Responsibility of Beer Knowledge

The customer should have enough knowledge to know whether or not they actually want a beer, and some idea about the types of beer out there - it's not required, but probably just sensible - otherwise you're relying on a server, who should be able to make some rudimentary suggestions, but if you're expecting them to have some deep knowledge of craft beer, you're probably expecting too much.

 

This is very well put. How high-level the place is craft-wise absolutely has an impact, and I'd go further to say it's not just binary "craft" and "not craft"; there are some places that have a half decent taplist entirely by accident, which differs strongly from somewhere that prides themselves on their selection etc. In the former case I give them less latitude to be ignorant than I do Applebees, but still much more than at the latter, where it behooves management to ensure their employees are trained appropriately.

 

I would definitely do this at a place that I could tell knows their stuff but does not have anything specific I want to try. And the more things I have a chance to try, the more likely that scenario becomes.

 

Both. You should know what you like or what you want to try when you go out, but servers should know what's on tap and be able to recommend something to non craft beer drinkers.

 

I can follow this, but on the other side of that, how many people ordered it and bitched and wanted their money back? I have seen this before at a bar where they have had some different beers, i.e. smoked and sours. I would never do it unless it was bad, order a beer you don't like , suffer the consequences.

 

The customer shouldn't have to know anything except how to count money, I say. And the server should at least have to answer simple questions, as well as describe the beer accurately.

 

A business needs to understand what they are selling to their customers.

 

In my dream world, of course it would be the server taking care of the customer, alleviating any fear, catering to every whim.
In reality, with everyone having vast libraries of info at hand via that same device your posting your damn beer pictures with, well, let the buyer beware. Being ignorant is a choice.

 

Do you expect the server to know about the food on the menu? Then the server should know about the beer on the menu.

 

I've done it once only. And only because I've had the beer multiple times and it was at the brewery and it was totally flat. I didn't feel like paying for non-carbonated beer that night

 

With beer power comes the Responsibility of Beer Knowledge!

Seriously, and Spiderman aside, I think if you have a passion for something you (as the consumer) should do your research, and if you just want to be a poser in a restaurant or bar go with what the server recommends - if they see you are a poser trying to impress someone they will most appropriately select the most expensive item on their menu.

I selected both btw - the server and customer should pool their knowledge together.

 

If people expect the server to be as big of douche about beer as they are, they have some issues.

BUT, if they are working at a place known for "craft beer" they should have some knowledge.

 

Both. The bartender/server should absolutely know what the fuck they're talking about, while the customer should at least have some (although it may be very limited) knowledge of what they are ordering or asking about.

 

With great beer comes great responsibility...

 

The customer should know.

 

I see your point, but put yourself in the server's shoes. A berliner is a pretty different style and he has probably had several people order it and then complain. I went to a local brewery and ordered their seasonal berliner. The woman serving asked me the same question. When I asked why she had asked, that was the explanation she gave me.

 

I voted the server. Maybe it's because I'm in IT, but I rarely expect the customer to knowledgeable about the specifics. Obviously some are more savvy than others, but if they were pros then they probably wouldn't have called me. I do expect them to be able to tell me in general terms what they would like to happen and what they're trying to achieve. To apply that to beer, if someone seemed to be struggling to choose a beer the server might offer to help based on what the customer likes and/or has had before. If the customer is BA knowledgeable about beer then the server should be able to shift gears and answer questions at that level.
To be fair, I only expect that level of knowledge at places that specialize in craft beer. If I'm at a 'regular' bar or restaurant I realize I'm probably more knowledgeable about their craft/local selection than the server.

 

Being in a small town in Texas, I might have a different perspective. BMC fandomship runs huge here. Some people will go so far as to refuse to drink anything else. Others are just oblivious, and don't know anything about good beer. "Craft beer? Like ales or something?" "I don't drink fancy beer man". - actual excerpt from a conversation with a friend. I see this all the time everywhere. So I don't expect servers to know about the different styles of beer. Hell, a lot of bars I go to, the bartenders / servers don't know the different styles. Or if they do, it's memorized. They know #8 is a hefewizen, and #4 is a kolch, but they know what the difference between them is. Or what they taste like. You could say I have lower standards, and you may be right. But it isn't everyone's cup of tea. I can respect that. Even if I think they are brainwashed zombies if they refuse to try anything other than BMC beer.

 

I'm a server at Yard House - Houston. It's about 90% the servers job to use their beer knowledge to help the guest decide on a beer. At the same time, the guest has to assist the server in helping them find something they like. Sometimes people say "I need a beer..." and I try to figure out which direction to take them in; stouts, IPA's, etc. I'm not going to play the "Surprise me"- game unless I have a good idea what you like. Believe it or not, lots of people will say "Give me your best beer!" Then, come to find out, they don't like quads or ipa's... probably should have mentioned that before you sent me out on this quest... just sayin'.

 

Btw, come to Yard House (ask for Sean) and I'll show you how it's supposed to be done.