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The Art of Tipping: Should Bartender Expertise Influence Your Gratuity?

Last night, I had the pleasure of visiting a new bar where I encountered a truly impressive bartender. I ordered a Belgian gueuze, fully prepared for the usual confused or mispronounced response. To my surprise, the bartender pronounced it flawlessly, referring to it as “the guhz” with an air of confidence that suggested she truly understood her craft.

What followed was a delightful conversation about the intricacies of wild fermentation, along with an insightful cheese pairing suggestion that she offered spontaneously. I found myself taken aback; it’s rare to meet someone behind the bar who not only gets the pronunciation right but also possesses a deep knowledge of what they’re serving. Most bartenders either steer clear of mentioning the name altogether or stumble through a mispronunciation while pouring.

Given her expertise and the care she exhibited in serving the gueuze correctly, I tipped 30%—a gesture of my genuine appreciation. Yet, it left me pondering an intriguing question: is there an unspoken etiquette when it comes to tipping based on a bartender’s knowledge?

Should we have a scale that adjusts our gratuity according to how well they know their drinks? Do you become more generous when you encounter someone who’s not just pouring but also passionately sharing information about the beverages they serve?

In a landscape where a lot of service can feel routine or uninformed, finding a bartender who showcases both skills and enthusiasm is refreshing. So, next time you’re impressed by a bartender’s expertise, consider showing your appreciation in your tip. After all, great service is an experience worth rewarding!