As a gin producer, I’ve always been deeply involved in the world of spirits - understanding their production, exploring flavors, and creating something truly unique. However, when I decided to pursue the WSET Spirits certifications, I realized that even with my background, I needed a structured approach to not just pass but ace these exams. I’m proud to share that I achieved 100% scores on both the Level 1 and Level 2 exams, and now I want to help others do the same.
In this post, I’ve outlined the key strategies I used to prepare and study tips to master the material, and I’ll even share tutorial notes on the basic concepts you’ll need to understand. My goal is to simplify the process so that you can confidently approach these exams and succeed - whether you want to pass or aim for perfection!
Why I Took the WSET Spirits Certifications
Even as someone working in the industry, I saw the WSET Spirits qualifications as an opportunity to formalize my knowledge and broaden my understanding beyond gin to other spirits. The structured curriculum and globally recognized certification would not only enhance my professional credibility but also give me a deeper appreciation for spirits production and tasting.
I also wanted to challenge myself to excel - not just to pass but to truly master the material. Scoring 100% wasn’t just a goal; it became a reflection of my commitment to the craft. And now, I’m eager to share what I’ve learned with you.
The Keys to Acing the WSET Spirits Exams
To achieve top scores, I focused on three main areas:
1. Mastering the Core Concepts: Before diving into the finer details, it’s essential to truly understand the basics, for examples:
- Spirits Production: The steps involved in creating spirits, from raw material processing to fermentation to distillation and post-distillation.
- The Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT): Learning to objectively evaluate spirits based on appearance, nose, palate, and overall quality.
- Cocktail Balance: Understanding how spirits work with other ingredients to create harmony in cocktails (this is particularly relevant for Level 2).
If you’re new to these concepts, don’t worry - I’ll be sharing blogs and YouTubes on these basics so you can build a strong foundation. Once you understand the core principles, everything else (like memorizing details) becomes much easier.
2. Systematically Memorizing Details: After mastering the basics, the next step is to focus on the details that differentiate one type of spirit from another. For example:
- For Level 1, focus on the key differences between major spirits categories (e.g. producing whisky using grains, rum using sugar canes, tequila using agaves, re-distillation or maceration for gin).
- For Level 2, dive deeper into specific styles, sub-regions, and production laws (e.g. oak maturation vs inert vessel, Scotch whisky labelling terms, different Rum regions).
Memorizing these details can feel overwhelming, but I used several strategies to make it manageable:
- Comparison Tables: Organize key facts (e.g., raw materials, distillation methods, regions, flavor profiles) into visual charts.
- Flashcards: Write down technical details, such as ABV ranges or production requirements, and review them daily.
-
Focus on What’s Tested: You don’t need to memorize every single detail to pass, but knowing more will help you aim for perfection.
For example, I developed this table to help me remember the types of raw materials for different spirits more systematically.
3. Practice Tests
Practice tests were a game-changer for me. They helped me:
- Familiarize myself with the exam format and question style.
- Identify areas where I needed to improve.
- Gain confidence for exam day.
However, I noticed there aren’t many mock tests available for the WSET Spirits exams. To help other students, I decided to create multiple sets of practice tests for both Levels 1 and 2, which I’ll be sharing with you. These tests are designed to closely simulate the real exam and challenge your understanding.
How Much Time Do You Need to Prepare?
The time required to prepare depends on your starting point and familiarity with spirits. Here’s my recommended timeline based on my own experience:
-
Level 1: If you are a new beginner to spirits, you’ll likely need 5-6 days of focused preparation for the exam. This includes understanding the basic key concepts, reviewing the study guide, memorizing key differences between spirits, and doing practice questions.
-
Level 2: For this level, the material is more detailed, so another 1 week preparation will be needed, in addition to the existing knowledge from Level 1. Most of this time went toward:
- Learning the technical details (e.g., sub-regions, production laws, and tasting nuances).
- Practicing the SAT for more complex spirits.
- Completing as many practice tests as possible.
No worries! With our study notes, videos, and practice tests, you’ll significantly save time and be able to focus on what’s most important for the exams. These resources are designed to streamline your learning and help you prepare more effectively! =)
Final Tips to Ace Your WSET Spirits Exams
-
Understand the Basics First
- Don’t rush into memorizing details without first understanding the core concepts. Once the basics are clear, everything else will fall into place.
-
Practice Tasting
- The SAT is a key part of the WSET Spirits program, so practice tasting a wide range of spirits. Take detailed notes and focus on consistency.
-
Do as Many Practice Tests as Possible
- Practice tests are the best way to prepare. Use resources from your school, online references, or the practice tests I’ve developed. -
Stay Consistent
- Study regularly, even if only for an hour a day. Consistency is better than cramming, and it allows you to absorb the material more effectively.
Conclusion
Scoring 100% on the WSET Spirits Level 1 and 2 exams was a rewarding experience, even as someone with a background in spirits production. By focusing on understanding the core concepts, memorizing details systematically, and practicing with mock exams, I was able to approach the exams with confidence - and you can too!
If you’re preparing for the WSET Spirits exams, I hope these tips and resources will help you succeed. Don’t forget to check out my tutorial notes and practice tests - I created them specifically for students like you.
If you want to receive our latest study blogs and practice tests, please SUBSCRIBE by filling in the subscription form below. Stay updated with more tips, resources, and tools to help you excel in your spirits journey!