A global whiskey flight that guided first-timers from curiosity to confident preferences.
A Charlotte-based company wanted an engaging way to introduce their team to whiskey. Many of them were first-time tasters who didn’t know where to start.
We curated a world whiskey flight spanning bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, Scotch, and Irish whiskey. Each pour was paired with simple tasting cues and short guided comparisons that helped guests find their personal note. By the end, beginners could confidently describe what they liked, and why, turning curiosity into informed enjoyment and easy premium upgrades.
Objective
Help beginners build confidence and vocabulary to naturally identify and select whiskeys they enjoy, supporting premium upsell potential.
Setup
Venue fit: Company event in Charlotte, NC — casual but structured tasting format for a mixed-experience group.
Flight design: Seven whiskeys from key regions — bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, Scotch, and Irish whiskey — illustrating style differences and aging character.
Menu cues: One clear descriptor per pour (e.g., vanilla, smoke, oak, honey) to anchor flavor recognition.
Tools: Water carafes, small palate cleansers, and tasting mats with note cards for personal impressions.
Flow
Welcome & framing: Host introduces whiskey’s global diversity and invites guests to “find your note.”
Guided first pour: Nose-sip-resip with simple cue for recognition; group shares quick first impressions.
Progression: Move through lighter to bolder styles, linking differences in region, cask, and distillation.
Compare & name: Group pauses to name their favorite note and region.
Premium bridge: Guests are offered a higher-tier pour from their preferred region or a signature cocktail reflecting that flavor profile.
Impact
Confidence: Beginners gained clear language to describe taste preferences.
Check average: Higher-tier selections and premium cocktail orders supported a 5–8% lift.
Engagement: Group discussion and light education extended the experience by 10–15 minutes.
Proof of Impact
When beginners can name a favorite region or note, they shift from guessing to choosing, creating both comfort and curiosity that lead to natural upgrades.
How it works in 3 Steps
Invite the flight
Guests explore the world of whiskey through seven regional pours.
Guide the note
Simple cues and guided pacing help each guest identify a favorite style.
Bridge to premium
Preferred notes become the entry point for premium selections or cocktails.
result
Beginners discovered their personal whiskey style, and ordered premium with confidence.
See how a world whiskey flight turns first-timers into confident, loyal buyers.