Samples. How many is too many?

Except when it's standard policy of the bar to provide samples? I guess I figured that part was self-evident...

 

Even if it's standard policy, the bartender should use proper discretion when deciding to cut someone off after a certain number of tasters. Your post made it seem like the amount of your tip directly correlated to how many samples the bartender agreed to give you, which to some could be seen as bribing.

 

Oh, here's another one for y'all:

We have a group of folks that come in pretty regularly when they get off work because they work right down the street. Really nice folks. One of the ladies asks for a taste of the Grimm Psychokinesis. I'm somewhat hesitant to do so because we try not to do tastes of the really expensive beers, but they're regulars so I go ahead. She goes "Wow, that's great!" and doesn't order anything, just hangs. More people show up and someone's like "Yeah lemme get a pour of that Grimm" and she goes "Yeah, it's great. Can I get another sample of that?" to which I politely reply "I can sell you a flight pour but no, I've already let you sample it." She goes "Oh" and doesn't order anything. The weird part is she knew that her boss was picking up the tab for everything because that's what he always does when they come in so she wouldn't have even had to pay for the flight pour. I swear I don't know what's going through people's heads sometimes. Never have I ever witnessed someone ask to sample THE EXACT SAME BEER they just got done sampling. Just when you think you've seen it all...

 

Unless you're Alan Harper, two would be the max.

 

I think the avg beer drinker, even craft beer drinker, rarely asks for free samples. More often, a good server will offer a sample based on questions or indecision. At least that's what I observe here in San Diego.

It's guys like you and me - guys who frequent a site like this - that care enough to ask for samples. And we're a tiny minority. Again, that's just what I observe, tho it sounds like it may be a bigger problem in some locales?

 

Definitely not. It's become more of the casual beer drinker's habit to ask for samples because they're so confused by all this "new sour beer and barrel-aged stuff." That's what makes it especially difficult. I know people are trying to feel out this whole sour beer and barrel-aged phenomenon, but these beers that they happen to find so very appealing, yet hard to get a handle on (like wine), are appealing for a reason: there are many that are amazing and take many resources to be constructed, and therefore demand top dollar. One can only give so much out for free. I think there needs to be a bridging of the gap where people can understand that some beers are just too limited and care-intensive for me to just say "Here ya go" to everyone when they ask for a sample. Many beers are crafted like, and take close to as much time to make, as a fine wine but people still treat it like it's "just beer" that flows freely from the tap. Just another example of beer stigma amongst the population as a whole. "Whaddya mean this 6 oz pour costs $5.50? What makes it so special?" Takes some 'splaining.

 

I think 1-2 is reasonable, but that's at the discretion of the establishment and that person's relationship with them. Some places I've been to would rather you taste several and get exactly what you want, while others are extremely stingy. If you're a regular, you're more likely to get a lot of rope regardless of policy as they know you spend money there and they'll hook you up.

 

I typically don't like to just ask for samples unless the bar tender or waitress asks if I would like to sample something. If it's something I'm curious about, I usually just ask the person how that beer is or "what does that taste like?". 9 times out of 10, they will just tell me that they'll get me a sample. I don't keep asking about other beers though, maybe two tops during my entire stay.

 

If I'm looking to get a full pour of something, I'll often ask for a sample or two. In the times where the establishment has turned down my sample request, I'll order something safe while I take more time to peruse the tap list for my second round. If I'm looking to do a flight, then I just order the flight without worrying about free samples. Sometimes, that flight will lead to a full pour of one of them, also. I know that not every place does flights, but if you have 20+ taps, you really need to offer flights. Otherwise, the free sample crowd will take over the bar.

In the end, it depends on the establishment. If a place isn't cool with multiple free samples as described in the OP, then that place needs to have a policy on how to handle those multiple free sample requests. One place I go will not give tastings on their "special" pours. I'm fine with that, because they're clear on the policy. Other places will keep the samples coming, often at their suggestion. To me, free samples are a solid customer service gesture.

 

Totally agree with your actions there. Why be rude to a paying customer? I can see where the bartender could be annoyed by getting a sample request after taking and filling your order, but that shouldn't excuse the attitude.

 

I try to narrow it down to two beers from the list, and they will frequently ask if I want a taste of each. Which is great. That gives me time to enjoy #1 while I check some BA reviews for my next selection, and then screw the samples. Roll the bones.

 

Depends on a lot of variables (assuming that the drinker is really trying to decide and not just milking the system):
1) how busy is the establishment? If it's pretty empty then I don't see a problem with 3+ depending on your relationship with the place. You have time to get the right beer
2) how expensive are the beers? Some places charge higher costs for smaller portions due to location. Sorry, but I don't want to pay a ton for a crappy beer. Still 2 max though
3) do you WANT a flight? Just because there are flights doesn't mean you CAN'T get a pint. See #1
4) how expensive are the beers you are tasting? Even if I'm at my favorite place (Beachwood) and it's not busy, I probably won't get a taste of some rare beer. Just get one. 0 tastes
5) is it your last beer? How much money did you spend at the restaurant? If you've ordered a lot and clearly spent some dough, I think any establishment would be fine with you taking your time being choosy with your last beer. 3 tastes would be pushing it still. Also, personally, this is where I might get a "fake taste" if there's something I want to try, but I'm too full/tipsy. I think I've earned it.

 

Oh, and 6) how many taps does the place have? If it's something crazy like 40+ then I think it's a free-for-all. You can't expect people to make choices without trying stuff....or offer samplers

 

I get offered samples most often in the good bars I go to with craft beers. Sometimes I try them other times I'm ready to try a beer. Give me a pint, I'm going for it. I never had the impression that those samples, usually in a shot glass, were limited. I take care of my bartenders. They take care of me. Some even take it to an extreme. "Free Beer? Really?" That beer was paid for in the "big" tip they got.

 

People really have trouble with number 4. We recently had an Allagash tap takeover where I work and some of the beers we featured were the wild ales that are extremely limited and expensive. Had to turn a lot of people down when asking for tastes of them. I get it, it's tough when you want to try a sour beer but you're afraid of even buying a $4 flight pour because you might take one taste and decide you don't want it. But establishments simply cannot afford to throw money down the drain for people to get endless stabs at whatever beer they want in the hopes that they might actually like one after trying twenty of them. I've come across several different people in the last few years who want badly to like a flavor that's big in the craft world, whether it be hoppy IPAs, sour wild ales, barrel-aged beers, etc. but they keep trying and trying and they don't like any of them. They feel like something's "wrong" with them for not "getting it." I always tell them that "Hey, maybe it's just not for you. There's nothing wrong with that." So whether it's that person constantly beating a dead horse trying to get a grasp on a style that simply does not agree with them or another person who is just picky, it's not the establishment's job to give out limitless 1 oz pours until something finally clicks with them. Buy a damn flight and, as a previous poster said, pay for what you drink.

 

For whatever reason, it seems to be hard for some to understand that the bartender doesn't pay for the keg, the establishment does. Tipping is completely irrelevant in this conversation.

 

That's a tough one. I'm glad I don't have to decide that one!

 

A sample of draft - or an entire bottle as a sample? Who would ask for a "sample bottle?" Never heard of anyone doing that.

 

That's where the folks saying - "the bartender is cheating the establishment, reaping the rewards of better tips by giving away their beer" - are missing the boat. A great experience at a bar brings me back to that bar. A bad experience sends me off to a competing bar.

 

Bottle. I would have had to break a case to do so.