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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: How Bartender Expertise Influences Your Gratuity
Last night, I had an enjoyable experience at a new bar that was quite memorable, thanks to a bartender who truly knew her craft. When I ordered a Belgian gueuze, I was prepared for the usual mispronunciations that often accompany such a specialty drink. To my delight, she not only pronounced “gueuze” correctly, referring to it as “the guhz,” but she also delved into the intricacies of its wild fermentation process. Unprompted, she suggested a specific cheese pairing that would complement the beer beautifully.
I was pleasantly surprised; it’s rare to encounter bartenders who not only pronounce the names of unique beverages properly but who also possess in-depth knowledge about them. Typically, I see bartenders either mumble or fumble through complex names or simply regurgitate information from a tap list without any real understanding. This particular bartender, however, stood out as a true professional.
As a result of her expertise and warmth, I decided to tip 30%. But this led me to ponder an interesting question: Should a bartender’s knowledge and proper pronunciation of beverages influence how we calculate our tips? Is there a sort of unspoken protocol when it comes to tipping based on the depth of a bartender’s expertise?
When we encounter a bartender who genuinely knows their offerings—who goes beyond just pouring drinks and engages clients with knowledgeable recommendations—shouldn’t that be acknowledged? It seems fair to consider adjusting our tips when we receive exceptional service that is rooted in passion and expertise.
Ultimately, the next time you’re at a bar and connect with a knowledgeable bartender, consider giving a little extra for their efforts. Your tip can be a reflection not only of the service rendered but also the shared love for craft beverages we both enjoy.