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The WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits teaches...
The critical stages in spirits production.
The principal categories and types of spirits.
How to describe the key characteristics of the principal types of spirits.
The principles of mixing with spirits.
How to evaluate the aroma, flavour and taste of a spirit.
For more information on what you will learn please see the WSET L1 Award in Spirits Specification.
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Accompanying workbook “An Introduction to Spirits".
Support from a dedicated WSET Certified Educator.
45-minute, 30 multiple-choice questions closed-book examination.
Free digital download.
Access to the Claire Drinks Online Classroom for one year from registration.
Video content, activities, quizzes and a mock exam.
Recommended samples list.
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6th July 2026 (deadline for booking 5 pm 26th June)
17th August 20206 (deadline for booking 5 pm 7th August)
You will be working closely with Claire Blackler MW as your dedicated WSET Certified Educator. You will get personalised one-to-one support throughout your studies (and most likely beyond) to help you achieve your study goals.
You have the complete flexibility to schedule your studies around your home and work life. However, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete a WSET L1 qualification.
You have the choice of a hard copy workbook or an ebook. The licence for the ebook expires after one year.
Immediately upon registration, you will receive a link to a free digital download that covers the first module.
Your study pack will be dispatched shortly before your course is due to start. It will include your hard copy workbook and a Claire Drinks tasting mat.
You will have access to the Claire Drinks Online Classroom throughout your studies. Hosted by the open-source learning management system Moodle, the Online Classroom comprises directed reading plans, audio and video content, activities, quizzes, recommendations for tasting samples, and additional learning resources. The Online Classroom can be accessed on your desktop, laptop, mobile or tablet, so you can study whether you're on the bus, on the beach or at the bar!
The examination will be taken by remote invigilation. To give you ultimate flexibility, you can take the exam at any time and on any date. You will need a desktop or laptop computer, a smartphone and a stable internet connection to complete it successfully. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
If you are successful you will receive a digital certificate and digital badge.
Learn more about studying the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines or Spirits with Claire Drinks.
If you’re wondering whether Level 1 is right for you, have a go at the following questions that you might find in a Level 1 examination:
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c) Barley
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d) Juniper
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d) Cognac
If you knew the answers to these questions then maybe WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits would be more suitable.
Course Highlights
1. Learn how to describe the world's significant spirit styles, including; gin, whisky/whiskey (Scotch, Tennessee Whiskey, Rye Whiskey), rum, Tequila, vodka, brandy (Cognac and Armagnac), liqueurs and aromatised wines.
2. Learn how to interpret a spirit's label by understanding where it's from, its raw material and production process and other terms such as Reposado, VSOP, Straight, and Single Malt.
3. Learn why spirits vary in quality, price and availability.
4. Learn the difference between Scotch Whisky and Bourbon, why you should re-visit Tequila and whether Cognac is worth the price.
5. Learn how easy it is to mix a cocktail and start work on building your database of classic recipes.
Upon completing the course describing and recommending spirits to customers and friends will come naturally. You'll be able to interpret labels and lists to help drive informed purchasing decisions. You'll be able to prepare classic cocktails and work credibly with spirits industry professionals.
Level: Intermediate. Level 2 is ideal if you want to improve your knowledge and develop your skills. Some knowledge and experience would help, but it is possible to start at this level if it’s a completely new subject to you.
