WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits

This course is suitable for professionals in the spirits industry, sommeliers, professionals in spirit and wine tourism, wine merchants, spirit producers, hospitality and restaurant professionals, international spirits salespeople, bar service experts, or simply spirits enthusiasts holding the WSET Level 2 in Spirits certificate.

It’s important to note that the WSET Level 3 in Spirits course is not a “career” course but rather a “product” course. The course covers detailed knowledge of spirits products. However, you can advance in the spirits industry as a sommelier, wine merchant, spirit and wine tourism operator, international spirits salesperson, bartender, mixology expert, and cocktail specialist.

Indeed, it’s important to know that the gap between Level 2 and Level 3 is significant. The WSET Level 3 in Spirits is very demanding, and the program is dense. It covers a wide range of spirits categories, from Asian spirits to agave spirits to French eaux-de-vie. The level of detail is significantly higher than Level 2.

The program includes the in-depth study of numerous categories of spirits, including Scotch and Irish whiskies, Bourbon Rye, Tennessee and Canadian whiskeys, Japanese whisky, Cognac, Armagnac, other brandies (Jerez, Pisco, grappa, etc.), Calvados, Caribbean Rum, Cachaça, Tequila, Mezcal, Vodka, Gin, Asian spirits (Shochu, Baiju, Soju). You will also explore flavored and liqueur spirits such as Genever, flavored vodkas, anise spirits, aquavit, bitters, and other liqueurs. After completing the course, you will be able to explain in detail the style and qualities of each.

You will be able to taste 60 spirits during the tasting sessions, creating unforgettable moments of sharing.

The course consists of 6 days in total, divided into two parts. The training begins with a half-day introductory video conference 1 month before the in-person sessions. Then, you will have 5.5 days of in-person training, scheduled 3 to 4 weeks later.

The “Study guide” you receive upon enrollment is your most valuable tool for exam preparation. It will provide you with the pure exam technique, which is fundamental for Level 3 because a portion of the exam consists of complex open-ended questions. Through these questions, not only your knowledge will be tested, but also your ability to convey and explain it. Additionally, at WiSP, everything is planned and organized for you to take the exam with confidence. The last half-day of training is entirely dedicated to the exam. You will be prepared for 2 hours for the theoretical part and 30 minutes for the tasting part.

Depending on your status at the time of application, funding for your course is entirely possible. You can find all the details of available funding on this page.

The exams consist of 3 parts: a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), open-answer questions, and a blind tasting of 2 spirits.

The WSET Level 3 in Spirits course offers retake sessions, and there is no maximum number of attempts. You can inquire about retake options here.

You will study with Didier Ghorbanzadeh, a spirits expert and a certified professional trainer (CP FFP). Didier Ghorbanzadeh develops the Nikka Whisky brand in Europe and is also the author of the book “Le Nuancier des Alcools” with LMDW and Flammarion. He regularly writes for Whisky Mag & Fine Spirits.

Yes, the price includes the book “Understanding Spirits” as well as the “systematic approach to tasting” sheet.

It depends on your status at the time of enrolment. VAT does not apply to professional training. So, if you are an employed or job-seeking French individual, you pay the HT price. If you are a student (initial training), retiree, or a non-French resident, you pay the TTC price.