Building on the knowledge gained through the Level 2 Award in Spirits, this qualification goes broader and deeper. Gain a detailed understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations. Upon completion you will be able to assess spirits accurately and use your knowledge to confidently explain why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other.

Who’s it for?

  • WSET Level 2 Spirits is required.
  • This is an advanced course for those who are working with spirits professionally and wish to progress their product knowledge and skills.
  • Students who have already gained another advanced and certified spirit qualification
  • Serious spirit enthusiasts who want to expand their knowledge.

What’s covered?

  • The key factors in the production of spirits:
    • 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
  • How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to tasting Spirit (SAT®)

Exam WSET Level 3 in Spirits

  • This course ends with a an exam consisting out of 3 parts:
    • theory exam of 50 multiple-choice questions
    • four short written answer questions
    • blind tasting exam featuring two spirits
  • Those achieving 55% or more on all 3 parts will receive the WSET® Level 3 in Spirits Certificate.
  • The exam is offered on a 3-monthly basis at the location in Antwerp.

How does the online course work?

  • Only available in English. Click here for more information and DEMO.
  • Based around a 9-week, 9 module online learning programme with educator support available for this time.
  • The modules should be followed in sequential order during this 9-week window.
  • The course material should take about 90 hours in total to complete, plus revision time.
  • Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for success.
  • You can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course.
  • Each module includes a series of independent activities to help you understand the topics.
  • Tasting:
    • You will be advised to taste a range of spirits during this study.
    • Spirits are not included in the online course fee.
    • All the required spirits for the course can be found in the Specification.
    • Students can post their tasting notes in the WSET Online classroom for review by the educator.
    • For WSET Level 3 there is also a guided tasting training via Zoom. You will then receive a packet with 6 samples. These spirits are included in the course price.

How does the blended course work?

  • This training is delivered in a “blended” format of 2 days @ location in Antwerp, and 3 days @ via Zoom, NO recording available.
  • It is important that you reserve, during the whole course period, a minimum of 3 extra hours per week to prepare the sessions and to study.
  • Tasting:
    • All key spirits, a minimum of 60 spirits,  will be tasted during the “blended” sessions and these spirits are included in the course price.

Educator(s)

  • Online:
    • WSET online accredited educator.
  • Blended:
    • WineWise Educator, Edwin Raben DipWSET and WSET Certified Spirit L3 educator.

Your investment

Prices inclusive 21% VAT

  • Online: € 980
  • Blended: € 1.610
  • Re-sit exam Theory: € 195 (registration at least one month before exam date)
  • Re-sit exam Tasting: € 125 (registration at least one month before exam date)