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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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The Etiquette of Tipping: When Knowledge Meets Skill Behind the Bar
Navigating the world of tipping can often be a complex task, especially in the context of bars where expertise varies widely among bartenders. Recently, I had a memorable experience at a local pub that left me pondering the intricacies of bartending skill and its impact on tipping culture.
During a recent visit, I ordered a Belgian gueuze, fully prepared for the bartender to mispronounce the name, as is often the case. To my surprise, she pronounced it flawlessly—“the guhz is excellent”—as though discussing this unique brew was second nature to her. What followed was an enlightening conversation about the wild fermentation process that characterizes gueuze, complete with insightful suggestions for cheese pairings. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration; most bartenders either mispronounce exotic beer names or avoid them altogether, relying simply on their tap list.
This bartender’s knowledgeable approach and proper serving technique left a lasting impression. In that moment, I felt inclined to express my appreciation through a generous tip, ultimately leaving 30%—a decision that felt natural but also made me reflect on tipping etiquette in relation to a bartender’s expertise.
This brings up an interesting question: is there an unwritten guideline for tipping that accounts for a bartender’s knowledge and skill? Should we augment our tips based on how well they understand and present the beverages they serve? Or is there a sort of ‘sliding scale’ at play dictated by pronunciation and beverage knowledge?
When you encounter a bartender who displays a deep understanding of their craft—beyond merely reading a description off the tap list—it’s worth considering how that knowledge enhances your overall experience. If you find yourself impressed and engaged, it may very well justify a higher tip. Ultimately, the value of exceptional service and expertise can transform an ordinary night out into a memorable one.
Next time you’re at a bar, take a moment to assess the level of service you’re receiving. If a bartender not only knows their products but also elevates your experience, don’t hesitate to tip accordingly—it’s a recognition of their hard work and passion for their craft.