Your cart is currently empty!
Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- Oregon Road Trip: Freeland Spirits Garden Botanicals Gin
- Botanist with Trader Joe’s Lemon and Elderflower Soda
- I’m one of the worlds leading buyers of craft gin in the world and a international spirit judge AMA
- I’m blown away…. By how let down I am by this Gin.
- The Botanist 22 Gin Review: Perhaps the most overhyped gin around
Categories
Archive
Tags
Social Links
Title: Tipping Etiquette: Rewarding Knowledge in the Craft Beer Scene
As the world of craft beer continues to grow, so does the appreciation for those who serve it. Recently, I visited a trendy new establishment and ordered a Belgian gueuze, fully prepared for a server to fumble the pronunciation as is often the case. To my surprise, the bartender confidently pronounced it “the guhz is excellent” without missing a beat. Beyond simply getting the name right, she delved into a captivating discussion about the wild fermentation process and thoughtfully suggested a cheese pairing—without me even prompting her.
This unexpected display of expertise left me genuinely impressed. After all, it’s rare to come across a bartender who not only knows the correct pronunciation but also possesses a depth of knowledge about the beverage they’re serving. Too often, I’ve encountered bartenders who either skip over the name entirely or mispronounce it with certainty while pouring.
Given her expertise and exceptional service, I felt inclined to tip her 30%. However, this experience sparked a question in my mind: Is there an unwritten rule regarding how to adjust tips based on a bartender’s knowledge of craft beer? Should an expertly pronouncing server receive a higher tip than one who simply takes your order?
It seems that many of us have a unique approach to tipping based on the quality of service we receive. For instance, when you come across a bartender who is well-informed about what they’re serving and is engaged in the process, should that influence how much you choose to tip? After all, a knowledgeable bartender not only enhances your experience but also educates you along the way.
In closing, it appears that recognizing and rewarding exceptional service, particularly in the realm of craft beer, is becoming more of a consideration for patrons. As trends evolve, so too should our tipping practices. The next time you encounter a bartender who goes above and beyond in their knowledge and service, it may just be worth considering a more generous tip. Have your own experiences shaped your tipping habits? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!