What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Spirits Guide position at New England Barrel Company?
Spirits Guide — Part-Time
About the Role
New England Barrel Company is seeking an engaging and hospitality-driven Lead Spirits Guide to help create memorable whiskey experiences at our tasting room in Reading, Massachusetts.
This role combines whiskey education, bartending, brand representation, and social media content creation. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable about spirits, comfortable speaking to groups, and passionate about creating welcoming guest experiences.
Responsibilities
- Lead guided whiskey tastings, flights, private events, barrel selections, and other distillery experiences.
- Prepare and serve batched cocktails, neat pours, and tasting flights during tasting-room hours.
- Educate guests about American Whiskey - Bourbon, Rye, etc.
- Recommend products and help drive bottle sales, event bookings, and return visits.
- Represent NEBCo. at retail tastings, restaurant events, festivals, and other on- and off-premise activations.
- Assist with tasting-room opening, closing, stocking, sanitation, and inventory.
- Create photographs, videos, captions, and social media posts for management approval.
- Help train and support other Spirits Guides as the tasting-room team grows.
- Follow all responsible alcohol-service and guest-safety procedures.
Qualifications
- At least two years of hospitality, bartending, tasting-room, retail spirits, or similar customer-facing experience.
- Strong interest in whiskey, cocktails, and spirits education.
- Confident speaking to individuals and groups.
- Warm, professional, dependable, and comfortable working independently.
- Experience preparing cocktails and providing attentive bar service.
- Basic social media photography, video, and writing skills.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Must have or be willing to obtain TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or an equivalent certification.
Must be available evenings, weekends, and for off-site events.
Reliable transportation is required.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
Experience working at a distillery, brewery, winery, tasting room, cocktail bar, or spirits retailer is preferred but not required.
Why Join NEBCo.?
- Competitive hourly compensation plus tips.
- Employee product discounts.
- Hands-on whiskey and hospitality education.
- Opportunities to participate in special releases, private barrel selections, and industry events.
- The potential to grow into a full-time role as the tasting room and company expand
To Apply
Please submit your résumé and a brief note describing your hospitality or beverage experience, interest in whiskey, social media experience, and general evening and weekend availability.
New England Barrel Company is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10.0 – 20.0 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $22 - $26