• Classes
    • Academy Classes
    • Edinburgh Whisky Academy
    • WSET L1 WINE
    • WSET L1 SPIRITS
    • WSET L1 SAKE
    • WSET L2 WINE
    • WSET L2 SPIRITS
    • WSET L3 WINE
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • FLASH CARDS FOR STUDY
    • Our Library >
      • Wine Books
      • Viti / Vini
      • SPIRITS, COCKTAILS AND BARTENDING BOOKS
      • BEER BOOKS
      • SAKE BOOKS
      • DRINKS BUSINESS, HOSPITALITY & SERVICE BOOKS
  • Academy News
  • About
    • Brian Mitchell
    • Associate Educators
    • WSET
    • Location
    • Testimonials
    • For Hire >
      • Corporate Tastings
      • Private Tastings
  • Member Portal
    • ASG
    • USBG/CT Industry
    • PRO - S&L
    • AIC
  • Contact
New England Wine Academy
  • Classes
    • Academy Classes
    • Edinburgh Whisky Academy
    • WSET L1 WINE
    • WSET L1 SPIRITS
    • WSET L1 SAKE
    • WSET L2 WINE
    • WSET L2 SPIRITS
    • WSET L3 WINE
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • FLASH CARDS FOR STUDY
    • Our Library >
      • Wine Books
      • Viti / Vini
      • SPIRITS, COCKTAILS AND BARTENDING BOOKS
      • BEER BOOKS
      • SAKE BOOKS
      • DRINKS BUSINESS, HOSPITALITY & SERVICE BOOKS
  • Academy News
  • About
    • Brian Mitchell
    • Associate Educators
    • WSET
    • Location
    • Testimonials
    • For Hire >
      • Corporate Tastings
      • Private Tastings
  • Member Portal
    • ASG
    • USBG/CT Industry
    • PRO - S&L
    • AIC
  • Contact

The academy News

How to Tackle WSET Level 3 Exam Short Answer Questions

2/21/2021

0 Comments

 
Mastering written exam questions require understanding the question, first.
For anyone taking a higher level of qualifications through WSET, you will run up against the need to write short answer questions if you are to be successful in passing. The approach to gaining the most points when answering these questions is often a little illusive for American students, as the British have a fairly specific way they like to ask, and then have answered, exam questions. Really what it means is understanding how to break down the question, and answer it correctly. Often students will read a question but not focus on the keywords in the question that should guide your answering. Words like State, Identify Explain, Describe and List all considered command verbs, and these verbs are the link to how you should approach your answer formation.

When I write an answer, the first thing I am doing is circling the command verbs and any other key words in the question that will get me the most concise answer. Many students read a question, think they know what is being asked, and then download a lot of info on the topic. This is usually not a good approach. It can waste time in the exam. It also may not touch on the key points that the examiners are looking for to award points. 

Below is an example of the type of question that may appear on a Level 3 Spirits exam, along with a written answer. See if you can figure out how this answer would score (available 10 points), and if it is a successfully written answer or where there are mistakes. I will post next week with the answer to how successful this answer was and the points awarded.


Describe how the two types of condenser used in malt whisky distilleries in Scotland work and explain how the type and/or design of the condenser can affect the style of malt whisky that is produced. (10 marks)
 
In Scotch malt whisky production, there are two types of condensers used to cool vapors back into liquid form: Shell and Tube condensers, and Worm Tube condensers.

In a typical still set-up, each of these condensers are located at the end of the Lyne Arm and take in heated vapors from the pot still at the top of their units, while a coolant, usually cold water, is input at the bottom of the unit and taken out at the top. As the vapor comes into contact with the coolant it condenses back to liquid form and flows down the unit eventually being collected via an output at the bottom. The coolant gains heat from the vapors and is collected from the top of the condenser unit.

The difference between a Shell and Tube and a Worm Tube condenser is how the vapor and the coolant each move through the unit.

In a shell and tube style condenser, the coolant is kept in a series of tubes that circulate through the cavity of the condenser, which is also known as the shell. The vapor is pushed into the cavity and comes into contact with the cool tubes, which are often made of copper. This model is generally preferred as it allows for a high level of surface contact of the vapor / distillate to come into contact with the copper tubes. This creates a more efficient system while also allow for removal of more sulfur compounds, thus producing a lighter, cleaner style whisky. While the worm tube version has a tube (worm) that the vapors are contained within, and this tube is coiled within the body of the condenser. The coolant circulates around the worm and pulls the heat from the distillate. Because there is less contact with cooper in this version, the whisky produced here is often richer and bolder in style.

​
0 Comments

END OF YEAR SALE ON WSET CLASSES

11/18/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
We are working hard here at The Academy, and we have updated all course descriptions and schedules for the remainder of the 2020 calendar year, as well as into 2021. Please refer to the "Classes" tab above for full descriptions, or click on "Shop" to go directly to the class list. We have also added options for anyone needing to resit an exam - this is for Levels 1, 2, and 3 - wine, and Level 1 or 2 in spirits. Once you book a resit then a date will be coordinated with you depending on the schedule needed.

This past week, WSET added several more options for online wine courses at Levels 1, 2, and 3. These dates have been added due to demand. Additional classes are scheduled to begin throughout the remainder of 2020, and well into 2021. Class registration deadline is generally 7 days prior to the course date.

