermentation; distillation; and post-distillation operations
3. How techniques used during the four stages of production determine the style of a spirit
4. How aromatised wines are made
5. 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)
6. 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)

The course will be offered through WSET’s Online Classroom (interactive e-learning platform) where you complete the course at your own pace five weeks. The course comprises 6 modules and should take about 30 hours in total. Our expert staff will provide guidance to you during your the course.

Examination will be remotely invigilated which you can take at the comfort of your home.

Examination must be taken after the finish date of the course.

The Oak Barrel will book your examination with WSET exam department for the advertised fee as usual. Please contact WSET.Education@OakBarrel.com.au to book your examinations.

Please be advised to schedule a minimum of one hour of private study before sitting any of the examinations