What are the responsibilities and job description for the Full Throttle Distillery - Moonshine & Whiskey Tasting Specialist (Sales Associate) position at Full Throttle Distillery?
Company: Full Throttle Distillery
Location: Estes Park, CO
**Job Type:** Full-Time/Part-Time
**Salary:** $35,000 - $45,000 base commission on sales (uncapped potential) tips
**About Us:** At Full Throttle Distillery, we're all about bold flavors, handcrafted spirits, and living life at full speed. From authentic moonshine and smooth whiskeys to sippin' creams and more, our tasting rooms are high-energy spots where guests experience the thrill of craft distillation, great stories, and unforgettable tastes. We're looking for a passionate Tasting Specialist to turn every sip into a sale and every visitor into a fan!
Job Summary
Love spirits and people. As a Moonshine & Whiskey Tasting Specialist, you'll be the heart of our distillery experience—leading tastings, sharing expert knowledge on our lineup (like Apple Pie Moonshine, Blackberry Moonshine, Cinnafire Whiskey, and Peanut Butter Whiskey), and driving bottle sales with your charisma and deep product insight. If you can ignite excitement about our flavored moonshines, barrel-aged whiskeys, and signature bold profiles while closing sales, this high-octane role is perfect for you!
Key Responsibilities
- **Conduct Engaging Tastings:** Guide group and one-on-one tastings of our core lineup, including classics like S'loonshine Platinum Batch Moonshine, flavored favorites (Apple Moonshine, Apple Pie Moonshine, Blackberry Moonshine, Butterscotch Moonshine, Cafe Moonshine, Peach Margarita Moonshine, Peppermint Moonshine), and whiskeys (Cinnafire Whiskey, Honey Whiskey, Peanut Butter Whiskey, Cask Strength Whiskey, Dead Barrel Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey). Highlight flavor profiles (sweet corn mash kick, spiced cinnamon heat, nutty peanut butter smoothness, rich oak char, fruit-forward infusions) and suggest pairings to create memorable experiences.
- **Drive Sales Through Education:** Leverage your expertise in distilling (copper pot stills, local grains, American white oak barrels, proofing, and small-batch craftsmanship) to build hype around specific products—like turning a tasting of Apple Pie Moonshine into a gift set sale or upselling Cinnafire Whiskey bundles—and convert tastings into purchases of full bottles, limited releases, and merch.
- **Customer Interaction:** Welcome guests, dive into the heritage of moonshining and whiskey-making, answer questions on origins and production (e.g., how our Cafe Moonshine blends real coffee notes or why Dead Barrel Whiskey gets its intense character), handle sales transactions, and keep the vibe fun and responsible.
- **Product Expertise:** Master our full portfolio, including flagship moonshines, flavored innovations, whiskeys, and new releases. Join training with our distillers and stay ahead on trends.
- **Team Collaboration:** Hit daily/weekly sales goals, help with displays and events, and bring ideas for promotions or tasting specials (e.g., "Peanut Butter Whiskey Pairing Nights").
- **Compliance & Safety:** Follow all alcohol regulations, check IDs, encourage responsible enjoyment, and keep the tasting area spotless and inviting.
Qualifications
- **Required:**
- 21 years old with valid alcohol service certification (e.g., TIPS or state equivalent; we'll help if needed).
- Strong sales background, preferably in retail, hospitality, or beverages (bartending or spirits sales experience is a big plus).
- Outgoing personality with excellent communication—able to engage crowds and individuals with energy and enthusiasm.
- Able to stand for long shifts, lift up to 40 lbs (bottle cases), and work flexible schedules including weekends/holidays.
- **Preferred:**
- In-depth knowledge of distillation: fermentation, pot/column stills, aging, blending, and sensory analysis.
- Skilled at identifying and describing flavor/aroma profiles in moonshine and whiskey (e.g., the cinnamon spice in Cinnafire or buttery sweetness in Butterscotch Moonshine).
- Genuine passion for craft spirits—bonus for festival experience, home distilling knowledge, or certifications (WSET Spirits, CSS, etc.).
- Proven ability to turn tastings into strong sales results.
What We Offer
- Solid base pay uncapped commissions and tips—top performers easily clear $60K !
- Hands-on training from our distillers to level up your expertise.
- Awesome perks: complimentary tastings, team events, industry outings, and a fun, adventurous atmosphere.
- Health benefits, paid time off, and the chance to be part of a growing, nationwide brand.
Pay: $35,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $35,000 - $45,000