Three superfans, high‑rye flights, and simple cues that moved choices up‑tier.
In Vail, three longtime rye enthusiasts wanted a private tasting that pushed their appreciation further. Not just more pours, but deeper understanding.
We created a high-rye flight that guided them from spice-forward expressions to smoother, balanced finishes. Using simple, flavor-first cues, each guest identified their favorite note — heat, sweetness, or balance — and bridged that discovery into premium rye and rye-based cocktails. The result: confident, high-tier selections, longer dwell time, and a ripple of word-of-mouth requests for more private sessions.
Objective
Build guest confidence to naturally choose premium rye selections.
Setup
Venue fit: Intimate lounge setting in Vail, ideal for small-group conversation and slow pacing.
Flight design: Three rye expressions ranging from bold and spicy to smooth and balanced.
Menu cues: Minimalist tasting cards with one clear note per pour (e.g., clove spice, caramel edge, toffee finish).
Tools: Small water carafes, palate cleansers, tasting mats, and premium rye options for cocktail upgrades.
Flow
Welcome & framing: Host opens with “find your note” and introduces the spectrum of rye flavor.
First pour: Guided nose-sip-resip with a light cue focused on spice perception.
Compare & share: Group pauses to describe sensations and compare heat versus sweetness.
Second & third pours: Build contrast between higher spice and smoother profiles.
Premium bridge: Each guest is offered an upgraded neat pour or a rye Old Fashioned aligned to their preferred flavor note.
Impact
Confidence: Guests quickly articulated their flavor preferences, translating curiosity into confident, higher-tier orders.
Check average: Upgraded pours and cocktail conversions supported a measurable increase in premium sales.
Dwell time: Conversation-paced tasting extended stays and deepened engagement.
Momentum: Positive energy and clear takeaways led to additional private hosting requests.
Proof of Impact
When guests can name a favorite spice or sweetness note in rye, decision friction drops and premium feels earned, not sold. This confidence consistently leads to higher-tier selections and positive referral energy for future events.
How it works in 3 Steps
Invite the flight
Introduce a concise, high-rye tasting designed for discovery.
Guide the note
Lead guests through nose-sip-resip pacing and help them name a preferred flavor cue.
Bridge to premium
Offer a premium rye or rye-based cocktail aligned with their chosen note.
result
High-rye flights and simple cues moved choices up-tier while building lasting confidence in premium rye selections.
See how a private rye flight turned superfans into confident premium buyers.