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
How Much Should You Tip a Knowledgeable Bartender? A Deep Dive into Gratitude and Craft Beer
Last night, I had a memorable experience at a new bar that got me thinking about how we tip bartenders. I ordered a Belgian gueuze, a beer I love but had braced myself to hear mispronounced as “guhz” or worse. To my surprise, the bartender confidently pronounced it “gueuze,” showcasing her impressive knowledge and passion for craft beer.
What followed was even more remarkable: she enthusiastically shared insights about the wild fermentation process of the gueuze and suggested a cheese pairing that perfectly complemented the drink—all without prompting. I found myself in a rare moment of admiration, realizing how infrequently we encounter bartenders who not only know their beverages but also engage thoughtfully with customers.
I left a tip of 30%, feeling it was a just reward for her expertise and the exceptional service I received. However, this experience led me to ponder a broader question: Is there an unwritten code of conduct when it comes to tipping based on a bartender’s knowledge? Should the level of expertise, especially in niche areas like craft beer, influence how much we decide to give?
Many patrons might adjust their tips based on the bartender’s ability to provide recommendations or display a profound understanding of what they’re serving. After all, when someone goes beyond merely pouring drinks and enters the realm of genuine customer education and engagement, it creates a much richer experience.
Next time you’re at the bar and encounter a bartender who impresses you with their knowledge, consider how that might affect your tipping decision. Perhaps it’s time to create a sliding scale for tipping—where a correctly pronounced gueuze might earn a little extra love in the form of added dollars.
In the end, the heart of the tipping culture lies in recognizing and rewarding exceptional service. Whether it’s a perfectly poured pint or knowledgeable recommendations, let’s celebrate the bartenders who enhance our drinking experiences and make a notable impact on our evenings out. So the next time you find yourself in a similar situation, remember: a little extra appreciation can go a long way!