Whisky

WSET Spirits Level 2 & Level 3 Study Guide — Key Notes, Tips & Exam Prep

A practical resource designed to support your WSET Spirits journey. Whether you’re working through Level 2 or tackling the more advanced Level 3, these notes break down key categories, production methods, and tasting frameworks in a way that’s easy to follow and remember.

Worm Tubs vs Shell & Tube Condensers — How They Shape Single Malt Whisky Flavour

When you taste a Scotch whisky, you might think all the magic happens in the stills or the casks. But there’s another part of the distillation process that quietly shapes every drop in your glass: the condenser.

The Rise of Irish Whiskey — Why Ireland is the World's Fastest Growing Spirits Category

As the famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats might say, the drink in that glass is changing, and it's changing a lot. In the past, some whiskey experts didn't take Irish whiskey very seriously.

Vodka

A short trip to Åhus, Sweden: Inside the World of Absolut Vodka

When you think of vodka, it’s often seen as a blank canvas, clean, pure, and neutral. And not everybody will have a chance to visit Vodka Distilleries because they are not as picturesque as Single Malt Whisky Distilleries.

The Art of Vodka

Vodka has always felt special to me. On the surface, it looks simple: clear, smooth, almost like water. But the more I’ve studied and tasted it, the more I see how much history, tradition, and culture are hidden inside every glass. It’s a spirit that connects kings and empires, simple farmers and modern bartenders, and somehow still manages to be one of the most versatile drinks in the world.

Gin

The Distillery I will never forget: Monkey 47

It wasn’t just another distillery visit on my calendar, it felt like stepping into a story. From the small hotel we stayed in, to the meals we shared, to the little towns and winding roads we explored, every piece of it felt connected… almost like the Black Forest had planned it for us. And at the center of it all was one of the most exciting gin stories I’ve ever come across: Monkey 47.

My Visit to London’s Iconic Gin Distillery

When people ask me what makes gin so special, I often answer with one word: botanicals. But after visiting the Beefeater Distillery in London, I realized it’s much more than that.

The History of Gin

The word Gin derives from an English shortening of Genever meaning Juniper in Dutch. In the late 1580s a juniper-flavoured spirit was found in Holland by British troops who were fighting against the Spanish in the Dutch War of Independence. They gratefully drank it to give them, what they soon came to call, “Dutch courage” in battle.

Tequila

Mexico’s Hidden Agave Treasures: Bacanora & Raicilla

When people think of Mexican spirits, tequila and mezcal usually take the spotlight. But hidden in the mountains and villages of Mexico are two lesser known gems; Bacanora and Raicilla.

The Story of the Agave Plant: From Myth to Modern Day

In ancient stories from Mexico, there’s a tale about Mayahuel, a beautiful star goddess, and Quetzalcóatl, the Wind God.

All Tequila is mezcal, but not all Mezcal is tequila.

When people think of Mexican spirits, tequila is usually the first that comes to mind. Tequila has strict rules that protect its identity

Rum

From Sugarcane to Glass

Rum is not a single story, it’s a whole library of flavors. From light Puerto Rican columns to funky Jamaican pot stills, from grassy agricole to rich Guyanese molasses spirits, rum reflects place, process, and tradition. Rum is one of the most diverse spirits in the world. From grassy agricole to heavy Jamaican high-ester rums, its styles reflect the raw materials, fermentation choices, distillation methods, and places where it matures. Let’s break it down.

The Origins of Cuban Rum

It all begins with an idea.