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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
- 57/m: Love beer, but it doesn’t love me as much anymore
- No Stupid Questions Wednesday – ask anything about beer
- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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The Art of Tipping: When Bartenders Impress with Their Expertise
During a recent visit to a trendy new bar, I had a captivating experience that left me pondering proper tipping etiquette. As I settled in for the evening, I ordered a Belgian gueuze, anticipating the usual mishap of mispronunciation from the bartender. To my surprise, she confidently pronounced “gueuze” correctly and seamlessly transitioned into an engaging discussion about the drink’s wild fermentation process. Not only that, but she also suggested a delightful cheese pairing, demonstrating her depth of knowledge without any prompting from me.
In a world where many bartenders either shy away from complex beverage names or misstate them with certainty, encountering one who displays genuine expertise was refreshing. This bartender not only understood the nuances of the drink but also served it with the care it deserves.
Her professionalism and enthusiasm led me to tip a generous 30%, reflecting my appreciation for her skill and knowledge. However, it’s now left me questioning the standards of tipping based on a bartender’s expertise. Is there an unwritten rule regarding tipping that takes into account a bartender’s familiarity with their offerings? Should tips vary depending on how well someone knows their craft?
As it turns out, these questions can spark interesting conversations about the art of tipping in the hospitality industry. The next time you find yourself at a bar with a bartender who demonstrates a true understanding of the beverages they serve, consider rewarding that expertise. After all, a well-informed bartender can enhance your drinking experience, making it one worth acknowledging with a thoughtful tip.