Bar Associate - Old Forester Distillery-1

Brown-Forman Corporation; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown-Forman is seeking a Bar Associate at Old Forester Distillery in Louisville to deliver premium cocktail service and engaging brand storytelling. You will host guided tastings and mixology classes, educate guests on bourbon heritage, and ensure quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes hospitality, guest experience, and teamwork with a focus on safety and exceptional service. On-site schedule may vary to accommodate events and group activities.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of bartending experience in a restaurant/bar/craft cocktail setting.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods and lift/move materials as needed.

Responsibilities

• Create memorable guest experiences with hospitality, cocktail service, and brand storytelling.
• Develop knowledge of Old Forester brand, bourbon heritage, and cocktail history to educate guests.
• Lead mixology classes, tastings, and educational experiences for individuals and groups.
• Prepare and serve craft cocktails, flights, and beverages per recipes and standards.
• Assist with seasonal cocktails and specialty beverage programs.
• Ensure safety, sanitation, responsible alcohol service, and policies.
• Support daily bar operations: inventory prep, stocking, deliveries, quality control.
• Maintain a safe, clean, engaging atmosphere and address guest concerns.
• Assist with bar activations, events, VIP experiences, and group programs.
• Demonstrate service excellence, teamwork, and success of the Old Forester Distillery.
• Perform opening/closing/cleaning duties; process transactions; verify ages; uphold standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bartending experience

Customer service

Communication skills

Hospitality

Cocktail knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

POS systems

Job description

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Meaningful Work From Day One

Join us as a Bar Associate and become a passionate ambassador for the iconic Old Forester brand! In this exciting role, you'll craft exceptional experiences through premium cocktail service, guided tastings, and interactive mixology classes. Engage guests with your hospitality, storytelling, and product knowledge while delivering expertly crafted cocktails that celebrate our rich heritage. We're seeking someone with a love for hospitality, a curiosity for bourbon, and strong communication skills. If you have an eye for detail and a commitment to service excellence, you could be the perfect fit. Create meaningful connections with guests from around the world and leave a lasting impression in the spirits industry!

What You Can Expect

• Create memorable guest experiences by delivering exceptional hospitality, quality cocktail service, and engaging brand storytelling in a welcoming environment.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the Old Forester brand, portfolio, bourbon heritage, and cocktail history to educate and engage guests.
• Lead mixology classes, guided tastings, and other educational experiences for individuals and groups.
• Prepare and serve craft cocktails, flights, and beverage offerings in accordance with recipes and quality standards.
• Assist with the development, execution, and promotion of seasonal cocktails and specialty beverage programs.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, sanitation, responsible alcohol service, and company policies.
• Support daily bar operations, including inventory preparation, stocking, receiving deliveries, and maintaining product quality.
• Foster a safe, clean, and engaging atmosphere while professionally addressing guest concerns and escalating issues as needed.
• Assist with the setup, execution, and breakdown of bar activations, special events, VIP experiences, and group programs.
• Demonstrate a commitment to service excellence, teamwork, and the overall success of the Old Forester Distillery operation.
• Perform opening, closing, and cleaning duties; process transactions; verify guest age requirements; and maintain operational standards throughout each shift.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Table

• 1+ years of bartending experience, preferably in a restaurant, bar, or craft cocktail environment.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to professionally resolve guest concerns and challenging situations.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift or move materials as needed.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Creative, adaptable, and able to respond effectively to guest and operational needs.
• Professional, personable, and hospitality-focused demeanor.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and occasionally lift or carry materials while working in a fast-paced environment.

What Makes You Unique

• Knowledge of the Old Forester brand, products, and Brown-Forman culture.
• Whiskey or spirits certifications (e.g., Stave & Thief, Certified Specialist of Spirits, or similar).
• Understanding of Old Forester history, bourbon production, and maturation processes.
• Passion for bourbon, whiskey education, and the guest experience.

Working Arrangement: On-site, typically following a Tuesday to Saturday schedule from 9:15 AM to 5:45 PM. Flexibility is essential, as hours may vary to accommodate early or late group activities.

Who We Are

We believe great people build great brands. And we know there is Nothing Better in the Market than a career at Brown-Forman. Being a part of Brown-Forman means you will grow both personally and professionally. You will have the opportunity to solve problems, seize opportunities, and generate bold ideas. You will belong to a place where teamwork matters and where you are encouraged to bring your best self to work.

What We Offer

Total Rewards at Brown-Forman is designed to engage our people to ensure sustainable and profitable growth for generations to come. As a premium spirits company, we offer equitable pay structures for individual and company performance alongside a premium employee experience. We offer a range of premium benefits that reflect our company values and meet the needs of our diverse workforce.