The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) has become an approved program provider (APP) for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 and Level 2 Award in sake. The online courses, aimed at industry professionals and sake enthusiasts, will run across multiple dates in 2026 and 2027.
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READ THE STORYThe new sake offerings expand DISCUS’ current WSET APP portfolio. That portfolio already includes qualifications in Levels 1, 2 and 3 in spirits.
“The Distilled Spirits Council’s partnership with WSET has helped advance spirits professionals and inspire cocktail enthusiasts through world-class education and qualifications programs,” said DISCUS president and CEO Chris Swonger. “We are expanding our WSET offerings to include sake, reflecting growing interest in this traditional Japanese beverage and our commitment to delivering high-quality education that supports professional development across the beverage alcohol industry.”
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The courses cover sake production, styles, tasting, quality assessment, storage, and service. Each course is delivered online and concludes with a virtual examination.
WSET courses are globally recognized as the international standard in wine and spirits knowledge. They are designed for those starting out in their careers as well as established professionals.
The WSET Level 1 Award in Sake targets those new to the category. It covers the fundamentals of production, key sake styles, service principles and tasting using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake.
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The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake provides a deeper understanding of ingredients, brewing methods, labeling terminology, and production decisions. Participants also learn to assess and describe sake quality using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake.
The Level 1 course is priced at $325. Dates run October 19 to November 15, 2026, March 8 to April 4, 2027, and June 28 to July 25, 2027.
The Level 2 course is priced at $575. Dates run October 12 to November 15, 2026, March 8 to April 11, 2027, and June 14 to July 18, 2027.
Sake is a fermented rice-based beverage traditionally produced in Japan. Interest in the category has grown in Western markets in recent years, alongside rising demand for Japanese whisky and other Japanese drinks.
DISCUS is based in Washington, DC, and represents leading US spirits producers and marketers.
