WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits
An advanced WSET qualification for spirits professionals and serious enthusiasts who want a detailed understanding of spirit production, tasting, and evaluation. Vinspire Academy is Ireland's first provider of this prestigious qualification.
Building on the Level 2 Award in Spirits, this course gives you a deep theoretical understanding of production techniques — from raw materials to post-distillation — and develops the tasting skills to accurately describe and evaluate any spirit.
Key Details
- Duration: 8 days (6 teaching days + exam day; 10:00–17:00 each day)
- Format: Mixed — in-person classroom days and virtual Zoom days
- Classroom location: The Sycamore Room, 15 Stephens Lane, Dublin 2 (D02 RX27)
- Exam: 2½-hour closed-book exam on the final day
- Recommended entry: WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits or equivalent knowledge
- Certification: WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits
- Course Educator: Philip Dunne
- Language of tuition: English
- Certificate delivery: Digital
- Places: Limited to 12 students per course
Who This Course Is For
- Spirits professionals seeking advanced qualification
- Bar managers, brand ambassadors, and drinks trade professionals
- Serious enthusiasts with strong existing spirits knowledge
- Those who have completed WSET Level 2 in Spirits and want to progress
What You Will Learn
- Advanced production techniques for all major spirit categories — from raw material processing to post-distillation operations
- Why spirits look and taste the way they do, and how and why they differ
- How to accurately describe and evaluate spirits using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)
- In-depth knowledge of all principal international spirit styles
What Is Included
- WSET Level 3 Spirits study pack (delivered minimum 30 days before course start)
- Over 60 spirit samples tasted during the course
- Tuition
- Exam registration and fee
- Further training and support
- Digital WSET certificate and pin upon successful completion
Entry Requirements
- WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits recommended, or equivalent knowledge
- Extensive existing spirits knowledge from working at a high level in the drinks industry also accepted
- Must be of legal drinking age in Ireland
- Photo ID required on the day of the exam
Recommended Study
This qualification requires a minimum of 88 hours total study time: at least 36 hours in-person classroom time, plus a minimum of 52 hours personal study and revision. This is a demanding advanced course — please plan your schedule carefully.
Examination
- 2½-hour closed-book examination on the final day
- Unit 1 — Theory: Part 1: 50 multiple-choice questions. Part 2: short answer questions
- Unit 2 — Tasting: Blind tasting of two spirit samples
- You must pass both Unit 1 and Unit 2 to achieve the qualification
Upcoming Course Dates
Course dates for the next intake are to be confirmed. Register your interest below and we will contact you as soon as dates are announced.
Places are limited to 12 students — demand is high and early registration is strongly advised.
A welcome email with full course details will be sent in advance of the course start date.
FAQs
Do I need Level 2 before enrolling?
It is strongly recommended. You should hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge or extensive industry experience.
How much study is required outside of class?
A minimum of 52 hours of private study across the course period. This is an advanced qualification and requires serious commitment.
How is the exam assessed?
A 2½-hour exam covering 50 multiple-choice questions, short written answers, and a blind tasting of two spirits. Both units must be passed.
What certificate do I receive?
The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits, delivered digitally after your result is confirmed.
Is this available online?
The course combines in-person classroom days in Dublin with virtual Zoom sessions. Full details provided on booking.
How many places are available?
Each course is limited to a maximum of 12 students.
Booking Information
- To register your interest or book a place, click Book This Course above
- All bookings are subject to our Booking Terms and Conditions
- Please send your date of birth to info@vinspireacademy.com after booking (required for WSET exam registration)
- For bank transfer payments or group enquiries, contact us at info@vinspireacademy.com
Why Learn with Vinspire Academy?
- Ireland's first provider of the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits
- Expert educators with real hospitality and drinks trade experience
- Small class sizes — maximum 12 students for focused, high-quality tuition
- Practical, industry-relevant delivery in a premium Dublin venue
Vinspire Academy is led by Philip Dunne, founder and head of education — an experienced sommelier and educator with a background in both trade and enthusiast teaching.
What Our Students Say
"The most comprehensive spirits education I've encountered — challenging, detailed, and brilliantly delivered. Philip's knowledge is extraordinary and the small group format means you actually get to engage properly with the material."
— Ciarán Murphy, Head Bartender, Dublin
What's Next?
Completed Level 3 Spirits? You've reached the pinnacle of WSET spirits education — well done.