Bar Associate - Woodford Reserve

Brown-forman; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Woodford Reserve Distillery is seeking a Bar Associate to deliver a welcoming, brand‑driven experience at the cocktail bar. You will lead mixology classes and tastings, assist with menus, and ensure a premium level of guest service while upholding Woodford Reserve and Brown‑Forman safety standards.

Responsibilities include daily bar operations, inventory preparation, assisting events, and maintaining a clean, hospitable environment for guests across multiple bar locations onsite.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Experience in restaurant/bar/distillery settings preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities are essential.
• Ability to diffuse situations and maintain hospitality under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide a welcoming, informative and enjoyable guest experience at the cocktail bar.
• Lead mixology classes and tastings to showcase Woodford Reserve products.
• Assist in creating, executing and maintaining cocktail menus.
• Prepare ingredients and maintain bar stock, garnishes, and supplies.
• Ensure proper alcohol handling, sanitation and safety standards.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Problem solving

Conflict resolution

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

About Woodford Reserve Distillery

The Woodford Reserve Distillery is an interactive, consumer experience designed to showcase the history and beauty of the Woodford Reserve Brand. It gives our consumers a look into how Woodford Reserve comes to life and each team member will be responsible for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of this experience as they interact with our consumers throughout their visit to our Homeplace.

Position Summary

The Bar Associate at Woodford Reserve Distillery is responsible for providing a welcoming, positive, informative and enjoyable experience to the Woodford Reserve Cocktail Bar, sharing our brand through the creation of cocktails, leading mixology classes and tastings at multiple bars onsite.

Bar Associate Responsibilities

• Focus on hospitality and responsibility, specifically toward providing a memorable and responsible brand-driven cocktail experience to guests.
• Abide quality and safety controls with Woodford Reserve Distillery policies, including a particular emphasis on Brown‑Forman responsibility initiatives.
• Adhere to proper alcohol handling, sanitation, and safety procedures, and maintain appropriate dating, labeling, and rotation of all beverage items.
• Assist in maintaining a fun, safe atmosphere for guests visiting the Woodford Reserve Distillery.

Cocktail Experience

• Develop and maintain strong knowledge of the Woodford Reserve brand story and product portfolio, engaging guests in conversation about our brand.
• Assist in the creation, implementation and execution of the seasonal cocktail menus and limited promotional cocktail offerings.
• Prepare and maintain ingredients by following recipes.
• Host guests in mixology and guided tastings of Woodford Reserve cocktails and products.
• Coordinate with Bar Lead to prepare daily supply of inventory for bar inclusive of alcohol, garnishes, juices, etc.; assist with receipt of deliveries.
• Assist with setup and breakdown of bar(s) and cash drawer over multiple locations.
• Assist with VIP, larger groups or special events.
• Demonstrate a standard of super‑premium customer service and overall customer experience to the bar team, leading by example.
• Support the overall Woodford Reserve Distillery experience, as needed.

Daily Duties

• In concert with the Bar Lead, responsible for opening the bar, daily preparation, stocking, necessary communications to the Bar Manager, etc.
• Ensures smooth operation of bar services during absence of supervisor.
• Maintain a clean and presentable bar area at all times.
• Prepare for events, as needed.
• Proficiently and hospitably provide answers to guests’ questions about Woodford Reserve.
• Ensure safe and responsible service in bar area, maintaining a seamless alignment with Brown‑Forman Responsibility initiatives.
• Cleaning/closing of the bar area at end of operational hours.

Requirements

• High School Diploma.
• Restaurant/bar/distillery attraction experience.
• Proficient problem solving and customer service skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to diffuse situations and resolve conflict in a warm, hospitable manner.
• Work schedule includes weekends, must have willingness to work during peak hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to walk, stand, and occasionally carry heavy items, working in a fluid, fast‑paced environment.

We are looking for a team member who

• Demonstrates ability to develop and maintain effective workplace relationships.
• Communicates clearly and in a timely fashion.
• Enjoys working in a cocktail bar and/or distillery attraction atmosphere.
• Brings a positive mindset to work every day.
• Leads by example.
• Would enjoy learning and sharing the Woodford Reserve story.