WSET Prepares to Launch New Qualification in Sake

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has announced the launch of a new specialist qualification devoted to sake. The WSET Level 3 Award in Sake will be available in selected international markets from August 2014 following pilots in the UK and USA.

Ahead of the launch, the WSET ran a series of short introductory seminars with London-based restaurant groups and distributors who are interested in placing more emphasis on their Japanese sake portfolios. These took place at the end of January, with the support of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The new WSET Level 3 Award in Sake will cover the impact of production choices on style quality and price, how to read the label, and how to describe and evaluate sake, as well as providing insight into the industry structure from rice production to point of sale. It is designed to assist anyone working with sake who desires to gain a deeper understanding of the product, and how to buy or sell it effectively.

Antony Moss MW, WSET’s Director of Strategic Planning said “interest in sake continues to grow internationally, and in several of WSET’s largest markets this interest has reached the point where the industry really needs access to high quality training in this fascinating and unique product. The WSET is in the perfect position to provide this, drawing on its existing experience in wine and spirits education. Many of our educators have already developed a deep interest and knowledge of sake and this is a fantastic chance for them to put this knowledge to use.”