Wine Spirit Education Trust

Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is globally recognised as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. The different levels are appropriate for those who are starting out in the drinks industry, to established professionals

Bacchus Enterprises Pty Ltd Wine & Spirit Training is an Approved Program Provider of WSET® Courses. for Level 1 to 3 Awards in Wines and Level 1 and 2 Awards in Spirits.

WSET provides globally recognised education and qualifications in wines, spirits and sake, for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Level 1 and Level 2 Award in Beer

Bacchus Academy is an Approved Program Provider for WSET Level 1 & 2 Award in Beer

Ever wondered how to describe the difference between an IPA and a Pilsner? Or what makes a brown ale distinct from a porter? Whether you’re a curious beer lover or part of the hospitality and beverage industry, the WSET beer qualifications are designed to boost your confdence and tasting skills.

The exciting new Level 1 Award in Beer is a beginner-level qualification for anyone interested in learning the basics about lagers, ales, sours and more. Through a short and interactive course, you’ll learn the foundations of beer production, styles, service, food pairing and tasting.

Now delivered in Australia through Bacchus Academy, the WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer offer internationally recognised qualifications that explore the world of beer in a clear, structured and engaging way.

These short courses provide a strong foundation in beer styles, production, service and sensory evaluation. You’ll learn how ingredients and processes influence flavour, improve your tasting skills and describe beers with confidence.

Who is the course for?

  • Beer enthusiasts or home brewers wanting to deepen their knowledge
  • Hospitality and retail professionals seeking formal training
  • Brewery staff, sales and marketing teams looking to develop product confidence
  • Beer industry suppliers to improve connection and communication with customers
  • Anyone new to beer looking for a fun and informative entry point

There are no entry requirements for this qualification – it is suitable for complete beginners

The WSET® Level 1 or 2 Award in Beer prepares students for an entry-level job in hospitality or retail.

Ingredients used to make Beer

✓ Malt and Other Sugar Sources

✓ Water

✓ Hops

✓ Yeast

Beer storage, service and food pairing

✓ Beer Storage and Service: keeping beer fresh, glassware, pouring keg beer, opening and pouring bottled beer, service temperature

 

✓ Common Beer Faults: Staling, light strike (skunking), bacterial infection

 

✓ Food and Beer: Preferences, sensitivities, interactions, application and other considerations

Production Steps used to make Beer

✓ Malting

 

✓ Brewing

Characteristics of Key Beer Styles

✓ Malt-Driven Styles: American or international pale lager, Munich helles, Blonde ale,  Munich dunkel, Brown ale, Porter and stout, Barley wine

 

✓ Hop-Driven Styles: Traditional Czech or German pilsner, Bitter, American pale ale, American IPA, Hazy IPA

 

✓ Yeast-Driven Styles: Weissbier, Dubbel, Tripel, Saison, Witbier

 

✓ Sour Styles: Berliner weisse, Geuze (gueuze)

Course Delivery Options

Level 1 Award in Beer has a minimum requirement of six hours of guided learning with a WSET course provider, including a 45-minute exam.

Level 2 Award in Beer has a minimum requirement of  30 hours of study, not including revision and the 1 hour exam.

This qualification is currently available in English only.

Briony Liebich

In-Person Courses

The course is delivered in person and conducted in English by an experienced beer educator. All study materials and expert tuition are included, along with tasting samples provided during guided tastings. In-person exams are scheduled following the completion of the course. There are no prerequisites for Level 1 or Level 2, making them accessible to everyone. Both levels are also available in flexible online formats, supported by experienced Australian educators. In-person courses can be arranged in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, or Adelaide for groups of at least eight participants.

Wine_WSET_Online_Classroom_202104

Online Course (Self-Paced)

The course is delivered in English through the WSET Online Classroom platform, running over four weeks for Level 1 or five weeks for Level 2, with a fixed start date. Learners have access to online learning materials for a full 12 months. Study materials and email support from a beer expert are included as part of the course. Tasting samples are provided by the learners themselves, with guidance and recommendations offered.

Additionally, the course includes a bonus online tasting session led by an experienced beer judge.

Remote invigilated exams can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for each learner.

Compare Learning Options:

In-Person Course

✓ Face to Face Support
✓ Small Classes Sizes
✓ Access to hardcopy learning materials
✓ Access to Online Classroom
✓ Mandatory Attendance to Set Class Times

Online Course (Self-Paced)

✗ Face to Face Support
✓ Access to Online Classroom
✓ Study at Your Own Pace
✓ Study from Home (no travel required)
✗ Beer Samples Included

Both Level 1 and Level 2 are available in flexible online formats with support from experienced Australian educators. In-person courses can be organised in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane or Adelaide for groups with minimum 8 participants.

Ready to learn more about what’s in your glass? Enrol now and start your WSET beer education journey with Bacchus Academy.

We recommend students download and read the Course Specifications prior to booking.

Level 1 Award in Beer

Level 2 Award in Beer

Please contact us directly for any customised courses or trade enquiries.

Learn more and enrol online:

Questions? Group Bookings? Upcoming Courses and Locations? Get in Touch.