Guests self‑select premium pours through guided chocolate pairings, typically lifting check average in the 5–10% range depending on menu and pricing.
We were asked to create a flight that invited guests to explore premium pours without feeling sold to.
So we paired three top‑shelf whiskies with complementary chocolate desserts and simple tasting cues. The result was a calm, celebratory rhythm at the bar that nudged natural upgrades and a 5–10% check‑average lift.
Objective
Elevate bar check average by guiding guests into premium whiskey tiers through chocolate pairings.
Setup
Venue fit: bar seating with a quiet corner for note-sharing and pacing.
Flight design: three premium pours with cacao percentages matched to flavor notes.
Menu cues: one clear descriptor per pairing so guests can name what they taste.
Tools: small water carafes, palate-cleansing bites, napkins, and elegant flight cards.
Flow
Welcome and framing: host sets intention and explains how chocolate unlocks specific whiskey notes.
Guided first pairing: sip, small bite, resip, name a note from the menu cues.
Social pause: guests compare notes, host offers one tailored insight per guest.
Premium bridge: optional fourth pour or upgraded old fashioned aligned to the guest’s favorite note.
Impact
Check average: guests naturally selected premium tiers, supporting a 5–10% lift.
Dwell time: dessert-paced sipping extended stays 12–20 minutes.
Conversion moment: the favorite note became the bridge to an upgraded pour or old fashioned.
Guest effect: confidence increased, leading to second-round curiosity instead of discount hunting.
Proof of Impact
Dwell time: Dessert‑paced flights typically extend bar stay by 12–20 minutes as guests savor pairings and discuss notes.
Why it matters: More time at the bar naturally opens space for a premium add‑on or a second round, which supports the 5–10% check‑average lift.
How it works in 3 steps
Invite the exploration
Guests choose the whiskey x chocolate flight from a simple, elegant card.
Guide the note
Host leads sip, bite, resip, and helps each guest name a favorite note.
Bridge to premium
Their favorite note becomes the upgrade path to a premium pour or old fashioned.
Result
Quiet celebration, higher tiers, happier guests.
See how spirit and food flights nudge guests into premium tiers and lift check average.