With the year drawing to a close (thank goodness!), we are offering a number of end-of-year courses at discount. 
All Level 1 Wine courses are currently on sale with added discounts for the last few 2020 start dates getting even more aggressive. These are the ever-popular introductory course, and are designed to build a foundation for further learning.​ 
Picture
Click here to check out the Level 1 Course description and class offerings
The last Level 2 Wine course for 2020 online, is also being offered at a 10% discount off the regular low-low price. Take advantage of this one as it is a great price for this course, which is one of the most popular offered by WSET. ​
Picture
Click here to check out the L2W Dec course on sale and to enroll
And the last Level 3 Wine course is also being offered at a 10% discount from the standard price. For anyone who is looking for a more advanced level of wine education, this is an opportunity to jump into a full-on class that covers the world of wine, and is recognized globally by the industry and anyone who may be hiring for positions in the drinks trade.
Picture
Click here to check out the L3W Nov 30 course on sale and to enroll
0 Comments

Advanced Tasting Workshop Added to NEWA Schedule

9/7/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
New England Wine Academy has added an advanced Tasting Workshop to the general schedule.

This one-day class is part of the WSET Level 3 program and is for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of wine tasting at an advanced level. The workshop is designed to help WSET Level 3 candidates understand the practical side of the exam, and follows the WSET syllabus, but there are limited seats available for non-WSET candidates who wish to participate.
This option is designed for Level 3 candidates that need extra review time, maybe have taken a break from studies and need to refresh their tasting technique, for Level 2 students looking to get a jump on their Level 3 studies, and for serious wine enthusiasts considering a wine educational path with WSET. 
​
Class is typically form 9am to 3pm, and covers approximately 14 wines as well as the methodology of the WSET level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting. You will be guided by an advanced wine educator in the proper process for tasting, as well as preparing for the Level 3 exam.

If you are interested in participating in this workshop please contact bmitchell@newenglandwineacademy.com, to reserve a spot, or sign-up with the button below. Only candidates with a strong tasting back-ground and understanding of the WSET methodology should register without checking with NEWA, first.

Next session is September 27th; cost is $129, per person.

Level 3 Tasting Workshop - September 27th, 2020

0 Comments

WSET Level 3 Wine Starting April 13th - Registration Closes Today

4/6/2020

0 Comments

 
WSET Level Online Class
Monday April 6th is the last day to register for the April 13th start date for Level 3 Wine Award. Those wishing to participate in this hybrid class should click here for full details and to register for the class. The April 13 start date runs through June 14, and as of now will have an expected exam date of August 1.

The Level 3 Award in Wine is a comprehensive class that looks to devote about 90 hours of study time, and involves the review of wines from around the world.

For a complete list of class dates and description of class details, please click the link to the CLASSES page. For any questions related to this or other offerings, please email bmitchell@newenglandwineacademy.com.

0 Comments

Level 3 Award in Wine Session Added to NEWA Spring Calendar

3/24/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
New England Wine Academy has added a Level 3 Award in Wine session to the regular line-up for hybrid class offerings. This is in response to the demand for more online learning availability while everyone is basically stuck at home or slowed down for the next few weeks/months.

The Level 3 Award in Wine is a comprehensive class that looks to devote about 90 hours of study time, and involves the review of wines from around the world.

For a complete list of class dates and description of class details, please click the link to the CLASSES page. For any questions related to this or other offerings, please email bmitchell@newenglandwineacademy.com.

0 Comments

    RSS Feed

    ABOUT THE Author

    Brian Mitchell runs The New England Wine Academy, and is responsible for the content of this blog. With over 25 years of drinks industry experience, Brian has learned a few things, but everyday he is learning more. This blog helps to bring that knowledge to you.

    Archives

    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019

    Categories

    All
    Advanced Wine Tasting
    Barolo
    Brunello Di Montalcino
    Burgundy
    Cabernet Sauvignon
    California
    Carignan
    Chardonnay
    Chenin Blanc
    Cocktails
    Condiments
    Coupons
    Distillation
    Education
    Fortified Wines
    From My Cellar
    Golf
    Grenache
    Holiday Sale
    Irish Whiskey
    Italy
    Maps
    Mendocino
    Mourvedre
    Napa
    Online Learning
    Oregon Wines
    Pinot Noir
    Poppincorks
    Port
    Sabrage
    Sagrantino
    Sangiovese
    Sauvignon Blanc
    Scotch
    Semillon
    Sherry
    South Africa
    Sparkling Wine
    Survival Tips To Service
    Syrah
    Tuscany
    Umbria
    Vinification
    Virtual Courses
    Viticulture
    Whiskey
    Whiskey/Whisky
    Willamette Valley
    Wine 101
    Wine Education
    Wine & Food
    Wine Gadgets
    Wine Of The Week
    Wine Tasting
    WSET
    WSET Level 1 Spirits
    WSET Level 1 Wine
    WSET Level 2 Spirits
    WSET Level 2 Wine
    WSET Level 3 Wine

Classes Registration Page
For Hire Events - Bring the Tasting to You!
​Contact
​                                  
Frequently Asked Questions
​Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Registration, Shipping & Cancellation
Picture
Copyright 2018 > 2021 by New England Wine Academy, LLC  ​
  • Classes
    • Academy Classes
    • Edinburgh Whisky Academy
    • WSET L1 WINE
    • WSET L1 SPIRITS
    • WSET L1 SAKE
    • WSET L2 WINE
    • WSET L2 SPIRITS
    • WSET L3 WINE
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • FLASH CARDS FOR STUDY
    • Our Library >
      • Wine Books
      • Viti / Vini
      • SPIRITS, COCKTAILS AND BARTENDING BOOKS
      • BEER BOOKS
      • SAKE BOOKS
      • DRINKS BUSINESS, HOSPITALITY & SERVICE BOOKS
  • Academy News
  • About
    • Brian Mitchell
    • Associate Educators
    • WSET
    • Location
    • Testimonials
    • For Hire >
      • Corporate Tastings
      • Private Tastings
  • Member Portal
    • ASG
    • USBG/CT Industry
    • PRO - S&L
    • AIC
  • Contact