WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When spirits are swirled in a glass and show legs, it is an indication of high viscosity. The term "legs" refers to the streaks that form on the sides of the glass after swirling. This phenomenon occurs due to the interaction of alcohol and water in the spirit, where the higher the alcohol content and the more complex the spirit, the thicker and slower the legs will drop back into the glass.

Viscosity, in this context, refers to the thickness or resistance to flow of a liquid. Spirits with higher viscosity typically contain more ethanol and sometimes sugars, which contribute to the way the liquid clings to the glass. A spirit exhibiting legs suggests it has a more robust and potentially richer mouthfeel, hinting at a fuller body or concentration in flavor.

While some of the other options touch on characteristics of spirits, they do not accurately reflect the relationship observed when legs form in the glass. For example, a light and airy character does not directly correlate with the presence of legs; rather, it suggests a more delicate spirit. Likewise, lower alcohol content wouldn't typically result in noticeable legs, as they tend to be more pronounced in higher-alcohol beverages. Lastly, clarity does not influence the presence of legs, as both clear and