Bar staff 'should be trained to discuss whisky'

23/01/2012 13:36:13

Bar staff in Scotland should be trained in the history and manufacture of whisky in order to discuss it more knowledgably with potential customers and encourage tourists to visit pubs, an expert has advised.

Victor Brierley, who runs Glasgow Whisky Tours, has co-founded the Whisky Ambassador scheme and hopes it will encourage people in pub jobs to learn more about the subject.

He argued giving staff more training in recognising different brands and styles of Scotland's national drink will entice customers to try more premium options, with workers taking on a similar role to that of sommeliers with wine.

"There are some excellent whisky bars and a lot of knowledge in some places, but many bar staff even in high-end bars and hotels don't know what they are talking about," Mr Brierley asserted.

A recent report on tourism in Scotland found 1.3 million visitors passed through the country's various whisky distilleries and information centres in 2010.

Posted by Axel Esquinno

Advertise bar staff jobs in Scotland

• Print this page
• Forward to a friend