Description
WSET Level 2 Award in Sake
The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake explores how brewers process and combine key ingredients to create the wide range of sake styles found in Japan. You’ll develop the skills to confidently describe and assess the quality of the sakes you taste.
Whether you are a sake or hospitality professional looking to elevate your expertise, or an enthusiastic consumer eager to deepen your understanding, this qualification will empower you to make informed decisions and provide valuable guidance on sake selection and service for any occasion.
In preparation for your upcoming course, please review the specification provided.
This course provides a textbook, tasting samples, and the exam. Upon successful completion you will receive a digital WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
Note: There is a minimum requirement of 5 students for this class to take place. If the minimum is not met, the course will be cancelled. If you have any questions about our courses, please contact us at info@sakeschoolofamerica.com
Course Schedule
Saturday, August 29, 2026
- In-Person Lecture: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm CST (Lunch Break: 12pm – 1pm)
Sunday, August 30, 2026
- In-Person Lecture: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm CST (Lunch Break: 12pm – 1pm)
Course Location
In-Person Class
The Texas Wine School
2302 Norfolk St.
Houston, TX 77098
For more information regarding the Texas Wine School, please visit the link here.
Exam Schedule & Details
Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Online Exam: 10:00am – 11:00am CST
Please adjust the time according to your local time zone.
Candidates must have access to two devices equipped with cameras for the exam.
Our online exams are conducted as Remote Invigilation (RI) Exams. Please review the resources below to ensure you are fully prepared:
- What to expect before and during an RI Exam
- RI Exam Checklist for Students
- Common Causes of RI Exam Re-sits
The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake assessment is a closed-book exam lasting 60 minutes and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.
Grading:
- Pass: 55% – 69%
- Pass with Merit: 70% – 84%
- Pass with Distinction: 85% or more
Exam Retake:
If you need to retake the exam, the retake fee is $200. To schedule, please email info@sakeschoolofamerica.com.
What’s Covered
- How to describe and assess the quality of sake using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake ® (SAT)
- The ingredients used to make sake
- Covers both mandatory and optional ingredients, including the key rice varieties used in sake production.
- Processing the raw materials
- Explores how steamed white rice and kōji (a type of fungus used for fermentation) are produced, and how different sake styles require varying rice polishing ratios and kōji techniques.
- How sake is made
- Examines the core production methods, from fermentation starter through dilution and packaging, and how these choices influence different sake styles.
- Common labelling terms
- Includes an introduction to essential terminology and how key terms are written in Japanese.
Prerequisites
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
Important Notices
- Participants must be 21 years of age or older to enroll and take the exam.
- Registration will close when the course reaches capacity, or the enrollment deadline (August 2nd for Hard Copy Textbook | August 16th for Digital Copy textbook) has passed. Late registrations may be subject to additional textbook rush-shipping fees.
Refunds / Cancellation Policy
- If a student cancels before tasting samples are shipped, a full refund will be issued.
- Cancellations made after samples have shipped are non-refundable; however, the course fee may be applied to a future class.
Instructor: Atsuko Glick
Atsuko holds numerous certifications across sake, wine, and spirits, including:
- Master Sake Sommelier, Sake Service Institute
- Sake Sommelier (Kikisake-shi), Sake Service Institute
- Shochu Sommelier (Shochu Kikisake-shi), Sake Service Institute
- Certified WSET L1 and L3 Award in Sake Educator, Wine & Spirit Education Trust
- Certified WSET L1 Award in Spirits, Wine & Spirit Education Trust
- Certified WSET L2 Award in Wine, Wine & Spirit Education Trust
- International Sake Lecturer, Sake Service Institute International
- International Sake Sommelier (Kikisake-shi), Sake Service Institute International
- Sake Adviser, Sake School of America
- Shochu Adviser, Sake School of America
- Certified Sake Professional, Sake Education Council
- Beverage Specialist Certificate, Society of Wine Educators
Atsuko Glick is a Japanese native who found herself in California teaching others how to bake bread and brew kombucha. Her love for fermentation led her to the world of alcohol. She enjoys every single step of the fermentation process. Being able to see one thing transform into another is a truly magical thing to Atsuko. Having worked in the travel industry, Atsuko learned to make the impossible possible just like the magic of fermentation.
