WSET Spirits Level 1 case studies
WSET Spirits Level 1 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits is a beginner-level qualification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, designed for people starting a career in the drinks industry or pursuing a personal interest in spirits. It offers a hands-on introduction to the subject: candidates explore the main styles and types of spirits through sight, smell and taste, and develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas. The WSET Spirits Level 1 case studies are 5 cases and about 3,011 words.
1Pot still or column still: protecting pear aroma
Braken Hill Distillery holds 3,000 L of pear wash at 8% ABV and 3,000 L of wheat wash at 10% ABV. The plant is a 1,000 L copper pot still with a short, wide neck, plus a column still with 20 plates.
599 words, about 3 min2Four deliveries, four label claims
A bar receives four bottles and the manager must decide what can go on a 40-line menu under the name printed. The producer's spec sheet states 12 g/L sugar and caramel colour are added after distillation.
654 words, about 3 min3Diluting a cask-strength bottle at the bar
A hotel bar takes delivery of a 700 ml single malt at 58.4% ABV. The bar manager wants to serve it at roughly 43% ABV so that guests can take it neat without adding their own water, and proposes adding water to the bottle before service.
593 words, about 3 min4Same distillery, three very different bottles
Three samples from one distillery sit on a tasting table. A: 12 years old, first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered.
596 words, about 3 min5Turning a vague impression into a SAT note
Two members of staff are writing menu notes for an aged rum, both tasting the same glass. Note 1: 'Really smooth, tastes strong, nice and sweet, lots of caramel, good.' Note 2: 'Clear, deep amber.
569 words, about 3 min