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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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Tipping Etiquette: How Knowledge of Beer Affects Your Gratitude
Last night, I had the pleasure of visiting a newly opened bar, where I ordered a Belgian gueuze. Typically, when I place such an order, I brace myself for the bartender to either fumble the pronunciation or completely steamroll the name with an incorrect version. However, to my delight, the bartender effortlessly pronounced it as “the guhz” and went on to share her expertise about the wild fermentation process.
What stood out even more was her thoughtful suggestion of a cheese pairing, offered without my prompting. I was genuinely taken aback; it’s not often you find bartenders who not only know their craft but also serve with such passion and confidence. The experience was a refreshing change from the norm, where I often witness bartenders either hesitating to correctly pronounce specialty beers or simply pouring them into whatever glass is clean without a second thought.
Because of her impressive knowledge and attentive service, I felt inclined to tip 30%. Yet, it left me pondering: What’s the prevailing etiquette when it comes to tipping based on a bartender’s expertise? Should there be a standard increase in tips for those who demonstrate profound beer knowledge, or maybe even a ‘pronunciation bonus’? When faced with someone who genuinely understands their offerings and enhances the drinking experience with their insights, how do you adjust your tipping strategy?
It seems there might be an unspoken rule in the world of bartending—one that rewards not just the service rendered but also the knowledge and passion behind it. Ultimately, these interactions enrich our experience and deserve recognition. How do you navigate this fine line of gratitude when you encounter a bartender whose expertise elevates your evening? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!