Earn your Level 1 Award in Spirits from WSET

This is an in-person class! The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has been offering training in wine and spirits now for over 50 years. 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? The WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits answers those most basic questions.

Bartenders should understand where in the world each spirit comes from, plus what each of the spirits they pour is made from. WSET has recently made spirits now a dedicated certification learning track for those interested in distilled products.

Learn About Spirits at Fine Art Bartending

Fine Art Bartending is proud to be one of WSET’s Approved Programme Providers for offering their Level 1 Award in Spirits. For more than 50 years, the Wine and Spirits Education Trust has been certifying individuals worldwide in wine, spirits and sake. At Fine Art, we are excited to teach this interactive class in essential spirits training for anyone looking for additional spirits knowledge. There is a lot of learn, so we split the class into TWO 4-hour in person classes.

This first level class starts with the key steps in creating a spirit. We teach the different still types and the role that aging and adding sweetness play in creating the final bottled product. Alcohol is very easy to make, it’s difficult to make well though. Handling and storing requires care and attention to craft the spirits we know and love. Come spend a bit of time and learn those essentials of spirit production.

The class then progresses to understanding the principal categories of spirits. Discuss key flavour characteristics and the raw materials utilized in creating the alcohol. Learn about essential labelling terms found on bottles. Answer questions about aging of spirits by noting key wording. Taste different spirits! We have 12 different tasting samples to illustrate the typical characteristics of each spirit and liqueurs. Coaching in how to properly taste 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

We wrap up the learning portion with some tips for proper storage of spirits. As an added bonus, as a bartending school we demonstrate 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 2 weeks in advance of the class start date so that participants can be properly registered with WSET and exams can be sent from the UK to us in Vancouver. Late registrations will be subject to a late fee, as London requires time for student processing.

A TWO-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. This is a straightforward and interactive class. Taste 12 different samples of spirits in Vancouver’s favourite bartending school. Achieve more than 70% on that test and you will earn the worldwide recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits along with the WSET lapel pin!

We hold all our classes at our downtown Vancouver location on Pender between Richards and Homer. Jump on the Skytrain, then walk a few minutes from Waterfront station to 432 W Pender. Come join us for a few tasting samples including some fine cognacs, and learn all about spirits.

Register Today