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
- 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?
Categories
Tags
Social Links
On Tipping Bartenders: When Pronunciation Meets Expertise
Last night, I had the pleasure of visiting a new bar that specialized in Belgian beers, where I found myself ordering a gueuze. Given my previous experiences, I prepared myself for the usual mispronunciation. To my surprise, the bartender confidently pronounced it “the guhz is excellent,” showcasing her knowledge without skipping a beat.
What really blew me away was her deep understanding of the drink. She launched into a discussion about the wild fermentation process and even suggested a perfect cheese pairing without me prompting her. It was refreshing to encounter someone so knowledgeable, especially when many bartenders either avoid the name or mispronounce it while pouring.
As a result of her expertise and service, I felt compelled to tip a generous 30%. However, this encounter sparked a question: Is there an unspoken etiquette for tipping based on a bartender’s beer knowledge? Should we consider things like correct pronunciation as a factor in determining tip amounts?
It seems appropriate to reflect on how a bartender’s expertise—especially in a craft-focused environment—can positively influence our tipping habits. When we meet bartenders who truly understand what they’re serving, it’s more than just a transaction; it becomes an experience. So the next time you find yourself at a bar with an exceptionally knowledgeable bartender, consider adjusting your tip accordingly. Just might be worth every penny!