Earn your Level 1 Award in Spirits from WSET
What basic knowledge do you have of the different spirits?
 Do you know the minimum amount of aging a cognac requires? Is Mexico, France, Japan or the Caribbean most reputable for whisky production? Bartenders should understand where in the world each spirit comes from, plus what each of the spirits they pour is made from. The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has been offering training in wine and spirits now for over 50 years. Recently they have separated out the spirit learning track so that those interested specifically in distilled and aged products can get earn a certificate in their training program.
Learn About Spirits at Fine Art Bartending
In Vancouver, Fine Art Bartending is partnering with the Vancouver-based Statera Academy to offer the Level 1 Award in Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Statera has a seasoned group of instructors that have been teaching everything from wine to sake in the Vancouver area now for over 10 years. They are ready for your most challenging of spirits related questions.
This first level of training starts with the key steps in creating a spirit, including different still types and the role that aging and adding sweetness play in the final product. Alcohol is easy to make, but handling and storing that product of fermentation requires care and attention to craft into the bottled spirits we know and love. Spending a bit of time to reinforce those essentials is where every spirits class should start.
The class then progresses to understanding the principal categories of spirits, key flavour characteristics and the raw materials utilized in creating the alcohol. We also take a bit of time to outline some of those essential labelling terms found on bottles to make sure you know the differences other than the number of years of aging. To appreciate the difference between those different spirits, we have to do 12 different tasting samples. Coaching in how to properly taste each spirit is a skill unto itself and with a little help we can show you what you need.
Click to Sign Up for WSET Level 1 Spirits Today
Next Class FRIDAY Feb 7th 9-5PM
We wrap up the learning portion with some tips for proper storage of spirits and some essential tips for making cocktails. Glassware and some basic bar equipment must be understood to create a decent cocktail.
Certification Requires Testing
Now after spending all that time sitting and learning, we need to see how much you have retained. WSET is the certification body for this Level 1 Spirits class and they have a 30 question multiple choice test to assess your general knowledge.
We have some very strict guidelines to follow while administering the test. Students must be registered for the classes 10 business days in advance of the class start date so that exams can be sent from the UK to us in Vancouver. Late registrations can not be accepted due to the time required for student processing.
A One-Day Certification in Spirits
If you were looking for a great certification in Spirits to add to your resume, the Level 1 Award in Spirits from WSET is a great addition. A straightforward and interactive class, including 12 tasting samples of different spirits makes this one of the few classes in Vancouver where you can earn a certification while sipping on some spirits. Acheive more than 70% on that test and you will earn the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits along with the WSET pin!
Our next class will be held on FRIDAY February 7th, from 8:30AM-5PM. We hold all our classes at our downtown Vancouver location on Pender between Richards and Homer, so jump on the Skytrain. We are only a few minutes from Waterfront stations. Come join us for a few tasting samples including some fine cognacs, and learn all about spirits.