WSET Approved Programme Provider · Richmond, Melbourne

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

The starting point for anyone serious about spirits. One day, guided tasting across the world's major spirit categories.

✓  1 day✓  Spirits tasted throughout✓  No prior knowledge needed✓  Globally recognised
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

WSET Qualification

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

The WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to understand what's actually in their glass. In a single day at our Richmond location, you'll explore the major spirit categories through guided tasting — whisky, gin, rum, vodka, brandy and more — and finish with a globally recognised qualification.

No prior knowledge needed and no background in spirits is required. Just curiosity and a willingness to taste and learn. Whether you work in hospitality, tend bar, or simply want to understand what you're drinking — this is where to start.

View course dates →

Upcoming Level 1 Award In Spirit Courses:

1 2

Course details

About this course

The WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits is a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits — whisky, gin, rum, vodka, brandy and more. In a single session at our Richmond location, you'll explore the main categories through sight, smell and taste, and develop a practical understanding of how production shapes what ends up in your glass.

Ideal for anyone starting a career in hospitality, working behind a bar, or simply wanting to understand spirits beyond the label. No prior knowledge required.

What's included

Face to face

1 day of live teaching at our Richmond location

Spirit samples tasted throughout the day

WSET Level 1 Spirits study workbook

Course registration and exam fees

What you'll cover

The Level 1 introduces the major spirit categories and the production processes behind them. Topics include:

How spirits are made — fermentation, distillation and maturation

The major spirit categories: whisky, gin, rum, vodka, brandy and more

How to identify aromas and flavours through structured tasting

How production decisions affect flavour and style

Responsible service and storage of spirits

Cocktail categories and basic mixing principles

Do I need prior knowledge?

None required. The Level 1 is a beginner course — all you need is curiosity and a willingness to taste.

Certification and exam

The WSET Level 1 Spirits assessment is a closed-book, multiple choice exam taken at the end of the course. A pass mark of 70% is required.

Successful candidates receive a WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits certificate and lapel pin, recognised globally in the drinks and hospitality industry.

Entry requirements

All attendees must be at least 18 years of age. No prior knowledge or qualifications required.

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.