WSET Approved Programme Provider · Richmond, Melbourne

WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits

An advanced qualification for serious enthusiasts and trade professionals. Where real spirits knowledge begins.

✓  32 hours of teaching✓  30+ spirits tasted✓  Theory and blind tasting exam✓  Globally recognised

WSET Qualification

WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits

The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits is an advanced-level qualification for professionals and enthusiasts wishing to acquire a detailed understanding of the spirits of the world and develop the tasting skills required to accurately describe and evaluate a spirit. This qualification is intended to build on knowledge and skills gained from the Level 2 Award in Spirits.

You'll acquire a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations. Through a combination of tasting and the application of theoretical knowledge, you will learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other.

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Upcoming Level 3 Award In Spirit Courses:

Course details

About this course

The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits is the most advanced spirits qualification available in Melbourne. Delivered across multiple sessions at our Richmond location, you'll develop a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations, alongside the tasting skills required to accurately describe and evaluate a spirit with genuine professional confidence.

This is a significant step up from the Level 2 and it's designed to be. Assessment includes both a written theory paper and a blind tasting examination. Passing the Level 3 Spirits puts you in genuinely rare company, recognised globally by trade and industry as a credentialed expert in the world of spirits.

What's included

Face to face

Multiple sessions of live teaching at our Richmond location

30+ spirits tasted under structured conditions

WSET Level 3 Spirits textbook and study workbook

Course registration and exam fees

What you'll cover

The Level 3 Spirits is assessed across two units. Unit 1 focuses on theoretical understanding of production, regions and styles. Unit 2 focuses on tasting ability. Topics include:

Key factors in spirit production: raw materials, fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling

How key factors influence the principal spirits of the world

Whiskies of the world: Scotch, Irish, American, Canadian, Japanese and beyond

Brandies of the world including Cognac, Armagnac and fruit brandies

Rum and agave spirits including Tequila and Mezcal

Gin, vodka, aniseed spirits, fruit spirits and liqueurs

How to apply knowledge to explain spirit style and quality

Blind tasting using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits

Certification and exam

Both units are examined in person on the same day with a short break between papers. A pass mark of 55% is required across all three components:

Multiple choice paper (50 questions) Pass mark 55%
Short written answer paper (4 questions) Pass mark 55%
Blind tasting examination (2 spirits) Pass mark 55%

Successful candidates receive a WSET Level 3 Spirits certificate and lapel pin. The qualification is recognised globally in the spirits, hospitality and bar industries.

Exam resit fees

Full exam resit $345
Theory only resit $250
Tasting only resit $95
Non-attendance of registered exam $100

Booking and cancellations

Bookings are not secured until full payment is received and the enrolment form is completed and returned. Course bookings close 15 working days prior to the start date.

Cancellations are refundable up to 20 working days before the course start date, less a $75 administration fee and the cost of any study materials supplied. Materials must be returned unopened for a refund to be issued.

If Melbourne Wine School cancels a course, affected students will be offered a place on an alternative date or a full refund. Students have up to 12 months to attend a rescheduled course before their fees are forfeited.

Entry requirements

All attendees must be at least 18 years of age. WSET Level 2 Spirits certification is not required to take the Level 3, however it is strongly recommended.

Policies

Zero tolerance

Melbourne Wine School has a zero-tolerance policy for threatening behaviour or acts of aggression and violence, physical or verbal, towards any member of our staff. Any violation will result in removal from the course without refund.

Illness

If you are unwell on the day of your course, a doctor's certificate is required. Without one, standard non-attendance fees apply and full course fees must be paid to re-enrol.