WSET® Level 2 Award in Sake

Online Course Price: $699

About the Course

If you’re ready to explore the world of sake, the WSET Level 2 Award in Sake offers a clear, structured path into this dynamic category. This qualification is ideal for anyone wanting to understand the different styles of sake and how they are made, as well as those looking to build on the introductory knowledge gained in Level 1.

You’ll learn how brewers transform rice, water, kōji, and yeast into the wide range of sake styles found across Japan and beyond. You’ll also develop the skills to describe and assess sake using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT).

In addition to production and style, you’ll gain an understanding of how to store and serve sake correctly and the key considerations when pairing sake with food.

Whether you’re a sake or hospitality professional, or an enthusiast who wants to feel confident choosing sake for any occasion, this course provides the foundation you need. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your WSET Level 2 Award in Sake certification.

Prerequisite: None. Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about sake are all you need!

Course Details

The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake focuses on how the ingredients used by brewers are processed and combined to create the many styles of sake enjoyed today. You’ll explore traditional methods, modern techniques, and the key decisions that influence aroma, texture, flavor, and overall quality.

If you work with sake, you’ll come away with the ability to guide colleagues and customers with confidence. If you’re studying for personal interest, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what defines the category and how to select bottles that match your taste. You’ll also learn the essential principles of storing and serving sake and the key considerations for pairing sake with food.

What You’ll Learn

How to taste and describe sake

Using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT), you’ll learn how to assess quality and accurately communicate what you’re tasting.

The ingredients used to make sake

You’ll study the raw materials required for sake production, the optional ingredients brewers may choose, and the key rice varieties used for brewing.

Processing the raw materials

You’ll learn how steamed white rice and kōji are prepared, and why different sake styles require specific polishing ratios and kōji characteristics.

How sake is made

You’ll explore each stage of production, starting with the fermentation starter and multiple parallel fermentation and continuing through pressing, filtration, dilution, and packaging. You’ll learn how production choices lead to stylistic differences.

Sake categories, grades, and speciality styles

You’ll understand the difference between basic and premium sake, the grades of premium sake, and the principal speciality styles including nigori, nama-zake, sparkling sake, and koshu.

Key production choices behind different styles

You’ll examine the decisions that create fruity ginjō styles, rich junmai styles, and the major speciality styles so you can understand how producers shape aroma, texture, and flavor.

Common labeling terms

You’ll learn the core labeling terms used across sake, including important classifications and how some of these terms are written in Japanese.

Online Course Includes

• Printed WSET Level 2 Award in Sake study materials shipped to your mailing address
• Access to the WSET Online Classroom for 12 months, including online lessons, activities, quizzes, and discussion forums
• 5 weeks of educator support as you progress through the course modules
• Flexible, self-paced online learning with no live sessions and no required login times
• Guidance on building a tasting lineup and the option to post tasting notes for educator feedback
• Access to 50+ practice questions, activities, and end-of-module quizzes within the WSET Online Classroom
• Online exam (scheduled at the end of the course)
• Sake samples are not included. You’ll receive guidance on which styles to taste during the course.

Assessment

• The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes.
• To pass, you must correctly answer 55% of the questions:
  • Pass: 55%–69%
  • Pass with Merit: 70%–84%
  • Pass with Distinction: 85% and above
• All online course registrations include an online exam via Remote Invigilation.
  • This allows you to take the exam from home at a time arranged with our team.
• In-person exams are available by request, but availability is limited and scheduling may require additional time.
  • If you would prefer to sit your exam in person, please contact us before your course ends to discuss options.
• You have one year from your course end date to take your exam. After one year, a rescheduling fee will apply.
• Successful students will receive a digital WSET certificate, and a lapel pin is available upon request.
• This qualification is Ofqual regulated.

Some Final Details

Please refer to the corresponding page in our policies for information regarding cancellations, refunds, and transfers.

Anyone enrolling in a WSET qualification should review the corresponding specification. This document outlines the learning outcomes, course structure, and assessment criteria.