WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits (Online)

The essentials of spirits: how they are made, the main categories, and how to taste, store, and serve them.

At a glance

What’s included

• Registration for the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits course in WSET’s Online Classroom for your chosen dates
• Included in the Online Classroom (no printed book needed)
• A WSET online educator who answers questions and reviews your tasting notes for the length of the course
• Personal support from Luis Romero, IBA’s founder and WSET certified educator, by email and Zoom until you are certified
• A tasting sample shopping list and guidance on sourcing samples where you live
• One exam attempt by remote invigilation, scheduled after your course finishes
• Your WSET digital certificate and certified logo on passing

Who this course is for

• Bartenders and servers who want a solid foundation in spirits
• Retail and distribution staff
• Enthusiasts curious about what is in the bottle

No prior qualification is required. You must be at least 21 years old (the legal drinking age in the United States) or the legal drinking age in your country of residence, and comfortable studying in English.

What you will learn

• The main production processes and types of still used to make spirits
• The principal categories and types of spirits and their defining characteristics
• Storage and service of spirits
• How to use the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits

Full learning outcomes are in the official WSET specification: WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits specification.

Course structure

The course runs over 4 weeks in WSET’s Online Classroom. Modules are released in order and you work through them at your own pace within the course window. Expect 1 to 2 hours per week.

1. What is a spirit and how is it made
2. Distillation and stills
3. The main categories of spirits
4. Flavoured spirits and liqueurs
5. Storage, service, and tasting
6. Revision and mock exam

Tasting samples

Plan on tasting a short list of spirits during the course. Samples are not shipped; a shopping list of widely available examples is provided. This course involves tasting alcoholic beverages.

The exam

30 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes, taken online by remote invigilation. Pass mark 70%. The exam is booked by IBA after you enroll and takes place after your course end date, on a date agreed with you. You will need a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a quiet room. WSET’s Remote Invigilation guidance is sent at least seven days before your exam. Results and your digital certificate are issued by WSET, usually within a few weeks of the exam.

Dates and registration deadline

Choose your start date above. Every course starts on a Monday and ends on a Sunday. Registration closes 10 days before the start date. That time is needed to register you with WSET, have your Online Classroom login created and sent to you, and get your materials to you before day one. Late registrations cannot be processed; if you miss a deadline, the next start date is usually two weeks away.

Before you book

• Questions about which level is right for you? Email Luis at contact@beveragecertified.com or call 407 968 8384 to talk it through before you commit.
• If you may need reasonable adjustments for the exam (extra time, assistive technology, or other support), say so at booking. There is a field for this at checkout. Applications must reach WSET at least four weeks before the exam.
• Please read the Cancellation and Refund Policy, Privacy Policy, and Reasonable Adjustments Policy before booking. All IBA policies are on the Policies page.

International Beverage Academy is a WSET Approved Programme Provider (APP No. 3168), an independent course provider approved by WSET. IBA is not part of WSET.