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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 Expertise and Enthusiasm Should Influence Your Gratuity
Last night, I had the pleasure of visiting a new bar that truly exceeded my expectations, and it got me thinking about the unwritten rules of tipping—especially when it comes to craft beer. As I settled in, I ordered a Belgian gueuze, fully prepared to hear it butchered as usual. To my surprise, the bartender confidently pronounced it “the guhz,” showing a genuine understanding of the beverage.
What followed was beyond my expectations. She not only articulated the complexities of the drink but also enthusiastically explained the wild fermentation process. As if that wasn’t enough, she suggested a cheese pairing that would enhance my experience. I was momentarily taken aback because, let’s face it, many bartenders either shy away from attempting the name altogether or mispronounce it while pouring.
In that moment, I realized I was engaging with a professional who truly cared about her craft and had the knowledge to back it up. Recognizing her expertise, I decided to tip 30%—a higher percentage than I would typically consider. However, I began to ponder the question: is there an appropriate tipping scale based on a bartender’s level of knowledge and passion?
Should we adjust our gratuity when a bartender demonstrates expertise that goes above and beyond what we normally encounter? Do we create a sliding scale, where correct pronunciations and in-depth knowledge of the menu warrant a more generous tip? These are interesting considerations for anyone passionate about craft beverages and good service.
Next time you find yourself at a bar and encounter a bartender who provides not only excellent service but also insightful recommendations, it might just be worth adjusting that tip. After all, exceptional service is deserving of recognition, and who wouldn’t want to encourage that kind of professionalism in the industry? Let’s raise our glasses—and our tipping percentages—to bartenders who elevate our drinking experiences with their knowledge!