WSET launches spirits qualification

08 September, 2009

A new one-day course in spirits has been launched by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

The WSET Foundation Certificate in Spirits “will provide customer-facing front-line staff, in both the off- and on-premise sectors, with the basic product knowledge they will need to succeed in their day-to-day jobs,” according to the London-based organisation.

The course covers the main categories of spirits, the distillation process and the factors affecting the flavours of spirits.

It aims to teach students how to taste, and recognise different spirits by using the WSET’s systematic approach. The course also covers health, safety and legal issues, as well as advice on the service and selling of spirits.

It has been developed in response to demands identified in recent research conducted by WSET.

WSET chief executive Ian Harris said: “In these uncertain times, it is important that education and staff training remain front-of-mind, both for individuals and for businesses.

“The Foundation Certificate in Spirits meets a clearly-identified business need and we have already started working with several major companies who are planning to use this course as part of their staff induction programme – both in UK and in international markets.”