WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), the global leader in drinks education, has launched an updated version of its most advanced Level 3 Award in Spirits qualification, reinforcing its commitment to delivering rigorous, globally relevant qualifications to drinks professionals.
The update comes as WSET marks a major milestone: more than 100,000 students worldwide have now taken a WSET Spirits course since the qualification category launched in 2003.
The revised Level 3 Award in Spirits course responds to the growing demand for structured, brand-neutral spirits education and the evolving needs of professionals working at a high-level across the global drinks industry – including brand ambassadors, bar managers, spirits educators, distillers and retail buyers.
Updates to the course include deeper production knowledge, refined tasting skills and greater accessibility, with clearer assessment preparation and more inclusive learning resources.
Rob McCaughey, Head of Business Development – Spirits at WSET, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how our qualifications can truly change people’s lives and careers. We really are the connective tissue of the industry, working with everybody, yet for nobody. That impartiality, alongside our globally respected Systematic Approach to Tasting, is fundamental to our success.”
Alongside theory refinements, the Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) has been simplified, with clearer language and a more structured way to evaluate spirits quality. Educators are also encouraged to use regionally relevant descriptors while preserving consistency in assessment.
Kyra Elton, Brand Ambassador at Heaven Hill, UK, said: “It almost feels a bit like cheating, having so much knowledge about how spirits are made. In my advocacy role, it’s like having a superpower – being able to answer difficult questions on spirits production with confidence. On top of the theory, when I started working as a distiller, the practicality of Level 3 tasting skills allowed me to trust my palate and communicate tasting in a technical way.”
Gavin Shaw, Head Distiller at Hillmartin Distillery, Australia, said: “The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits nailed it with a format that includes an extremely detailed study textbook, online support and five days in person. I’m now buying spirits that I would never have considered in the past. I regularly recommend the course to others in the distilling industry.”
Sky Huo, Brand Ambassador at Nikka Whisky, Hong Kong, said: “WSET Level 3 Awards in Spirits offers industry professionals and connoisseurs a global perspective and structural depth on both theory and tasting. It provides a shared international spirits language for everyone to communicate on a non-biased platform regarding spirits style and quality.”
James Eastmond, Level 3 Award in Spirits graduate, UK, said: “I found the Level 3 Spirits course captivating, especially learning how production stages like distillation style, fermentation time and base product processing affect the final result. It’s changed the way I approach spirits – both in work and in my everyday life.”
You can read more about James Eastmond, 2025 WSET Develop Prize winner, presented in collaboration with The Drinks Trust, on the WSET blog.
The newly revised course is being rolled out through WSET’s global network of course providers, with both in-person and online study options now available to book.
The course is also available at WSET School London, WSET’s flagship teaching centre.
For more information about the revised qualification or to find a local provider, visit wsetglobal.com.