WSET Online Classroom - Level 2 Award in Spirits

This course is fully online via WSET's Online Classroom.

Enrolments close 23 September 2024

The course will be based around a five-week, six-module online learning program with WSET educator support available for this time.

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 in this course will be an advantage for industry professionals working with spirits. Additionally, the course is also perfect for spirits enthusiasts wanting to learn the secrets behind their favourite brands.

What you will learn:

• How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits ® (SAT)
• The techniques used during 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 a balanced cocktail is made and examples in four notable cocktail families (the spirit-forward, the short sour, the highball and the long sour)
• 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)

It is a requirement that the WSET specification document is read before you pay. You can find this document under 'More info'.

As part of your enrolment, you receive a Study Pack. Once you have received your ‘Course Confirmation’ email, the Study Pack will be available for collection from TAFE NSW, Ryde Campus. Instructions regarding the collection of your Study Pack will be included in the course confirmation. 

Private study: At least six hours a week

Samples: Students will need to source your own samples. Students are advised to taste a range of spirits during their course. The required spirits can be found in WSET Online Classroom, and there are recommendations in the specification document found under 'more info'. 

Technology requirements: We recommend that you use a laptop or desktop device and have a reliable internet connection. 

Examination: will be completed online through a Remote Invigilation service – you will be given information on how this works once you have enrolled. To sit your examination online you will also need one additional smart device such as a smartphone or tablet.

WSET's Online Classroom: Is an e-learning platform. The platform enhances textbook study with a broad range of educational materials and activities to suit different learner types, such as videos, quizzes, games and tasting exercises. It also features a student forum so students can connect with classmates. 

Students will have an online tutor who is available to answer your questions during the course. They'll answer any questions you have about the materials and help you to develop your tasting skills. The WSET Online Classroom support team will also be there to help you get the most out of the platform.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this course. Students are required to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). More information regarding the USI can be found in our FAQs.