WSET Level 1 in SPIRITS Course
Build a strong foundation in spirits in this introductory course ideal for both drinks professionals and spirits and cocktail enthusiasts. In WSET Level 1 in Spirits, you’ll explore key spirits categories to understand the role of base ingredients, distilling methods, and aging in shaping spirits’ quality and character. All learning is underscored with professional evaluative spirit tasting, service, and cocktail making.
WSET Level 1 in SPIRITS Course IN-person
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SEATTLE, WA
Date: October 4, 2026
Location: Aerlume, Seattle, WAPORTLAND, OR
Date: TBA, November, 2026
Location: The Wine & Spirit Archive, Portland, OR -
This course is ideal for the spirits and cocktail enthusiast and new drinks professional seeking a structured path to learn about spirits in a warm and engaging classroom.
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Wine and Drinks Academy brings over 20 years of WSET expertise into the classroom, combining trusted teaching methods with a fun, dynamic environment that keeps you motivated and actively involved throughout your spirits studies. You’ll learn a ton and have a wonderful time doing so!
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Your registration includes your course workbook, An Introduction to Spirits, which is shipped to you prior to class as well as your certification exam, WSET Level 1 in Spirits Certificate and Badge, and guided tasting of 10 benchmark spirits.
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In this one-day, comprehensive spirits course, you’ll build a strong understanding of how key categories – brandy, whisky, vodka, rum, tequila and gin – are made, covering raw materials, distillation methods, and maturation.
Through guided tastings, you’ll develop essentials skills to describe aromas and flavors, define structural components, identify quality, and how to serve spirits professionally.
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From distillers to bartenders to journalists, our WSET Level 1 in Spirits educators are leaders in the PNW spirits and cocktail community. They are experts in their field and in the classroom their deep enthusiasm brings the learning to life.
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The 45-minute, closed book exam is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions and is taken at the end of class. Students who score 70% or higher are awarded the WSET Level 1 in Spirits Certificate and Badge.
WSET Level 1 in SPIRITS Course ONLINE
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Register early! Registration closes 9 days before the course start date.
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Studying WET Level 1 in Spirits online is perfect for you if you’re seeking a flexible, accessible introduction to the world of spirits and cocktails that fits your schedule. You’ll build foundational spirits knowledge at your own pace as you work through interactive learning exercises with the support of your WSET Tutor.
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This online, self-directed course gives you the flexibility to study on your own schedule. Over four weeks, you’ll work through seven engaging modules featuring interactive activities, tastings, and knowledge checks—no set login times required. With guidance from an Online Tutor throughout the course and continued access to materials for a full year, you can learn, review, and build confidence at your own pace.
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Your course tuition includes your exam fee, WSET Level 1 in Wine Certificate and Badge, and your downloadable course book: An Introduction to Spirits.
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You’ll gain a clear, confident introduction to the world of spirits as you explore learning across 7 modules:
What are spirits and how are they made?
Cognac, Vodka, and an introduction to tasting
Whisk(e)y
Rum and Tequila
Flavored spirits and aromatized wines
Mixing with spirits
Exam review
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to describe and compare major spirits styles and navigate spirits with greater knowledge and confidence.
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Yes! Tasting is an important part of the WSET Level 1 in Spirits Online Course and you will use tasting to enrich your understanding of spirits categories and also to build your evaluative tasting skills. A list of recommended spirits samples will be provided at the start of your course.
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The exam is 45 minutes in length and includes 30 multiple-choice questions taken online under exam conditions, with no reference to your course materials. Exams are offered the 1st Sunday of every month (or by appointment) and must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance.
A score of 70% or higher is required to achieve a Pass.