WSET Level 3 Award in Sake

Image of two men with towels wrapped around their heads handling in sake rice with the logo WSET Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the text WSET Level 3 Award in Sake

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

In-class

Course details

This advanced-level course is for industry professionals as well as dedicated enthusiasts who want to develop expertise in this fascinating beverage. You’ll have a thorough understanding of production methods, the factors that account for the style, quality and price of sake as well its cultural and commercial importance in the Japanese and export markets. You'll learn how to use your tasting notes to make objective conclusions on a sake's style and quality.

Prerequisite: None, however successful completion of WSET Level 1 Award in Sake is strongly recommended or an equivalent level of sake knowledge.

This 42.25-hour course provides in-depth and detailed understanding of the production methods that affect sake style, quality and price. It develops systematic tasting and description skills, as well as the ability to make recommendations. Expect to spend 25 hours of preparation and review outside of the classroom.

You'll learn:

  • The main techniques that are used in the production of sake and how they influence style and quality
  • The principal and specialty categories of sake
  • The sake industry and the commercial importance of sake in the Japanese and export markets
  • The principles behind the storage, selection and service of sake
  • How to appreciate the historic and current cultural and commercial significance of sake in Japan and in export markets
  • How to assess and describe sake with confidence, and be able to make selection, storage and service suggestions
  • How to taste sake, describe their characteristics and evaluate their quality, using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT)

Upon successful completion of theory and blind tasting exams, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

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

View the WSET Level 3 Award in Sake specification for more information about the course.

Read our Cancellation and Refund Policy for courses and course exams.

Upcoming courses

Saturday, November 11th, Sunday, November 12th and Sunday, November 19th at 9:30am - 4:30pm. Exam on Saturday, November 25th at 9:30am at IWEG, 211 Yonge Street, Suite 501.