About the course

An intermediate-level qualification exploring spirits and aromatized wines for those working in the industry or spirits enthusiasts. This qualification is intended for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of spirits or those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits. You’ll learn about the fundamental production methods and principal raw materials, discovering how they are used to make the key spirit styles. You’ll also explore the key practices and principles of serving spirits and the use of spirits in cocktails.

What you'll learn

• 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 aromatized 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 multiple categories.
• How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits ® (SAT).

Learn more about what you will cover during the course here: WSET Level 2 in Spirits Specification (2022).

Course delivery

The course is based around a five-week, six-module online programme with educator support available for this time. There is a recommendation of six hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. There are no fixed times to log-on as there is no “live” delivery of content. Students can therefore complete their learning at times that suit them. Students are advised to taste a range of spirits during their studies and can post their tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator. All the required spirits for the course can be found in the specification; please note that the samples are not included in the cost of the course. Click here for a demo of the online classroom! Students will have access to the online classroom and the corresponding course materials for one year from the course start date.

Assessment

Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed within one hour. A total mark of 55% is required to achieve a pass. All students who pass will be issued with a digital certificate and a digital lapel pin. Students enrolled in the WSET Level 2 in Spirits will take their exams online via Remote Invigilation. The candidates will take the exam on a computer in a secure environment from their home where they are monitored via webcam, screen sharing technology and a secondary recording device (cell phone). Online exams take place through Florida Wine Academy at pre-determined dates and times throughout the year. A list of the available exam dates will be provided following student registration with WSET, seven working days prior to the course start date. The exam must take place after the advertised finish date of the course and within one year after the course start date.

Printed Materials

All students will be sent online study materials upon course registration.

What happens after course registration

1. Immediately: You will receive an automated email order confirmation after registering for a course.
2. Within two business days of your order: Florida Wine Academy will send the WSET Level 2 in Spirits online study pack, containing a textbook and a workbook, to the email address provided upon registration. 
3. Seven working days prior to the course start date: Florida Wine Academy will register you with WSET for the online course dates selected; you will then receive an email with further information regarding the online course.

The price includes the online WSET Level 2 in Spirits study pack, online tuition, and the remote invigilation exam.