The Whisky Specialist is a product-savvy beverage professional responsible for curating, presenting, and driving the whisky experience across the venue. In a restaurant, club, or lounge environment, this role adds depth to the bar offer by guiding guests through premium, rare, and signature whisky selections while supporting sales, service quality, and beverage profitability.
- Role purpose
- Elevate the guest experience through expert whisky knowledge, confident recommendations, and polished storytelling.
- Support the bar team in delivering consistent, high-quality beverage service with a strong focus on premium spirits.
- Help maximise whisky sales, trade-up opportunities, and beverage margins through effective menu placement, pairings, and upselling.
- Where the role sits and reporting line
- The Whisky Specialist sits within the Bar & Beverage department as a specialist support role.
- Depending on the venue structure, the role typically reports to the Bar Manager, Assistant Bar Manager, or Beverage Manager.
- Works closely with bartenders, floor service teams, sommeliers, and management to ensure the whisky offer is integrated into the wider guest experience.
- Key areas of responsibility
- Maintain deep knowledge of whisky categories, production methods, regions, flavour profiles, and premium brands.
- Recommend whiskies for neat serves, cocktails, pairings, and special guest requests.
- Support the creation and upkeep of whisky menus, tasting notes, staff training, and promotional activations.
- Monitor stock levels, highlight low sellers, and assist with inventory control and product rotation.
- Deliver tastings, guest education, and product storytelling that builds confidence and loyalty.
- Ensure proper storage, presentation, and service standards for all whisky products.
- Type of person who succeeds in this role
- Passionate about whisky, hospitality, and guest engagement.
- Confident communicator with strong product knowledge and a refined sense of service.
- Sales-focused without being pushy, with the ability to read guests and match the right product to the right occasion.
- Detail-oriented, organised, and calm under pressure, with a professional presence and a commitment to excellence.