WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits Exam: A GuideUpdated 2 months ago
Introduction
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Spirits Exam is a significant step up for those deepening their wine knowledge. This guide aims to provide essential information for candidates preparing for this advanced-level exam.
Exam Overview and Format
The WSET Level 3 Award in Wine Exam is more comprehensive and challenging than its predecessors, consisting of two main parts:
Level 3 Spirits Exam Structure
1. Tasting Exam
- A blind tasting of two examinable spirits.
- Focus: Describe accurately and defend the quality level, not just name the spirit.
Examinable Spirits (12 total):
- Scotch Whisky: Blended & Single Malt
- American Whiskey: Bourbon & Rye
- Brandy: Cognac & Armagnac
- Agave Spirits: Tequila & Mezcal
- Sugarcane Spirits: Molasses-based & Sugarcane-based
- Gin: Juniper-forward & Contemporary
Note: Baijiu, Sochu, and Soju are not examinable for tasting due to limited availability.
2. Theory Exam
- 50 multiple-choice questions covering all content, including Asian spirits.
- Short-answer section:
Expect to state facts, explain production decisions, and describe key concepts in detail.
Exam Venue
- In-Person Only: Unlike the Level 1 and Level 2 exams, the Level 3 exam can only be taken in person.
Preparation Tips
- Review the Level 3 Specification Guide—identify weak spots.
- For me, Asian spirits were unfamiliar, so I used extra resources to prepare beforehand.
- Revisit your Level 2 notes for a refresh.
- Stick to the textbook during the course. External resources can overwhelm and distract.