IWEG’s office will close for the holidays on December 15th, and will reopen on January 2nd, 2024. You can register and pay for courses throughout the holidays here, where IWEG is always open.

We wish everyone in the IWEG community a safe and peaceful holiday, and look forward to welcoming you in 2024.

To help you achieve your 2024 goals, IWEG is offering a special promotion of early bird rates for the first 50 new registrants for 2024 WSET and Wine Scholar Guild courses!

Use the code early24 at checkout to receive 10 per cent off eligible courses! This special offer is effective December 7th and will run until January 2nd. The promotion is not retroactive to existing registrations prior to this date.

WSET Diploma in-class and online courses are not included in this offer.

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits Online

Image of a close up row of a glasses with brown liquor. Logo that says WSET Wine & Spirit Education Trust and text that says WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits - Online.

All WSET textbooks and study guides are in an eBook format.

Online

IWEG offers online WSET courses through WSET’s Online Classroom, which allows you to study alongside your peers under the guidance of a dedicated educator. This course is based around a 4-week structured online program. The course follows a weekly structure, but you can work ahead or catch up on the activities and forums. The course material should take about six hours in total to complete, plus revision time. There are no set times to log into the course as there are no live chats or webinars. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study. You may contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course. Each week includes a series of independent and/or group activities to help students understand the differences between spirit types and styles. You are advised to taste a range of spirits during your studies though it is not mandatory for this course. All the required spirits for the course can be found in the recommended tasting samples for this course section online. Any additional spirits can be found in the specification. Please note that it is your responsibility to source these spirit samples and the cost of these is not included in the tuition fee.

Course details

This beginner level spirits course is for those starting a career in the industry or enthusiasts exploring spirits and cocktails for personal interest. You will build your confidence when making a cocktail, reading a drinks list or stocking up your bar.

Prerequisite: None

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits provides a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits and cocktails. You’ll explore the main types and styles of spirits through sight, smell, and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas.

This 6-hour course provides a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits, liqueurs and cocktails.

You'll learn:

  • The main types and styles of spirits
  • The basic principles of spirits production
  • How to serve spirits and cocktails
  • Factors affecting the flavour of spirits
  • How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)

Upon successful completion of a 30-question multiple-choice exam you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.

All WSET textbooks and study guides are in an eBook format.

View the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits specification for more information about the course.

Upcoming courses

Monday, January 8th - Sunday, February 4th. Online examination through a remote invigilation service: exam date to be agreed with program administrator after enrollment. Course code: O1SP2403APP. Course fee payment due Friday, December 15th at noon.

Monday, March 4th - Sunday, March 31st. Online examination through a remote invigilation service: exam date to be agreed with program administrator after enrollment. Course code: O1P2403APP. Course fee payment due Friday, February 23rd at noon.