Bartender

Company Description

Dark Arts Whiskey House, located in downtown Lexington, is a unique blending, rebarreling, and finishing distillery that emphasizes creativity and experimentation in the art of whiskey-making. Unlike traditional distilleries, Dark Arts focuses on elevating whiskey through innovative processes that enhance flavor and complexity, combining tradition with modern alchemy. By utilizing rare woods and inventive techniques, the company creates distinctive expressions that push the boundaries of whiskey craftsmanship. Dark Arts Whiskey House offers a transformative guest experience and celebrates the stories behind each exceptional creation.

Job Summary

As a Bartender at Dark Arts Whiskey House, you are more than a cocktail maker, you’re a storyteller, host, and ambassador for our spirits. You’ll craft exceptional cocktails, guide guests through tasting experiences, and create a welcoming environment that reflects our brand values. This role blends classic bartending with immersive guest engagement in a dynamic setting that includes a tasting room, retail gift shop, and a guided tasting.

Qualifications

• Previous bartending or hospitality experience preferred

• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills

• Knowledge of cocktails, whiskey, and bar operations preferred

• Passion for hospitality and willingness to learn about whiskey blending and finishing processes

• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced environment

• Professional, dependable, and team-oriented mindset

• Comfortable speaking to and engaging with groups during tastings and experiences

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift bar-related equipment or supplies as needed

• Must be of legal age to serve alcoholic beverages in the state of Kentucky

• Weekend availability required

Key Responsibilities

Bartending & Service

• Prepare and serve cocktails, flights, and neat pours with consistency and precision

• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked bar throughout each shift

• Follow all recipes and presentation standards in line with brand expectations

• Perform prep work for cocktail ingredients, syrups, and garnishes

• Provide attentive and engaging service throughout the guest experience

Guided Tastings & Guest Experience

• Lead guided tastings and experiences for public and private groups

• Share brand history and whiskey knowledge in an engaging and approachable way

• Create memorable, high-touch guest experiences that reflect the Dark Arts brand

• Assist guests with retail purchases and product recommendations

• Answer guest questions about products, whiskey-making processes, and experiences with professionalism and enthusiasm

• Support smooth guest transitions between tastings, experiences, and retail visits

Operations & Teamwork

• Open and close the bar according to daily procedures

• Comply with health and safety guidelines and all alcohol service laws

• Work collaboratively with team members across bar, retail, and experience operations

• Assist with inventory organization, restocking, and maintaining operational standards

• Contribute to a positive, team-focused work environment