How to be a better craft beer customer

Oh totally agree 100%. My point was further cementing OP’s grievance (if I’m right) because in this situation there’s not even a stale menu/board to point at. This is just 100% entitled butthurt

 

I think Suarez is "hyped" in the same way Hill Farmstead is "hyped" but they both back it up by being two of the best breweries on the planet and just flat-out never missing. So I very much do not think Suarez is inflated.

Prima does prove my point, though, as that is a terrific lager that should be way closer to a 4 than it is.

Another good example is Taras Boulba, which is probably the best of its style in the world, and only at a 3.45. De Ranke XX is similarly disrespected at 3.51.

 

I don’t think it’s that Suarez is hyped so much as Prima being under hyped. Unfortunately it took an ex-HF brewer setting up shop in a beautiful space in the Hudson Valley to give pilsners the necessary sex appeal to be rated properly/fairly

 

So I shouldn't ask the bar staff questions about the beers they have which I am not familiar with? I'm just supposed to pick a random beer, tip 20%+ and hope it's good? F that, as a paying customer I'll ask all the questions I want to about the beer/food.

 

You nailed it...couldn't agree more.

 

Self-awareness is key.

Will I order a flight and/or talk shit with the bartender at a non-busy bar/brewery with nobody behind me? Absolutely. It's part of the experience in going to a place like that and it's how you find out what a particular place does best.

Will I do either of those things with a big line or a crowded cash register space? No. Check online, check untappd, grab a menu, read the board, have an idea of what the hell you want. That's not to say you can't ask a question when its your turn to order but if you're up there requesting numerous tasters and asking 4-5 questions you're an asshole and everyone behind you hates your guts.

 

Don't knock "Karen"... Sometimes the "Karens" of the world have a good point that need to be voiced when self-centered, self-entitled people are being inconsiderate of others

 

I'll just agree to disagree on this one. I love this system. It solves all the problems people are bemoaning in this thread.

Also, we're going to be moving towards using our phones for all currency at some point. China already does this.

It honestly takes me 1 - 2 minutes to place my order on my phone and then it goes back in my pocket. It also eliminates the need for a paper menu too, which helps the planet (some people care a lot about that, that's not my main reason for wanting this system though).

Much respect if you can go out without your phone these days, but there's NO WAY in hell I could. I can pay for things with my phone, use Uber/Lyft, of course make calls/texts, GPS...there's just no way.

Not to mention the other litany of uses for your phone, like the camera. This has proven invaluable in SO many situations for me.

I'm totally in agreement with you regarding IPAs/stouts because I don't think people generally need to know a lot about the styles to understand if they're good or not.

But for more nuanced styles like Pilsners, Oktoberfests, English ales...no way. The majority of people on Untappd are completely clueless regarding these styles.

 

Isn't this just another variation of the "Don't Be An <insert perjorative term>" theme? That said, I will say with the current stress levels we're all experiencing, I have noticed a significant increase in entitlement and general ass-hattery recently. For the life of me, I will NEVER understand why people vent their frustrations on the poor person just trying to make a buck!

 

This is exactly how I feel. If people think you need to trade/travel to suarez/HF/etc. to get the worlds best pilsner/lagers it kind of shows how many amazing good available lagers that person is overlooking. It proves your point @AlcahueteJ that I think if people understood the style/s more they would realize how many "world class" lagers/traditional styles they could buy for a fraction of the price at a local store.

So I guess if were back to the original thread topic, to be better at craft beer...don't think you need to go jump through hoops to get amazing beer.

 

I can understand the appeal of this kind of system for some people but I would absolutely avoid a place where this was the only option.

 

I mean, I literally said exactly that in this thread:

 

Also speeds up the transaction. No more customer & cashier counting out bills & coins, just swipe, insert, or tap and and it's on to the next customer; you usually don't even need to print a receipt.

Downside is that card at register transactions usually result in fewer tips than cash or card at table transactions.

 

I thought those *were* the Karens.

 

Variety is the spice of life, or so the saying goes. Just as long as the next tap craft beer I drink doesn't have spices in it.

 

I’ve seen this more out West (the green/yellow/red keg graphics on digital menus), wish places here offered this. Allows prioritization knowing a favorite you came for will tap out soon.

This. Be mindful of your surroundings and others.

Also, never have been a bartender or server, but wish server flights were outlawed. Half sized options are fine (for drivers or high ABV offerings). Sample sizes should only be at festivals.

I’ve had flights at two places ever, one gives out free flights for every ten purchases, the other due to favorable pricing (BA stouts $10 for 12 oz vs. $8.50 for four 5 oz servings).

Yes, this. Not sure how to scan the square bar code menu. Put the draft list online, so people can read it (and perhaps a short description of the beer) before or during their the visit, have an electronic or chalk board list, and/or have a few laminated or paper copies.

Touching a kiosk or pad screen dozens of others have is the last thing I want to do before eating, and my avoidance has only increased this year.

Ditto spending double plus the time in line waiting for people (including myself) to find and scan bar codes for a few dozen items. Don’t shop at stores (mostly soulless corporate stores) with this as the primary or sole checkout option.

 

It’s pretty prevalent on the Mid-East coast, at least in Maryland and Virginia.

 

I'm say a group should be listening. There is no need for everyone in the group to ask the same group of questions. That's just selfish and rude.

 

So, do you have an automatic direct withdrawal payment on the AmEx so you don't have to see the bill each month?

 

Most breweries have the styles listed and a brief description of the Beers unique qualities.
Of course you can and should ask questions. If there is a line behind you, it is polite to keep the questions to a minimum. You can always look up info on your "Phone" while waiting in line.

I'm not busting your "Beans".

Waiting behind someone who is indecisive is annoying, and what's worse is waiting behind someone asking useless questions such as; Is it hoppy, Will I like it, Have you tried it and did you like it, Is it fresh, Can you describe for me the malt flavors, etc.

You are not obligated to tip 20%.

Cheers.