Buy the Barrel Host - Old Forester Distillery

Old Forester Distillery Lead Host

The Old Forester Distillery is a premier bourbon destination located on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row, where guests experience the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation behind America's First Bottled Bourbon. Through immersive tours, engaging educational experiences, exceptional hospitality, and world-class cocktails, we bring the Old Forester story to life for visitors from around the world. Every member of our team plays an important role in creating memorable guest experiences that reflect the authenticity, quality, and pioneering spirit of the Old Forester brand. We are committed to delivering hospitality that is welcoming, knowledgeable, and uniquely representative of our Kentucky bourbon heritage.

This role serves as the lead host for Old Forester's Buy the Barrel program, creating premium and memorable barrel selection experiences that deepen brand engagement and customer loyalty. As a key brand ambassador, the individual coordinates and hosts Single Barrel selections, private tours, guided tastings, virtual barrel picks, and VIP experiences for consumers, trade partners, media, and special guests. Working closely with homeplace and production teams, as well as brand partners, this position ensures every experience is executed to the highest standard while upholding the integrity of the Old Forester Single Barrel program. Success requires a strong understanding of bourbon production, maturation, and quality standards, combined with exceptional hospitality, communication, and organizational skills to deliver outstanding guest experiences and protect the reputation of one of the brand's most distinctive offerings.

What You Can Expect

• Creates a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all guests while operating with a hospitality-first mindset.
• Serves as the primary contact and lead for Buy the Barrel (BTB) selections and develops and leads designated Buy the Barrel (BTB) tours.
• Manages all Buy the Barrel (BTB) administrative functions, including but not limited to, agenda coordination, pre- and post-visit communications, on-site logistics, order entry, and maintenance of the Buy the Barrel (BTB) calendar.
• Ensures timely and effective communication of Buy the Barrel (BTB) visit details and upcoming selections to the Homeplace Manager, Homeplace Leadership Team, Barrel Program Manager, Production Team, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborates with the Barrel Program Manager, field sales team, and other partners to fulfill program-related requests.
• Oversees setup and breakdown of Buy the Barrel (BTB) experiences, partnering with Guest Services as needed to support seamless execution.
• Manages on-site barrel inventory and tags selected barrels in accordance with Single Barrel SOP guidelines.
• Supports VIP, trade, and media visits in partnership with the Kentucky Distillery Ambassador and Homeplace Coordinator, including tours conducted outside normal operating hours.
• Provides operational support for the Old Forester Distillery Homeplace as needed.
• Maintains compliance with all legal, risk management, alcohol responsibility, safety, and security requirements, while championing guest-facing responsibility initiatives and adhering to media access protocols.
• Serves as Manager on Duty as assigned.

What You Bring To The Table

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience leading guided tasting experiences and educating diverse audiences on brand history, heritage, and product offerings.
• Ability to taste, evaluate, and discuss whiskey and bourbon products with confidence and credibility.
• Strong knowledge of distillery operations, including production, maturation, aging, and the complete bourbon-making process.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners, including wholesalers, retailers, sales, and marketing teams.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills.
• Professional, personable, and hospitality-focused demeanor committed to delivering outstanding guest experiences.
• Must obtain and maintain required alcohol service certifications, including ServSafe and TIPS training.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

What Makes You Unique

• Previous experience in collaborative team building and matrix environments.
• Strong understanding of the Old Forester Brand.
• External whiskey certifications (Stave & Thief, CSS, etc).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the history of Old Forester Distilling Co. and the Old Forester portfolio of brands.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the distillery process operation; maturation procedures and a complete understanding of the entire process of making and aging Old Forester.

Working Arrangement: On-site, typically following a Tuesday to Saturday schedule from 8:30 AM to 5:00 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.