Due to high demand, funding applications for this course are now closed until January 2025. Please sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all our DEVELOP courses
This qualification is intended to build on knowledge and skills gained from the Level 2 Award in Spirits. You’ll acquire a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations. Through a combination of tasting and the application of theoretical knowledge you will learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other.
Unit 1
A detailed understanding of the techniques used in spirit production:
Processing of raw materials
Alcoholic fermentation
Distillation
Post-distillation practices
Factors affecting the style and quality of spirits, studying eleven core spirit categories in detail:
- Scotch Whisky
- Bourbon
- Rye Whiskey
- Tennessee Whiskey
- Cognac
- Armagnac
- Caribbean rum
- Tequila
- Mezcal
- Vodka
- Gin
An overview of 23 additional spirit categories, focusing on:
- Principal production methods
- Key styles
- Key labelling terms
Unit 2
How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits®(SAT)
WSET BURSARIES
WSET offers a bursary scheme which is designed to help potential students in the UK who would otherwise be unable to take a WSET qualification due to financial hardship. The Drinks Trust has been appointed to administer the WSET bursaries by offering free WSET courses through its Develop programme.
ABOUT THE PROVIDER
WSET provides best-in-class education and qualifications to inspire and empower the world’s drinks professionals and enthusiasts. WSET qualifications are globally recognised as the international standard in wine, spirit and sake knowledge. They are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines, spirits and sake.
BEFORE YOU START
Please read the criteria and ensure you have all the documents you need before you begin your application as once you start the form you will not be able to exit and come back to it.
Please choose whether you’d like to attend an in-person class at WSET School London in Bermondsey Street – London SE1, or an online class, or choose a course with one of our regional WSET Approved Programme Providers before starting the application process.
The Level 3 Award in Spirits is designed to build on a solid foundation of knowledge equivalent to that which is gained through Level 2 Award in Spirits (previously known as the Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits). For this reason, the course is primarily open to students who have studied for this qualification. If you do not hold the Level 2 qualification but believe you have the relevant knowledge, you can also gain entry through our Level 3 Award in Wines Online Entry Test.
All classes are delivered in English and the assessment requires your answers to be hand-written, therefore a good level of written and spoken English is very beneficial.
- Must be 18 or over
- Must be resident of UK with NI number
- Must have UK bank account
- Must be able to provide up to 300 words about why this course will help their career
- No prior work experience needed
As a guideline for approval, applicants must have either less than £2,000 in their current and savings bank accounts or earning less than £26,000 per annum. The assessment will be made on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration exceptions to the above guideline. If you're in doubt about being eligible, please submit the application and the Develop Team will assess your case.
- Your National Insurance Number
- Bank statements
- 300 words about why this course will help their career
For enquiries related to any of the WSET courses offered by Develop please email WSETBursary@drinkstrust.org.uk
