# Curated Vodka Tastings This Cocktail Lounge Replaces Bar Managers with Knowledgable Sommeliers By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-08-17 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knowledgeable-sommeliers References: [theguardian](http://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2015/aug/14/vodka-revolution-small-producers-cash-in-craft) & [vestalvodka](http://vestalvodka.com/) 'Vestal Vodka' is changing the [cocktail lounge experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wing-lei-bar) by replacing all of its bar managers with knowledgeable sommeliers. Interactive alcohol tastings have become extremely popular in recent years as consumers seek [unique and innovative dining experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-west-hollywood-edition). By replacing traditional restaurant staff with sommeliers, this particular cocktail bar is adding an educational element to the tasting experience. Vestal Vodka offers its [interactive tastings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immersive-tasting-experience) out of a humble English bar called 'Ladies and Gentlemen.' The establishment serves cocktails made from a number of craft spirits and offers public tasting events. To ensure that customers get the most out of their experience, the bar has a number of knowledgeable sommeliers that curate and lead the events. The educational and interactive event provides a unique way for consumers to learn about a brand and gain a better overall appreciation for a product. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Interactive Tastings:** Replacing traditional tastings with interactive experiences can offer consumers a unique and engaging way to learn about a brand. - **Knowledgeable Sommeliers:** Replacing bar managers with knowledgeable sommeliers can provide customers with expert guidance and enhance their overall tasting experience. - **Craft Spirits:** The rise in popularity of craft spirits creates opportunities for curated tasting events that showcase unique and innovative products. ### Who This Affects Most - **Restaurants:** Restaurants can leverage interactive tastings to differentiate themselves and attract customers who are seeking unique dining experiences. - **Hospitality:** Hospitality industry can incorporate knowledgeable sommeliers into their establishments to enhance their customers' experience and create a competitive edge. - **Alcohol and Beverage:** Alcohol and beverage companies can explore partnerships with cocktail lounges to showcase their craft spirits through interactive tastings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Virtual Mixology Classes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-mixology-class.md) - [Multi-Sensory Cocktail Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bellboy-bar-berlin.md) - [Emotional Introspection Drinking Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-and-words.md) - [Bar-Centric Lecture Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sip-and-learn.md) - [Sensorial Cocktail Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/texture-is-everything.md) - [Smart Mixology Speakeasies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barsys-speakeasy.md) - [Overlooked Wine Bottle Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/an-a-to-z-di-vini-divini.md) - [Film-Inspired Cocktail Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wicked-cocktail-event.md) - [Virtual Oil Tasting Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-tasting-experience.md)