This course is great as an introduction to spirits, whether for your career or if you’re just interested

  • There are no entry requirements or previous experience necessary to take the course
  • It can be completed in as little as 1 day
  • Suitable for enthusiasts & those starting out their career in hospitality, catering or retail
  • You’ll learn about the main types and styles of spirits, how to serve them and you’ll become familiar with the factors that influence both taste and smell
  • The spirits studied on the course include Vodka, Cognac, Whisky, Bourbon, Rum and Tequila
  • Choose from an in-person course or an online course
  • Find out what you’ll be studying on the course specification here

Who is This Course for?

This is an entry level course giving you a basic grasp of distilling, and the main spirits categories (Cognac, whisk(e)y, Tequila, vodka, gin, liqueurs & vermouth)- as well as basic principles of cocktail making, proper storage and service.

It is useful for those working in or looking to work for restaurants, gastropubs, bars, wine merchants or licenced wholesalers or retailers selling a range of spirits. It can also be helpful for younger people looking to start out their careers in the industry.

It’s also suitable for those looking to learn a bit more about spirits in a structured way, so they can enhance their enjoyment and appreciation. This makes a great present for the spirits enthusiast in your life too.

Additional Information

You don’t need any prior knowledge of spirits (you do need to be over 18 as there’s tasting involved) and we provide you with extra support in the form of our exclusive study guides. These are free to Northern Wine School students and have been developed to really help you with your studies.

The classroom course ends in a paper based exam in Manchester or Liverpool (if studying online or self-study options, the exam takes place online). It is a 30 question multiple-choice exam and you must score 70% or above to pass. Those who pass will get a certificate and lapel pin. 

For more details about the course & exam, click here.

Purchasing one of our courses as a gift? They’ll love you forever! Please make sure you let us know their details after purchase (first & last names, date of birth & email address). They will need to be registered to take the exam at the end. They won’t be sent anything until a couple of weeks before the course, so the surprise won’t be spoiled - don’t worry!

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits Courses

Classroom Course

This is a really fun day-long course in central Manchester or Liverpool and is run by a WSET Certified Spirits Educator (with a 100% pass rate). You will be given the WSET Level 1 Study Book containing everything you need to know and we supply the spirits samples that you will be tasting.

You’ll take the exam at the end of the day. And don’t forget: you have free access to our WSET Spirits 1 study guides so you can learn and practice before the day.

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits | Manchester
From £245.00

Location: 113 Portland Street, Manchester
Duration: 1 day
Next course: January 27, 2025
Time: 10:00am-5:30pm

  • Student Level 1 workbook
  • 1 day’s tuition with an educator
  • 9 tasting samples
  • First attempt at WSET paper based exam
  • Certificate & pin badge on successful completion

Online Course

This is a four-week course with multiple start dates and is taught via the WSET Digital Classroom. It’s the same syllabus as the classroom course and you are given weekly activities, but you can study at your own pace. We will provide you with a list of spirits to source for the tastings.

You can download your study pack and we provide support via email and Zoom (should you wish). The course materials are available for a year after the course has ended.

You also have free access to our WSET Spirits 1 study guides so you can supplement your learning and practice questions before the exam. The exam will take place online and we will register you for a date that suits you.

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits | Online Course (Tasting Samples Not Included)
From £350.00

Location: Online classroom
Duration: 4 weeks
Next course: January 6, 2025

  • Access to 4 week guided course on WSET Online Classroom
  • PDF download student manual
  • Free access to our Level 1 Spirits study guide
  • Help and support from a certified educator
  • First attempt at online exam
  • You must source your own tasting samples
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits | Online Course (Tasting Samples Included)
From £400.00

Location: Online classroom
Duration: 4 weeks
Next course: January 6, 2025

  • Access to 4 week guided course on WSET Online Classroom
  • PDF download student manual
  • Free access to our Level 1 Spirits study guide
  • Help and support from a certified educator
  • First attempt at online exam
  • A convenient box of 11 x 20ml recommended tasting samples sent to you from eTasting.com
WSET Level 1 & 2 exams can be taken online for online taught courses & resits. Please read the Candidate Information Document for technical requirements, or get in touch with any questions you have.