Food & Beverage Jobs in Kentucky with J-1 Sponsorship

About:

IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we’ve compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville and a bottling facility in Harrodsburg. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes the recent groundbreaking of a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in 2025, and plans for a Japanese distillery in Chitose set to commence in 2025.

With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation's largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio with our first Tequila brand launch in Q3 of 2024.

Role Overview:

Join IJW Whiskey Company for a hands-on summer internship that blends science, craftsmanship, and innovation in the world of whiskey. This immersive experience offers recent STEM grads a unique opportunity to work alongside industry experts, gain practical lab skills, and contribute to real-world quality and sensory projects. If you’re curious about how science powers spirits—from lab analysis to flavor development—this is your chance to learn from the best in business.

This role will split their time between our Louisville office and Shelbyville Distillery.

Benefits of working at IJW Whiskey Company

• This will be an opportunity to become introduced in the spirits industry while learning how sensory, analytical chemistry and engineering support the business
• Provide the opportunity to shadow and learn the different areas of the business
• Professional development
• Networking with Department leadership
• Continual feedback throughout the internship
• Work with manager to develop project plans and set goals
• Train in sensory and analytical methodology and instrumentation

Job Responsibilities:

• Commitment to the entire length of summer internship.
• Manage your own time and prioritize work to deliver consistent and accurate results.
• Perform testing and analysis on production and warehouse samples.
• Prepare samples for sensory analysis.
• Plan and execute experiments using established laboratory methods. Follow best practices and SOPs.
• Support commissioning documentation for distillery start-up.
• Complete a research project related to process engineering and present findings at the end of the internship.

Who are we looking for?

• Recent graduate or currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in any related STEM field.
• 21+ years old.
• Working knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and practices (completion of courses with relatable lab experience).
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work proficiently with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work 20 hours a week.