Woking, Surrey
GORDON RAMSAY ACADEMY - WOKING, SURREY

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

Curious about the world of spirits? The WSET Level 1 in Spirits is the perfect place to begin. Whether you're exploring a future in hospitality or simply want to understand the bottles behind the bar, this fun, relaxed and interactive course is an ideal introduction. You can complete the full qualification — including the exam — in just one day, and walk away with a globally recognised certification to match your new skills.

£185

What to expect

Our WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) courses offer everyone the chance to earn an internationally recognised qualification in wine with us here at the Gordon Ramsay Academy. 

Join our spirits educators for a friendly, hands-on day learning the essentials of how spirits are made, how they develop flavour, and how to taste them with confidence. You'll be guided through the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT), giving you practical tools to understand what’s in your glass and how production choices shape the final spirit.

Throughout the day, you’ll explore the world’s major spirit categories — from vodka and gin to rum, whisky, tequila, liqueurs, and more — tasting at least 10 spirits as part of your learning. You’ll also learn the foundations of spirit service and storage so you can handle and serve spirits like a pro.

At the end of the course, you’ll sit a 45-minute exam consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions. A score of 70% or above is required to pass. Successful students receive an official WSET digital certificate, and the qualification is Ofqual regulated.

All results are issued approximately four weeks after the exam.

This course is the ideal grounding for anyone looking to build skills, boost confidence, or take the first steps toward more advanced WSET spirits levels.

Class details

Please ensure you read the Terms & Conditions prior to booking this course. 

Course requirements: You are required to provide authorised photographic ID (e.g. passport, photo driving licence or national ID card) in order to take the examination.

All participants must be over 18 years old. 

No previous experience is necessary to join this course

Course starts: 9.30am, arrive anytime from 9am to check in at reception

Course finishes: 5.30pm

Course size: Maximum 8 guests (please note, the course may be subject to rescheduling if less than a minimum 4 guests are attending)

Course details: 

  •  A clear understanding of the main spirit styles and how they’re produced
  • The confidence to taste and describe spirits using a structured, professional method
  • Practical knowledge you can apply immediately in hospitality, retail, or your home bar
  • A globally recognised qualification that supports further study across spirits and cocktails

What’s included

  • Expert guidance from our top spirits educators
  • Guided tasting of at least 10 spirits
  • WSET Level 1 study materials and resources
  • Refreshments throughout the class and a scheduled lunch break (please note, lunch is not provided)
  • 45-minute multiple choice examination
  • WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits digital certificate for those who pass the course

For more information, please view the WSET course specification.