WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
Online Course
Take your spirits knowledge to the next level, entirely online.
This intermediate online course is designed for enthusiasts and drinks-trade professionals who want a comprehensive, structured understanding of the world’s principal spirits. A little prior knowledge is helpful, but it isn’t required — and you can take this course from anywhere.
Courses start regularly throughout the year. You study online over a five-week window, working through the material at your own pace with the support of an expert instructor. This is an outstanding online course, widely considered the gold standard in spirits education. We hold regular online exam dates to fit your schedule, wherever you live.
Bonus offer: when you register for a WSET online course, you receive a FREE Fine Vintage online course (value of $99-299 depending on the course) plus FREE access to our extensive video library, and a list of our Fine Vintage proprietary exam practice questions. It’s an unbeatable deal – two online courses for the price of one.
Course Overview
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits takes you well beyond the basics. You’ll explore the four key stages of production in real depth — from raw materials and fermentation through pot and column still distillation to the post-distillation operations that shape each final style. You’ll then study how the principal spirits are produced, labelled and tasted, including fruit spirits (Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, pisco, grappa), whisky and whiskey, sugar cane spirits, agave spirits, vodka, flavoured spirits and aromatised wines — plus the principles of building a balanced cocktail. You’ll learn to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®, and earn an internationally recognized certification, all from home.
There are six modules:
Module 1: Introducing spirits — tasting and describing spirits with the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®, and how production methods shape style
Module 2: Fruit spirits and whisky/whiskey — raw materials, production processes, key characteristics and labelling terms
Module 3: Sugar cane spirits, Tequila and Mezcal — rum, cachaça, Tequila and mezcal: production, characteristics and labelling
Module 4: Vodka, flavoured spirits and aromatised wines — production processes and key labelling terms
Module 5: Mixing with spirits — the principles of balance and the core cocktail families, with notable examples
Module 6: Revision and resources, including a mock feedback exam
Price & Payments
The WSET Level 2 in Spirits online course costs US$599, all-inclusive. The cost includes access to the WSET online course, your WSET study pack and textbook, a dedicated expert instructor, your exam fees, and certificate.
You will need to purchase your own spirit samples, if you desire. It is not a requirement to buy any spirits to complete this course, but tasting a selection will help you get far more out of it. After registration, we provide you with a list of recommended spirit styles that are widely available.
Full payment is charged at the time of registration. Your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Don’t forget: when you register for a WSET online course, you receive a FREE Fine Vintage online course (value of $99–299 depending on the course) plus FREE access to our extensive video library, and a list of our Fine Vintage proprietary exam practice questions.
Online Program
You can choose from multiple start dates, with courses regularly scheduled throughout the year. You will have five weeks from the course start date to work through the six modules, which should be followed in sequential order. We recommend setting aside around six hours of study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in your textbook — roughly 30 hours in total, plus revision time. Regular access and participation in the online activities is essential for this mode of study. You’ll have access to a certified spirits educator through the online portal and can ask questions throughout the course.
Examination
Your WSET Level 2 exam is completed fully online using remote invigilation. You must have a laptop or desktop computer to complete the exam. Fine Vintage offers regular online exam dates to fit your schedule. You can pick your exam date and time online immediately after you register for the course, or you can select your exam date anytime in the next 11 months. You have one year from your course start date to schedule and take your exam.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 60 minutes. A grade of 55% or higher is required to pass. You will receive your results by email, and if successful, you will receive a WSET certificate — a formal qualification in spirits with international recognition.
We require 10 business days notice to register you for the WSET Level 2 exam. There is a US$100 fee to change your exam date after it is scheduled or to resit the exam, if required.
You should have a reasonable degree of technical ability to use the examination software. You will receive detailed set-up instructions after you register.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is a formal qualification in spirits with international recognition. Many students frame their WSET certificates.
Online Course Format
Approximately 30 hours required
The ideal online course to deepen your spirits education
High Pass Rate!
Get your WSET certification online
Upcoming course dates:
Important: You must register for the WSET Online Courses at least 6 business days before the course begins.
TERMS: Full payment is charged at the time of registration. Your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. This course is administered out of London, UK and does not fall under PTIB authority.
Tell me more
Who takes this course?
Everyone! The vast majority are spirits enthusiasts from all walks of life, and all ages. We also welcome many people from the drinks industry, especially those working in bars, restaurants, retail and distribution. You will have access to certified instructors throughout the online program.
Course Preparation
Study Guide
You will be emailed the access codes to the online course by WSET within two business days of the start of the course. For Level 2 in Spirits, Fine Vintage will send you the required WSET study pack, including your textbook — so please register early enough for it to reach you before your course begins. We will also email you a list of practice exam questions to help you thoroughly prepare.
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