WSET in Spirits

From gin and whisky to rum, tequila and everything in between, our WSET Spirits courses take you behind the bar and into the world of production, tasting and service. Whether you work in hospitality or simply want to deepen your knowledge, this is where you start.

About Spirits

Spirits are distilled alcoholic beverages made from a wide range of raw materials, including grapes, grain, sugarcane and agave. Categories such as whisky, rum, gin, vodka, tequila, brandy and liqueurs each have their own production methods and defining characteristics, resulting in an enormous diversity of styles and flavours.

At Amsterdam Wine Academy, our WSET Spirits courses are taught by Misja Vorstermans and Fjalar Goud, two experienced spirits educators who bring both deep product knowledge and a genuine passion for bartending and hospitality to the classroom.

Who is the WSET Spirits course for?

You don’t need to be a bartender to enjoy spirits, but a little knowledge makes every glass more interesting. Discover how a single malt can pair beautifully with chocolate, or how the botanicals in a gin can transform a simple cocktail. Do you shake or stir for a living? Then this course sharpens the product knowledge behind your craft, from production to flavour to what belongs behind your bar.

Why take a WSET Spirits course?

Spirits are everywhere, from the after-dinner drink to the cocktail menu, but how much do you really know about what's in your glass? That knowledge is a valuable and often underdeveloped skill, even within hospitality.
A WSET qualification gives you an internationally recognized credential you can use anywhere in the industry.
You will learn to confidently select, describe, recommend and mix spirits, whether for yourself, your guests or your customers.
Looking for a new taste experience beyond wine or beer? Learning to taste and understand spirits changes the way you enjoy a drink.
Understanding production methods helps you make better choices, whether that's behind the bar, in retail, building a cocktail menu, or choosing a great bottle as a gift.
Learn from Misja Vorstermans and Fjalar Goud, two award-winning bartenders at the very top of the Dutch cocktail scene.

WSET Spirits Courses in Amsterdam

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

315,- (Exempt from VAT) Including: study material, spirits to taste, exam and lunch
1 day (class + exam)
English spoken
WSET certified educators: Misja Vorstermans, Fjalar Goud
Beginner level, no prior education necessary

This one-day course offers a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits. Using the proven WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®, you will learn to look, smell and taste your way through the most important types and styles of spirits.

During the day we cover the basic principles of spirit production and explore the main categories: gin, vodka, whisky, rum, brandy, tequila and liqueurs. You will taste 10 spirits using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® and learn how to describe what you smell and taste.

The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. A minimum of 21 correct answers is required to pass. If necessary, it is possible to retake the exam during one of our scheduled resit moments.

For more information: Download the specification from WSET (PDF).

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

695,- (Exempt from VAT) Including: study material, spirits to taste, exam and lunch
3 days (class + exam)
4 to 6 hours of self-study recommended.
English spoken
WSET certified educators: Misja Vorstermans, Fjalar Goud
Intermediate level, no prior education necessary

This intensive three-day course takes you deep into the world of spirits, including the exam on day 3. You will explore a wide range of spirit categories in depth, tasting more than 50 spirits using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits®.

The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits gives you a structured overview of the world of spirits and goes a step further than Level 1. During the three days we cover the fundamental production methods and principal raw materials, and explore all major categories: fruit spirits (Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Grappa, Pisco), whisky (Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Japanese and more), sugarcane spirits (rum, cachaça, rhum agricole), agave spirits (tequila, mezcal), flavoured spirits, gin, liqueurs and bitters. We also discuss how production decisions influence the style and flavour of a spirit.

During the course you will taste more than 50 spirits and work with the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits®. This helps you to analyse spirits and connect the theory from the study book with what you experience in the glass. We recommend 4 to 6 hours of self-study at home alongside the course.

The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. A minimum of 55% is required to pass. If necessary, it is possible to retake the exam during one of our scheduled resit moments.

For more information: Download the specification from WSET (PDF).

WSET Level 1 or WSET Level 2?

It is not necessary to take WSET Level 1 before enrolling in WSET Level 2. If you are completely new to spirits, Level 1 offers a solid one-day introduction. If you already have some basic knowledge or want to dive deeper into production, categories and tasting, WSET Level 2 is a great place to start. In doubt? Call us or send an email!