Buy the Barrel Host - Old Forester Distillery
Brown-Forman
- Location
- Old Forester Distillery - Kentucky, Louisville
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Mid
- Posted
- Sep 10, 2026
Skills
About this role
CURRENT EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, AND AGENCY PARTNERS: If you currently work for Brown-Forman, please apply by clicking the Careers icon on the Workday portal. For best results, use Google Chrome to view this page. About the Old Forester Distillery 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. Meaningful Work From Day One 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