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WSET L3 Spirits

Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Spirits

If you wish to receive information on this class or any other information from NEWA, please email [email protected]

The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits is an advanced-level qualification for professionals and enthusiasts wishing to acquire a detailed understanding of the spirits of the world and develop the tasting skills required to accurately describe and evaluate a spirit.

This qualification is intended to build on knowledge and skills gained from the Level 2 Award in Spirits. You’ll acquire a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations. Through a combination of tasting and the application of theoretical knowledge you will learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other.


What You Will Learn:
Unit 1
A detailed understanding of the techniques used in spirit production:
  • Processing of raw materials
  • Alcoholic fermentation
  • Distillation
  • Post-distillation practices
Factors affecting the style and quality of spirits, studying eleven core spirit categories in detail:
  • Scotch Whisky
  • Bourbon
  • Rye Whiskey
  • Tennessee Whiskey
  • Cognac
  • Armagnac
  • Caribbean rum
  • Tequila
  • Mezcal
  • Vodka
  • Gin
An overview of 23 additional spirit categories, focusing on:
  • Principal production methods
  • Key styles
  • Key labelling terms
Unit 2
How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits®(SAT)

Students applying for the Level 3 Award in Spirits should hold the Level 2 Award in Spirits, or be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge.

New England Wine Academy also provides access to additional study material to ensure you have a full and rewarding study experience.

This qualification has a minimum requirement of 84-90 total hours of study time - and is generally broken down in the following, depending on the delivery method* you are enrolled in:
In-person Classes*
  • 30 hours of delivery time with WSET course provider - New England Wine Academy
  • 51.5 hours of personal study and revision
  • 2.5 hour examination
Online Classes*
  • 9 weeks covering 9 modules
  • 90 hours of total course hours, with a recommended 10 hours of study per week
  • Tasting Workshop - a 1-day tasting tutorial introducing the Level 3 tasting technique will be included. This will be scheduled per class, and is generally set between the completion of the online sessions and the exam date.

Assessment
Candidates for Level 3 Award in Spirits, will be required to pass a closed book examination, comprising two units:
  • Theory - 50 multiple choice, plus a series of short written answer questions
  • Tasting - two blind spirit samples in 30 minutes
  • A mark of 55 percent in each unit is required to achieve a pass in this qualification.

On successful completion of the examination you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo. This qualification is Ofqual regulated.

Click Here to view a copy of the Level 3 Spirits Course Specification

Click here to view a copy of the Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)

Please note
We currently operate primarily out of Worldwide Wines & Spirits in Southington, CT for exams, workshops, and any in-person classes open to the public. Be aware that this is the location of the in-person classes/exams, but classes are hosted by New England Wine Academy, which is a WSET Approved Program Provider and is solely responsible for all questions and bookings. Our satellite locations are simply places we rent space from and will not necessarily have answers to questions concerning NEWA.
For inquiries, please contact - [email protected]​​

In-person Class Delivery
"In-person" is defined as classes that are held in the classroom and under a traditional classroom setting. 
The minimum attendance to run a session is 6-8 students. If this minimum is not met - New England Wine Academy reserves the right to cancel or postpone the session and refund all tuition payments.

Hybrid Class Delivery
"Hybrid" is defined as classes that are held over a virtual meeting platform, such as Zoom, by a designated instructor. 
These courses will have a specific start and end dates, with set times for the delivery of class sessions. Generally speaking, there are no limits to student attendance, but New England Wine Academy does reserve the right to cancel or postpone a course if at least a minimum attendance is not met.

Online Class Delivery
"Online" is defined as classes that are administered via remote learning platforms, and are generally held with no set class times or live instructor. WSET Online classes are conducted using the Canvas platform, and there is no minimum student level. Students book through New England Wine Academy, follow the online sessions at their own pace, and take their exam with New England Wine Academy on the assigned dates. There is a WSET approved instructor assigned to each session, and this instructor will give feedback on quizzes, tasting notes, etc. Students will have access to the Canvas platform for one year from the start of their class.

Combo Class Delivery
From time to time, we will offer some courses, such as the Level 3 Spirits, as a combination of the online format over-laid with hybrid seminars. This is done to give students extra guidance on certain areas of study as the material can be quite involved. We will use the term "Combo" for these sessions.

Although it is highly recommended that candidates take their exams on the assigned course date, from time to time life happens. Candidates do have up to 1 year from the start of their course date to complete their exams.

There are no limits to the number of exam resists for all or sections of the exam.

Please review all of the terms and conditions found at the bottom of this page, and ask any questions before enrolling. By enrolling in a class you acknowledge and accept all policies, terms, and dates associate with your course. ​

Please click here to view the complete 
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits - Course Specification
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Please note, cancelling or rescheduling an exam once your class has commenced, will result in a $35 administrative charge.
Cancelling or rescheduling an exam within 16 working days of the exam date will result in the $35 administrative fee plus a new exam fee (this is the same as the re-sit fee for your respective class and exam type). We apologize for this inconvenience but WSET is very strict with its registration deadlines and these time frames are out of our control.
We work with our students to ensure they are aware of all dates, but please mark your calendars with all relevant dates/times. Let us know as early as possible if you are unable to make an exam for any reason.
If you book a class past the registration deadline, you will be enrolled in the next available class.​

Click here to go to the WSET Level 3 Spirits Enrollment Page
Spirits 3 Online Course dates
are outlined below.

Please pay attention to course enrollment deadlines,
which are highlighted in red as well as exam dates and times.
​Level 3 Exams are only available for in-person invigilation.

Most Level 3 course, including the online versions, have in-person or hybrid tasting workshops as part of the course offering. Dates and times for the workshops or hybrid meetings, unless noted, will be coordinated with enrolled students once the course begins.


August 4, 2025  >  October 5, 2025
Deadline to enroll is Jul 27
 In-Person Exam - December 6, 2025
11:45am (Southington)
The next workshops being offered are
November 8, 2025


November 17, 2025  >  January 18, 2026
Deadline to enroll is Nov 9
 In-Person Exam - March 7, 2026
11:45am (Southington)
The next workshops being offered are
February 28, 2026

February 23, 2026  >  April 26, 2026
Deadline to enroll is Feb 15
 In-Person Exam - June 6, 2026
11:45am (Southington)
The next workshops being offered are
February 28, 2026

June 1, 2026  >  August 2, 2026
Deadline to enroll is May 24
 In-Person Exam - September 12, 2026
11:45am (Southington)
The next workshops being offered are
July 18, 2026


Click Here for the Level 3 Spirits Enrollment Page
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  • Classes
    • ACADEMY CLASSES
    • WSET L1 BEER
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  • Resources
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