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
Title: Tipping Etiquette: How Knowledge Impacts Gratuity for Bartenders
Finding a great new bar can be an exhilarating experience, especially when the staff demonstrates both expertise and passion for their craft. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting a local establishment that offered a selection of Belgian beers. Among my choices was a gueuze — a type of lambic known for its unique wild fermentation process. Typically, I brace myself for the inevitable mispronunciation from bartenders, but to my surprise, the bartender confidently and accurately pronounced “gueuze” as “the guhz.”
What followed was an impressive display of knowledge. She not only shared insights about the fermentation, but she also suggested cheese pairings without me needing to ask. This level of service left me both surprised and pleased, as it’s rare to encounter bar staff who not only understand their offerings but can also engage in meaningful conversation about them.
This experience raised an interesting question in my mind: What is the appropriate tipping protocol when you encounter someone who genuinely knows their stuff? In this case, I ended up tipping 30% because I felt truly impressed by her professionalism and expertise. However, I can’t help but wonder if there are any unwritten rules regarding tips that correlate with a bartender’s knowledge.
Is there a sliding scale for how much we should tip based on the level of service and understanding of the drinks offered? Should expertise and presentation influence our gratuity decisions? It’s clear that the quality of a bartender’s knowledge can enhance our experience, and I believe it’s worth recognizing that skill through our tips.
Next time you’re at a bar, take a moment to appreciate the bartender’s expertise, especially if they surprise you with their knowledge. You may find that a generous tip not only acknowledges their service but encourages a deeper appreciation for the art of brewing. Would love to hear how others handle this situation. How do you determine tips when you encounter a truly knowledgeable bartender?