Tasting Information

As you work through this course, we recommend that you taste a range of spirits using WSET's Systematic Approach to Tasting®. Although tasting is not examinable at Level 2, it will help you put theory into practice - and it is enjoyable! There are tasting exercises throughout this course to guide you. For these, you will need to purchase samples of the following spirits:

  • Cognac or Armagnac
  • Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey
  • Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Colourless rum
  • Oak-aged high-quality rum
  • Tequila (preferably 100% agave) blanco or reposado
  • Neutral, big-brand vodka
  • Characterful vodka
  • London Dry Gin
  • Aniseed-flavoured spirit and/or bitter

Should you need guidance in purchasing these samples, ask your educator or course provider. Alternatively, take the list to your local, reputable liquor store for advice. Note that your course provider may provide virtual or in-person tasting sessions as part of your course. This is their choice and they will contact you if this is the case.

For the tasting exercises in this course, you will also need to use the following documents:

DOCUMENTS NOT SUPPLIED IN DEMO

Spirit Study Samples – WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits Tasting Set (UK only)

The Spirit Study has created a purpose-built 10 x 30ml spirits tasting set for WSET’s Level 1 Award in Spirits, working with input from WSET Certified Educators.

Each sample aligns to a practical requirement of the Level 1 course, so are an excellent way to get to grips with the tasting element without paying for full-size bottles yourselves (Note: It is recommended an additional cognac is sampled in addition to the VSOP cognac included in the Spirit Study sets).

Although these kits pertain to the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits, they can be used to support some of the Level 2 tastings. To purchase, please visit the Spirit Study website at www.thespiritstudy.comLinks to an external site..

Please note Spirit Study is currently UK shipping only, but are hoping to expand to international shipping in the near future.

WSET L1 Set - 3.jpg


Vinovae Samples

A French company called Vinovae has developed technology to re-bottle wines and spirits in 2cL and 5cL miniatures. Under their E-tasting brand, they have developed packs of miniatures to meet the needs of students studying the WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wines, and the WSET Level 1 and 2 Awards in Spirits. The wines and spirits in each pack cover the recommended samples for each qualification (with the exception of sparkling wines) and provide an affordable and convenient way of tasting a wide range of representative styles.

For more details and to purchase these sample packs, please visit the e-tasting website, www.e-tasting.com Links to an external site..

Please note that after a successful launch in Europe, sample kits are now available in the USA for wine courses. Kits are composed of 50 ml wine samples from around the world and allow students to get ready for their exams (10 wines in Level 1, 40 in Level 2 and 64 in Level 3). Samples can be delivered in more than 40 States in only few days. If you are based in the USA, please visit: www.usa.e-tasting.com Links to an external site.