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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
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- 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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Should Bartenders’ Knowledge Influence Your Tip? A Look into Tipping Etiquette
Last night, I visited a new bar and had an encounter that left a lasting impression on me. I ordered a Belgian gueuze, fully prepared for the typical butchered pronunciation that often follows. To my surprise, the bartender confidently pronounced it “the guhz is excellent,” as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She didn’t stop there; she proceeded to share insights about the intriguing wild fermentation process behind the drink and even suggested a perfect cheese pairing – all without me having to ask.
I sat there, slightly amazed. It’s rare to find bartenders who are not only knowledgeable about their drinks but are also eager to engage patrons in conversation about them. Most often, I’ve encountered bartenders who either shy away from properly saying the name or confidently mispronounce it while pouring the drink into any available glass.
In recognition of her expertise and enthusiasm, I ended up tipping 30%. Reflecting on this now, I find myself questioning the unwritten rules of tipping. Should someone’s level of knowledge and passion for what they serve influence how much we tip? Is there a certain scale we should consider when it comes to proper pronunciation and familiarity with the beverages being offered?
This experience has me pondering: When you find a bartender who genuinely knows their craft, should that elevate your tipping strategy? Is it acceptable to vary your tip based on how well they understand and present the drinks? I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this topic. How do you handle tipping in situations where the bartender goes above and beyond in their service?