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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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How to Tip Your Bartender: A Case Study in Expertise and Passion
Last night, I had the pleasure of visiting a new bar that specializes in craft beers, and I found myself delightfully surprised by the level of knowledge displayed by the bartender. When I ordered a Belgian gueuze, I braced myself for the usual bungled pronunciation that often accompanies such an obscure brew. To my astonishment, the bartender confidently pronounced it “the guhz,” as if it were the most common thing in the world.
Not only did she nail the pronunciation, but she then launched into an engaging explanation about the wild fermentation process behind the beverage. To top it off, she even recommended a cheese pairing that would complement the gueuze beautifully, all without me having to ask for a suggestion. I was a bit taken aback; usually, bartenders either shy away from saying a complicated name altogether or mispronounce it while pouring it into whichever clean glass is handy. However, this bartender clearly had both the knowledge and the passion for what she was serving.
Given the exceptional service and expertise, I left her a generous 30% tip, but it sparked a thought: is there an unwritten guideline for tipping based on a bartender’s knowledge and skill? Should a tip reflect not just the service received, but the level of expertise demonstrated? Is there a “scale” of appreciation for someone who goes above and beyond, providing insight and flavor pairings that elevate the experience?
Encountering a bartender who truly knows their craft is a refreshing experience. So, next time you find yourself at a bar where the staff exhibit passion about their offerings, consider how that unique dedication might influence your tipping decision. After all, skill and knowledge deserve to be recognized and rewarded. How do you adjust your tips when faced with an expert? Let’s discuss!