Storytelling Distillery Tour Guide - Part-Time

Still Austin Whiskey Co.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 24,796 - 34,440; Full time

Job description

Still Austin is the first true grain-to-glass distillery to open in Austin since the end of Prohibition. We are one of the fastest-growing craft whiskey brands in the United States. Our expansion includes a six-acre South Austin campus featuring a new distillery, bottling facility, aging warehouse, and an immersive hospitality experience for guests.

Still Austin blends craftsmanship, storytelling, and Texas pride to create memorable guest experiences. The hospitality team plays a central role in sharing our story and bringing guests closer to the art and science of whiskey.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Distillery Tour Guide is responsible for delivering engaging and educational distillery tours and curated tastings while creating a welcoming and memorable experience for guests. This role serves as a key storyteller for the brand, translating the technical process of whiskey production into an approachable and entertaining guest experience.

When tours are not actively running, the Tour Guide supports tasting room operations by greeting guests, assisting with bottle and merchandise sales, managing tour check-ins, and supporting DRS pick-ups.

Success in this role requires strong public speaking ability, hospitality instincts, and the flexibility to pivot quickly to accommodate last-minute VIP or special tour requests.

SUCCESS PROFILE

Successful Tour Guides demonstrate the following characteristics:

Storytelling & Presence Strong public speaking ability and confidence engaging groups of varying sizes and backgrounds.

Hospitality Mindset A welcoming, guest-first demeanor that ensures every visitor feels like a VIP.

Operational Flexibility The ability to quickly shift between tours, hospitality floor support, and retail assistance as guest flow changes.

Product Curiosity Genuine enthusiasm for whiskey, craft spirits, and the distillation process.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Guides guests through the distillery while explaining fermentation, distillation, and aging processes in an engaging and accessible way
• Narrates the Still Austin story, highlighting our grain-to-glass philosophy and Texas heritage
• Leads curated tastings, introducing guests to aroma, flavor profiles, and tasting techniques

Guest Experience

• Serves as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic ambassador for the Still Austin brand
• Answers guest questions related to whiskey production, brand history, and hospitality offerings
• Creates an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for guests of all levels of whiskey familiarity

Hospitality Floor Support

• Greets guests entering the tasting room and assists with general hospitality flow
• Supports bottle and merchandise sales within the tasting room retail space
• Assists with tour check-ins and guest coordination
• Facilitates DRS pick-ups and other guest service needs

Operational Support

• Maintains cleanliness and safety along the tour path and tasting areas
• Monitors guest sobriety and ensures all tastings comply with TABC regulations
• Remains ready to pivot quickly to accommodate VIP tours or last-minute guest experiences

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Narrating the Distillation Process: Explains key stages of whiskey production including mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation.
• Spirit Education: Describes mash bills, barrel aging, and flavor development in a way that is both informative and approachable.
• Retail & Guest Engagement: Processes bottle and merchandise sales following tours and assists with restocking and merchandising when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• · Prior experience in hospitality, tourism, retail, or guest-facing roles preferred
• · Foundational knowledge of whiskey, spirits, or distillation processes strongly preferred
• · Experience leading presentations, tours, or group instruction is highly valued
• · Strong verbal communication and storytelling skills
• · Comfortable speaking to groups of varying sizes
• · Ability to remain calm, professional, and engaging in a high-energy guest environment
• · Demonstrated ability to multitask and pivot quickly between responsibilities
• · Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• · Interest in craft spirits, hospitality, or the beverage/alcohol industry preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This role requires the ability to:
• · Stand and walk for extended periods while leading tours throughout the distillery
• · Speak clearly and project voice to groups in production and hospitality environments
• · Navigate indoor and outdoor areas of the distillery campus
• · Climb stairs and move through production spaces safely
• · Occasionally lift and carry items up to 25 pounds (cases of product, retail inventory, or tour materials)
• · Work in environments with varying temperatures and production noise levels
• · Maintain awareness of guest safety in a working production facility