Using the Word "Try" at a Bar

The problem is that "sample" and "taster" are also used as terms describing small glassware. So you asked for a "sample" but you were given a "sample glass" sized pour. Typically I check the board for pour size costs or I ask the bartender "what size pours do you sell" when visiting a new bar to avoid this potential problem. If either one indicates they have 3-5oz "samplers" or "tasters" then I can infer that it's the kind of bar that generally doesn't give tiny free sample sips and that if I ask for a "sample" or "taster" I will be given a 3-5oz pour for the price listed on the menu / quoted by the bartender.

http://www.truebeer.com/Taster-Glasses_c_93.html

 

While you may not get the full essence from a 3 oz taste, can definitely weed out something you don't like.
I used to ask "can I try" for a taste and state "I will try" for a full. After this post, I will be more specific.
Would love to know from OP or bartenders if there is a max on tastes. I usaully only will ask for two max, otherwise seems like it's a bother.

 

This is simple, you want a sample. Try is too ambiguous - which is why you are getting mixed results.

 

I don't ever assume it's fine to just sample something, so if I'm asking about a sample I always make sure to phrase it as a legit question.

 

I always try to find new beers that I will like.
I sometimes ask for a taste of something if it is new to me.
I will eventually have a serving of something if I think I will enjoy it.

 

I'm guilty of using "try" when ordering a beer. I always mean full pour but the advantage is that if I receive a taster it's not a big deal. I pretend that that's what I meant and sometimes I get a few ounces for free.

 

Mildly off-topic. I used to tend bar at a local place. There was this local teacher, and she would come in after school and correct her students work, while having a couple pints. She only drank IPAs, but would sample every new thing we got on tap. She'd ask for a taste of a Tripel, and I'd say "Dana, you don't like those yeasts, why bother?" or "you know you hate the roast in the stouts". And every time, she'd shake her head and say "ugh no, I don't like that, what new IPA do you have?" LOLz. I still see her around town and we chat, and she's always drinking an IPA!

 

When I'm ordering a beer I've never had before, I'll usually order it by saying "try," meaning to order a full pour. This usually results in getting a full pour. Occasionally the barkeep will ask if I am ordering a full pour or a sample, at which point I'll ask for a sample. Sometimes I'll be given a sample no questions asked. This actually saved me last weekend, when I meant to order a full pour bit was given a sample. The beer sucked, so I was very happy not to have gotten a full glass of it.

I guess I should be less ambiguous about it, but meh. I usually say it without thinking, then realize after the barkeep has started doing his thing that I wasn't clear on what I wanted. I will always say sample if I want a sample, but typically only do that in bars I don't trust not to have crappy beer. But it's not like I suffer for getting a taster, so it's not like I mind.

 

I don't think you should be modeling your customer service skills after the Toronado.

 

That's finding the silver lining gQ!

 

If I've ever had a bad experience at Ave, strike me down.

 

its up to the bartender to clarify what "try" means each time because unfortunately we can't rely on other people to convey in a clear and concise manner what they actually want. if anyone says "try" i ask "a taster or a full pour" because it goes both ways unfortunately and its my job to make sure the customer gets what they want in the end

but if you say "try" and you get a full pour i think you should take the super hard responsibility of drinking that full pour and hopefully you learn a little lesson: be more clear!

 

I don't know; I can't complain about a place where I can get Pappy Rye, Cantillon, burgers, and Jager all at once, and that's open 24hours.