Samples. How many is too many?

Personally, I'm not implying anything about anyone, I will never abuse the privilege of a sample. I only use it if it's a pretty unique beer that I can't speculate on how it will taste or the bartender offers me one. I either then buy a glass or go with what I know.

 

For the tiny breweries around here, most have 4-5 oz sizes so people can sample a flight of 4 or 6 or even 8 pours. In those places I would never ask for a free sample. They usually need all the $$ they can get. In brewpubs or restaurants I sometimes ask to sample a new (to me) brew, but rarely two.

 

I always prefer bars with widely rotating taps to sell flights. While not a 'ticker', I do try to drink responsibly, and trying about 3 full beers is a reasonable limit for me. I would gladly pay a prorated price for flights, even with a premium due to the inconvenience for the bars. I do want to be responsible, and the only way to narrow down my choices is with samples. I'm not trying to get a 'free' beer- although I know many people are. I think the bar should reserve the right to not sell flights if they are too busy.

Most of the bars I go to are willing to indulge a few samples, and I always try to show my appreciate with a good tip. I always sit at the bar so a waiter need not race back and forth to get samples for me. I think there's always a give and take in any good bar/patron relationship, and I seem to be fortunate in frequenting bars that respect that.

 

If the bartender asks me if I want a sample then I might try a sample. Otherwise, I would never ask. When is it okay to ask for something for free? Just not very classy to me.

 

2 samples max if no flights. It's either the sample's no good (IMHO) and I just shake my head, or it's OK, and I say so, or it's good/great, and I'll then order it. I've had the 3rd result happen more times than I can count, usually on something unexpected.

 

I've found that most bars have no problem offering a free sample or two, if you are nice and ask about how a beer tastes. If they do offer samples, I usually keep it at 2, don't want to be a mooch.

 

I think if you have an idea of what you want to zero in on (e.g. "I want to try your recommended 2-3 sour ales", or "your 2-3 stouts"), then it's reasonable to try 2-3 of one type, and order a pint or half-pint of what you want to taste more of. I never would do as many as 6 at one time....my palette just wouldn't even know what it wants after the 4th...

 

I was at Cascade once when a friend's date asked for a sample of the daily soup, insisting this was a common thing. He then got mad when they would not grant his request. I don't think I've ever hated a human being more in my life.

For the OP, I agree with virtually everyone else in this thread: I'll rarely ask, but you can send out feelers by asking "how is _______" or even a more general "What do you like that's on right now?" If they offer samples, cap it at two and bite the bullet. If you drink enough beer to frequent a beer forum, you can deal with getting a lackluster beer from time to time.

 

I'm not trying to come off as elitist, but I never order samples, unless the place is empty(ish) or I'm having a good discussion about beer with the bartender, at the bar. Other than that, I prefer to just roll the dice and either order beers that I know I'll enjoy, or simply drink a full pour of something that I'm not positive I'll like, which is kinda part of the fun. Samples are a pain in the ass for the servers.

 

I agree with a lot of this, but its not really that big of a pain if you're sitting at the tap. I don't like asking for samples and wouldn't abuse the courtesy either, but as many others have noted, if you're talking beer with bartender and there are some options you are interested in, there's no shame in kicking the tires a little bit.

 

When I ask for a sample, I try to discuss it with the bartender. Not only does he/she know I'm not taking advantage but I often get some good insight.

 

I totally agree. I hate inconveniencing anyone, but most friendly bartenders are happy to dish out samples.

 

so true. At most places, the server should be knowledgeable and be able to describe the beer. You should know what you like and shit if its you don't like it suck it up and finish your beer. Then order another. I get really annoyed watching people try to take advantage of sampling.

 

It's the bars decision and the bartenders discretion to decide what works and what doesn't in their pursuit of making money.