This program is designed to give a comprehensive level of focused product knowledge on spirits & liqueurs to those working in the hospitality, retail & agency sectors. The factors that affect the character and quality of spirits are explored and during this program, students will study production methods, the importance of branding & the spirits marketplace .The service and storage of spirits is covered from both a professional and non-professional perspective as are the health issues relating to spirit consumption. Each class is enhanced with a tasting that includes the benchmark spirits discussed in the lecture.
This program is offered in conjunction with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and students will gain the WSET Professional Certificate in Spirits upon successful course completion.
Course Length: 7 weeks
Contact Hours: 21
Course Competencies:
This course is designed to give the student upon successful completion:
- An understanding of the major spirit categories of the world, their production methods and significant brands
- The ability to describe the characteristics of the principal international spirits & liqueurs and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and value.
- The product knowledge required to underpin job skills required for advising customers in the hospitality and retail sectors.
- A basic understanding of the world & local markets for spirits & liqueurs
- Ability to use the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting to gain an appreciation of the style & quality of spirits & liqueurs
- Knowledge on the correct storage and service of spirits & liqueurs
Course Prerequisites: None
Textbooks: Textbook and study guides are provided
Material and Supplies: 6 ISO Tasting glasses, tasting sheets, pen, pencils, and paper.
Student Evaluation: The final examination consists of one 50 question multiple choice paper & one written tasting note
Instructor Availability Outside of Class: No
Weekly Outline:
Week 1 – Methods of production, the market & tasting technique
- Spirit categories & raw materials
- Distillation & maturation of spirits
- The global & local market for spirits
- Service of spirits & liqueurs
- Spirit tasting technique
Week 2 – Brandies
- Principle characteristics of the major grape spirits of the world
- Production methods
- Major brands & the market
- Tasting of key spirits
Week 3 – Whiskies
- Principle characteristics of the major whiskies of the world
- Production methods
- Major brands & the market
- Tasting of key spirits
Week 4 – Vodka & Other Fruit Spirits
- Principle characteristics of vodka & fruit spirits
- Production methods
- Major brands & the market
- Tasting of key spirits
Week 5 – Rum & Tequila
- Principle characteristics of rum & Tequila
- Production methods
- Major brands & the market
- Tasting of key spirits
Week 6 – Flavoured Spirits & Liqueurs
- Principle characteristics of flavoured spirits & liqueurs
- Production methods
- Major brands & the market
- Tasting of key spirits
Week 7 – Exam
