Professional Certificate in Spirits - WSET Level 2

	Overview

This program is designed to give a comprehensive level of focused product knowledge on spirits & liqueurs to those working in the hospitality, retail & agency sectors. The factors that affect the character and quality of spirits are explored and during this program, students will study production methods, the importance of branding & the spirits marketplace .The service and storage of spirits is covered from both a professional and non-professional perspective as are the health issues relating to spirit consumption. Each class is enhanced with a tasting that includes the benchmark spirits discussed in the lecture.

This program is offered in conjunction with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Students will have the option to sit the Level 2 WSET exam at the end of the course.

	Curriculum

Course Length: 7 weeks

Contact Hours: 21

Course Competencies:
This course is designed to give the student upon successful completion:

• An understanding of the major spirit categories of the world, their production methods and significant brands
• The ability to describe the characteristics of the principal international spirits & liqueurs and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and value.
• The product knowledge required to underpin job skills required for advising customers in the hospitality and retail sectors.
• A basic understanding of the world & local markets for spirits & liqueurs
• Ability to use the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting to gain an appreciation of the style & quality of spirits & liqueurs
• Knowledge on the correct storage and service of spirits & liqueurs

Course Prerequisites: None

Textbooks: Textbook and study guides are provided

Material and Supplies: 6 ISO Tasting glasses, tasting sheets, pen, pencils, and paper.

Student Evaluation: The final examination consists of one 50 question multiple choice paper & one written tasting note

Instructor Availability Outside of Class: No

Weekly Outline:

Week 1 – Methods of production, the market & tasting technique

• Spirit categories & raw materials
• Distillation & maturation of spirits
• The global & local market for spirits
• Service of spirits & liqueurs
• Spirit tasting technique

Week 2 – Brandies

• Principle characteristics of the major grape spirits of the world
• Production methods
• Major brands & the market
• Tasting of key spirits

Week 3 – Whiskies

• Principle characteristics of the major whiskies of the world
• Production methods
• Major brands & the market
• Tasting of key spirits

Week 4 – Vodka & Other Fruit Spirits

• Principle characteristics of vodka & fruit spirits
• Production methods
• Major brands & the market
• Tasting of key spirits

Week 5 – Rum & Tequila

• Principle characteristics of rum & Tequila
• Production methods
• Major brands & the market
• Tasting of key spirits

Week 6 – Flavoured Spirits & Liqueurs

• Principle characteristics of flavoured spirits & liqueurs
• Production methods
• Major brands & the market
• Tasting of key spirits

Week 7 – Exam

	Tuition + Fees

Click here for more information.

	Faculty

Click here to view a complete list of faculty members.

	Student Portfolios

Click here to view student portfolios.

	Student Testimonials

Click here to view student testimonials.