WSET Approved Programme Provider · Richmond, Melbourne

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

An intermediate qualification covering the world's major spirit categories through 40+ guided tastings. For enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

✓  14 hours of teaching✓  40+ spirits tasted✓  No Level 1 required✓  Globally recognised
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

WSET Qualification

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is a comprehensive introduction to the world's major spirit categories, including whisky, gin, rum, brandy, Tequila and more. Across 14 hours of teaching you'll taste over 40 spirits and develop a confident, structured approach to evaluating what's in your glass using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting.

No Level 1 required. The course is suitable for hospitality professionals, spirits enthusiasts and anyone who wants to understand what separates a great spirit from an average one.

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Upcoming Level 2 Award In Spirit Courses:

Course details

About this course

The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is a comprehensive exploration of the world's major spirit categories and aromatised wines. You'll develop a thorough understanding of how each spirit is made, how production shapes style and quality, and how to evaluate them using a structured tasting approach. Taught at our Richmond location, this is the most detailed spirits course we offer in person.

Suitable for hospitality professionals, bartenders, enthusiasts and anyone who wants to move beyond casual drinking into genuine understanding. No Level 1 required.

What's included

Face to face

Live teaching across multiple sessions at our Richmond location

Spirit samples tasted throughout all sessions

WSET Level 2 Spirits textbook and study workbook

Course registration and exam fees

What you'll cover

The Level 2 covers the full breadth of the spirits world with tasting throughout. Topics include:

Whisky — Scotch, Irish, American, Japanese and beyond

Gin — production styles and the botanicals that define flavour

Rum — agricultural, industrial and aged expressions

Brandy — Cognac, Armagnac and fruit brandies

Vodka, tequila, mezcal and other agave-based spirits

Liqueurs and aromatised wines including vermouth

How to evaluate spirits using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting

How distillation, maturation and blending affect style and quality

Do I need to complete Level 1 first?

No prior qualification is required. The Level 2 is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who have completed the Level 1 Award in Spirits.

Certification and exam

The WSET Level 2 Spirits assessment is a closed-book, 50-question multiple choice examination lasting one hour. A pass mark of 55% is required. Students who score 70–84% pass with Merit and those who score 85% or above pass with Distinction.

Successful candidates receive a WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits certificate and lapel pin, recognised globally in the drinks and hospitality industry.

Exam resit fees

In-person exam resit $195
Remote exam resit $250
Non-attendance of exam $100
Exam re-registration $195 / $250

Booking and cancellation

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. If Melbourne Wine School cancels a course, students will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Entry requirements

All attendees must be at least 18 years of age. No prior WSET qualification is 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.