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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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Tipping Etiquette for Bartenders: When Knowledge Earns Extra Respect
Last night, I had the pleasure of visiting a trendy new bar and ordered a Belgian gueuze. As I anticipated the usual — a bartender struggling with the pronunciation — I was pleasantly surprised when the bartender confidently pronounced it as “the guhz” without hesitation. What followed was an engaging conversation about the wild fermentation process, where she suggested an excellent cheese pairing to complement my drink, all without prompting from me.
I found myself momentarily taken aback. It’s not every day that you encounter a bartender who not only shows expertise but also shares their knowledge in a way that enhances the experience. Typically, bartenders either shy away from pronouncing complex names or mispronounce them with a surprising level of confidence. This particular bartender, however, was a breath of fresh air, and her professionalism didn’t go unnoticed.
Feeling genuinely impressed, I decided to tip 30% as a token of my appreciation for her service and expertise. Yet, as I left, I couldn’t help but ponder an important question: Is there an unwritten rule regarding how much to tip based on a bartender’s knowledge? Should we adjust our gratuities depending on the level of expertise displayed? Is there a sliding scale for pronunciation accuracy?
When we encounter a bartender who demonstrates a true understanding of their craft, how do we acknowledge that exceptional service? It seems reasonable to consider elevating our tips in these instances to recognize and support knowledgeable service staff who elevate our experience. After all, bartending is not just about pouring drinks; it’s also about creating an enjoyable atmosphere and sharing insights that deepen our appreciation for the beverage.
In the end, remember that tipping well isn’t just about the monetary value; it’s about rewarding passion and expertise. So, the next time you’re impressed by a bartender’s knowledge, don’t hesitate to show your gratitude with an extra generous tip. It might encourage a culture of excellence in service that we all can appreciate.