The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) was founded in 1969 to provide high quality education and training in wines and spirits. Since then, WSET has grown into the foremost international body in the field of wines and spirits education, with a suite of sought-after qualifications.
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust at a glance
The WSET exists to promote, provide and develop high quality education and training in wines, spirits and other alcoholic beverages for those already in or intending to join the trade, and enthusiastic consumers throughout the world. It aims to be the leading educational body in our field.
The WSET is a UK based educational charity. It works closely with the drinks industry, educational partners world-wide and the relevant regulatory authorities.
Credentials
The Trust, backed up by some of the most prestigious wines and spirits organizations, has got an unparalleled track record spanning over 40 years in the design and delivery of wine and spirit education.
WSET Awards is accredited as an Awarding Body by OfQual, the UK Government’s education regulator, and the qualifications form part of the UK’s National Qualifications Framework.
History
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust – WSET – was established in 1969 in the UK. It grew out of the Wine & Spirit Association’s Education Committee and was set up with the financial assistance of the Vintners’ Company.
The Trust is a registered charity and was created to promote, provide and develop high quality education and training in wines, spirits and other alcoholic liquors for those in the wine and spirit trade or intending to join it. The “trade” is defined broadly, and includes that part of the hospitality sector with an involvement with alcoholic beverages, as well as the more traditional wine and spirits wholesale and retail activities. In 1991 the Trust’s remit was extended to include education of the general public and a number of Wine Appreciation Seminars and Tutored Tastings were developed.
WSET® Level 1 Award in Sake
About the Course
The WSET Level 1 Award in Sake is a beginner level introduction to sake for those starting a career in the industry or pursuing an interest in sake.
For individuals new to the subject, this qualification offers a hands-on introduction to the world of sake. You’ll explore the main styles and types of sake through sight, smell and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this is not a barrier to successfully completing the qualification.
Assessment
Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions.
WSET® Level 3 Award in Sake
About the Course
This fascinating and diverse beverage category is as interesting and complex to study as any wine or spirit and will enhance knowledge of the world of alcoholic beverages available to consumers. Students attending this course will learn about the various production methods and their impact on style quality and price. Students will also taste a wide range of styles, many of which are rarely available outside of Japan to reinforce their learning, build their tasting skills and ability to assess Sake. This course combines classroom and online study.
What level of knowledge will I need to start this course?
There is no prior learning in the subject required to enter the programme, however, students will be required to complete a monitored online study programme which will commence two weeks before attending the classroom based element of the course. All the study materials for this course are available online.
Exam
The WSET Level 3 in Sake examination is in two parts; a blind tasting of 2 sakes and a written theory examination. Both parts require a pass grade in order to be awarded the Level 3 Award in Sake. The examination duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
