WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

Develop a Working Knowledge of the World’s Spirits
& Get Your WSET Level 2 Certification.

The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is an intermediate course for those who want a serious, working knowledge of spirits. This is the ideal course for enthusiasts, bartenders, sommeliers, retail staff, and brand representatives who need to advise customers with authority and make informed recommendations.

The course covers the four key stages of spirit production in detail — processing raw materials, alcoholic fermentation, distillation, and post-distillation operations — and explores how these techniques shape the principal categories: Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Pisco, Grappa, Scotch whisky, Bourbon, Tennessee, rye, Irish, Canadian, and Japanese whiskies, Caribbean rum, Tequila, Mezcal, vodka, gin, aniseed spirits, bitter spirits, liqueurs, and aromatised wines. You will taste 35 benchmark spirits led by an expert instructor and learn to evaluate them using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT). You will also learn the principles of the four classic cocktail families: the spirit-forward, the short sour, the highball, and the long sour.

There are no prerequisites, though Level 1 is recommended. For the exam, you can schedule your 50-question multiple-choice test anytime that suits you up to one year from the end of the course. You will take it online by remote invigilation and have your digital WSET certificate within 2–3 weeks.

When you register you will receive the study guide by e-book. You also get a proprietary document with practice exam questions and a free Fine Vintage online course of your choosing.

I invite you to join us.

JAMES CLUER, MASTER OF WINE

Course Overview

The WSET Level 2 in Spirits takes you into the detail of how the world’s major spirits are made, labelled, and evaluated. You will learn:

  • The main production factors that affect a spirit’s style.
  • How the principal types of spirits are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
  • How the principal types of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics.
  • The principles used to create a balanced cocktail and name some core cocktail families.

Location

Our WSET Level 2 in Spirits course is held at Taste of Legacy, located within Legacy Liquor Store at 1633 Manitoba Street, Vancouver.

Payments

TERMS: Full payment is charged at the time of registration. Your payment is non-refundable but you can transfer it once to another person or to a future course of the same type, if you contact us 14 days or more before the start date. In the rare event Fine Vintage has to cancel a course you will receive a 100% refund.

Tastings & Instruction

Fine Vintage is well known for expert instruction and the exceptional quality of our tastings. You will taste 35 benchmark spirits across every major category. Your instructor, Charlene Rooke, is a WSET Certified Spirits Educator to Level 3, Lead Judge of the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition, and a trained artisan distiller — one of Canada’s most experienced voices on craft and world spirits.

Exam & Certification

The WSET Level 2 in Spirits exam is taken online by remote invigilation. We provide extensive instructions on how to organize your device to sit the exam. You must have a laptop or desktop computer to complete the exam.

You can schedule your exam at the time of registration, or anytime up until one year from the end date of the in-person course. You will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam when you register.

The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions completed in 60 minutes. The pass mark is 55%. If necessary, you can re-sit the exam for a re-sit fee of $150.

Within 2–3 weeks from the exam date you will receive your results and a digital certificate by email. The qualification is regulated by Ofqual in the United Kingdom.

Course Format

5 x 3-hour sessions (35 spirits tasted) | from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

View detailed course outline

View WSET level 2 course specification

View sample spirit log


The perfect course to start your spirits education


Get your WSET Certification

LEVEL 2 IN SPIRITS IN VANCOUVER

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
Who is this course for?
The Level 2 in Spirits goes into more detail about the major spirit categories of the world, how they are made, and how they are served. Upon registration, you will be sent a link to your online eBook Study Pack within 2 business days.
No Prerequisites
WSET Certification
See full course description
City: Vancouver
Date: Monday, October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Instructor: Charlene Rooke
Price: $849.00
Register for course Purchase Fine Vintage gift certificate

TERMS: Full payment is charged at the time of registration. Your payment is non-refundable but you can transfer it once to another person or to a future course of the same type, if you contact us 14 days or more before the start date. In the rare event Fine Vintage has to cancel a course you will receive a 100% refund.

Tell me more

Who takes this course?

Everyone. We have a large number of general interest spirits enthusiasts as well as people working in the hospitality industry and drinks trade — bartenders, sommeliers, retail staff, brand representatives, and distributors. If you want a working understanding of the world’s spirits and a real ability to taste, this is the course for you.

A man holding a glass of whiskey

Course Preparation

Study Pack

You will receive an eBook study guide within 24 hours of registration and you can start reading it immediately.

Access is valid for 1 year from the date of code redemption.

Testimonials

BYANCA GODWIN

When I decided to begin my wine education journey Fine Vintage Ltd. was my first choice. James Cluer MW and his team provided a first class experience which propelled my love and curiosity for wine into a lifetime quest to further my knowledge. I would highly recommend the WSET Level 1 course with Fine Vintage to any student who desires to learn from outstanding teachers who inspire you with their wealth of knowledge while exposing you to a benchmark selection of quality wines.

BYANCA GODWIN – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
ELIZABETH TATARA

I’ve completed WSET 1 & 2 through Fine Vintage’s weekend courses, and I cannot recommend them enough. Particularly for those who work full time such as myself, the weekend courses are a great way to pursue an education in wine while juggling a busy schedule. The programs are well structured and paced, and the instructors are enthusiastic and personable – creating an enjoyable and manageable learning environment.

ELIZABETH TATARA – NEW YROK CITY
JORDAN SU

Having taken both WSET 1 and WSET 2 Fine Vintage definitely executes the classes at an exceptional level. The instructors were outstanding and taught the class with great passion providing high quality wine with many different varieties to taste! Not only did I learn much more about wine, but also after taking WSET level 2 from Fine Vintage it increased my interest and passion for wine exponentially. I highly recommend taking courses from Fine Vintage!

JORDAN SU – VANCOUVER
MEL EITEL

Fine Vintage WSET 1 training was more than I expected. The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the education to life through sampling many different wines from a variety of regions while taking us on a tour of the basic fundamentals of wine. Whether you are a novice or starting your career in wine, I would highly recommend Fine Vintage, Ltd.

MEL EITEL – NEW YORK CITY
YULE SCHMIDT

I’ve taken wine courses with various providers over the years and can unequivocally say that Fine Vintage stands in a league of its own. The quality of wine alone sets the company apart but its real advantage is its instructors. Every FV instructor I’ve had has brought as much enthusiasm to the classroom as they’ve brought experience, drawing on both to bring the world of wine to life. You can’t get that kind of education from a textbook.

YULE SCHMIDT – TORONTO

Need more info about our courses?

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Online Courses

Can’t make it to one of our courses?  Don’t let time or distance stand in your way.  Do it Online!

We have a variety of fantastic online wine and spirits certification courses that you can take from the comfort of your home or office.

SEE ONLINE CERTIFICATION COURSES

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