| 22 Rules of Beer Etiquette By Jim Attacap Etiquette - a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary norms with a society, social class or group. Since beer lovers qualify as a group they too have an unwritten code of proper behavior when drinking their favorite beverage at home or at a pub. Well, the unwritten will now be written. Here are my 22 rules to follow if you want to be better enjoy your evening at the bar or just what to be the next Emily Post. 1. People are entitled to their own opinions about beer. Don’t order a beer for someone just because you are the advanced beer fan in your group and know which the best is for them. If your friend wants a soft, light cream ale or sweet dark lager it’s okay. 2. If your group is buying rounds, don’t feel locked in by the second or third one. People drink at different paces – it’s OK to order a beer on your own if other folks aren’t ready; it’s certainly more polite than sitting with an empty glass or forcing someone else to hurry up and finish their beer faster than they want to. 3. Use a coaster. If your bartender or server doesn’t give you one, ask. A beer glass sitting directly on the bar or table sets some people’s teeth on edge – including mine. 4. Ask your server succinct questions about a beer you haven’t tried before. If he or she doesn’t know, that may be a sign that the bar or restaurant often has a number of new and interesting beers – that's a good thing. 5. When going to a new restaurant that offers limited variety of beer try politely saying “We’d prefer to pick from a variety of beers with dinner so we’d love to return when you bring in a wide range of beers.” I think he'll get the message. 6. It’s about flavor. Alcohol is a component to flavor; beer is not an alcohol delivery medium. Order based on flavor, not strength. 7. Some places will charge more based on rent, overhead, neighborhood, and the beer’s cost to them, so don’t complain and whine. If the price is too high try to find the same item somewhere else for less money. 8. Be careful of generalizations like “I prefer dark beers.” It’s like saying, “I like movies whose titles start with the letters A through L,” or “I don’t like red foods.” 9. Never order “a beer,” – order by style, by variety, or by specific name. (As the late Michael Jackson said, would you order “a plate of food”?) 10. Be grateful for the variety of beer that is out there. You are living in the best beer time in history. 11. Ask if a brand you are unfamiliar with is independent, or whether it’ s owned by a large entity. When in doubt ,support your local craft brewer. 12. If you get a frosted mug or glass, politely ask your server if they have any non-frosted glassware, maybe for the next round. Cold kills flavor nuances. 13. Never assume that a dark beer is high in alcohol. 14. Remember that brewers make wort – yeast makes beer. Brewers consider yeast to be something somewhere between a business partner and a beloved pet . Respect yeast! 15. Push your chair or barstool in after you get up. 16. Always bring your ID. It's required by law you have it and asking someone to break the law and risk losing their job because you forgot your I.D. is ridiculous. 17. Be patient. Don't wave your money around or raise your hand when you want a drink. It's rude. The bartender sees you. If you truly feel it's well past your turn, it's better to simply tell the bartender in a polite way that you have been waiting for a long time. 18. Know what you want. Bartenders don't have time to wait for you to make up your mind. Have a backup drink order for when you aren't sure. You can always get something else next time. 19. Trust your bartender. Before you order a beer you may dislike, ask the bartender to recommend something to your taste or to give you a small sample. 20. Never ask for a free drink. It's incredibly tacky 21. Tip appropriately. A minimum of a $1 per beer. If running a tab the usual 15% to 20% is acceptable. Bartenders live off their tips; it’s not fair for you to get a service and not pay for it. 22. Don’t drink and drive. Aside from the obvious reasons, bars don't like patrons who are a liability. Your bartender will always know the phone number of a cab company and will be happy to call it for you. |
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