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
The Art of Tipping: How Expertise Influences Your Gratuity for Bartenders
Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing a delightful evening at a new local establishment that specializes in Belgian beers. While I anticipated the standard mispronunciation of “gueuze” — a typical challenge for many — I was pleasantly surprised when the bartender expertly pronounced it as “guhz.” This was just the beginning of an impressive interaction that left me wondering about the nuances of tipping in the bar scene.
As I relished my drink, the bartender went above and beyond, delving into the fascinating world of wild fermentation and even suggesting the perfect cheese pairing without waiting for my prompt. Her wealth of knowledge caught me off guard — so often, bartenders either shy away from pronouncing items on the menu or fumble through them while pouring. It’s rare to find someone who not only knows their craft but is also eager to share their insights with patrons.
Faced with such exceptional service and expertise, I felt compelled to express my gratitude through a 30% tip. However, this experience sparked a question that I’d love to explore: Is there an unspoken etiquette when it comes to tipping based on a bartender’s knowledge and skill? Should one adjust their gratuity based on how well a bartender understands and articulates their offerings?
It’s worth considering if we need a “knowledge scale” for tipping. Should we reward bartenders who not only pour the drinks but engage and educate us about them? The value they add to our experience can dramatically enhance our enjoyment and appreciation for the beverages being served.
Next time you find yourself at a bar, take a moment to assess the service you’re receiving. If you encounter a bartender who demonstrates a genuine passion for their craft and can guide you through the menu with ease, it might just warrant a little extra in the tip jar. After all, supporting those who elevate our drinking experience benefits everyone in the long run — and what better way to show appreciation than with a well-deserved tip?