Samples. How many is too many?

If I am sitting at the bar and it's not busy I say 2 max. I never ask a server at a table or if the bar is busy. But if it's a chill environment 2 no problem. I was at a local brewery today and the bartender asked me proactively if I want to try something. He was more than happy to Pour me two samples and I am glad I did because the beer I was planning on getting was too sweet and ordered the 2nd option.

 

When I "try" a beer at a bar, I try a pint of it, because I'm not a 14 year old girl.

 

I've asked for samples, and been given samples by the bartender. The scenarios are always one of these three;
1) I am interested in a beer but have never had it. The sample will either confirm my buying that beer, or I'm going to order a different beer.
2) A new beer has just been added to the tap line. I've already ordered a beer but would have considered that instead. The sample may persuade me to stay a bit longer and have another beer.
3) The bartender knows I'd like to try that beer and I'm either a regular or out of town & normally would not get to try such a beer. The sample is a good customer service gesture and at minimum they will get a better tip, and highly likely I'm ordering that beer based on the recommendation.

The common theme is that the sample is a gesture that may yield an additional sale. If you are asking for one and you know you are not intending on buying a beer based on how you like the sample, I don't think that's right. If you are offered a sample however, the bartender is making a gesture that should carry no obligation.

 

Totally agree here. I've found that if I've never been to a place it pays to talk to the bartender. If they know that you haven't had some of the offerings they often will gladly offer samples. It has been the case many times for me. And when that does happen I'm going to be inclined to stay longer and tip well. I'd want that bartender to know I appreciated their time in making sure I was drinking beer I may not have had before, but ensured I liked it.

 

So, not sure if you're mocking me, Just trying to be funny or what. Yes, they were free and I doubt a handfull of 1 ounce samples given for free thoughout the day is going to put a brewery out of business.

 

I've seen people abuse this. Ask for two or three samples and then just leave. Scummy behavior in general. See it in the city more than anywhere else and it's almost always people who at least look like they could well afford to pay for a few pints. Outliers mostly though.

I usually like to have at least a half pour in order to truly taste a beer. Sometimes they grow on me. Sometimes I love the first few sips but then find a taste to be too cloying.

P.S. One local brewery doesn't give out samples and when people ask for one they are quite vocal in telling you how good all their beer. I always love seeing the customers faces when they hear this, especially because the beer is ok to good, but certainly not transcendent.

 

I understand prices are getting higher and people want the best-possible experience for their hard-earned dollar, but I think asking for samples is pretty tacky. I may ask the server what some beer I'm curious about is like, but from there, I usually just roll the dice and try a pint of something new. Even if it's not as good as Option B, it's not like I took the wrong job or married the wrong person. It's just a beer.

The one exception to this rule was about a decade ago when my buddy was insistent on buying one of those multi-liter beer towers at a German pub. We didn't know German beers well, and our waitress couldn't answer basic questions about them (no smart phones to look them up either), so, between three of us at the table, we asked for three samples first.

 

Anything over two....unless the sampler is hot & the bartender doesn't mind being locked in with her.

 

1

 

Like others here, I will ask for 1-2 samples, no more, especially if I'm offered them. My two main places brew their own, and I don't feel bad about asking for a taste of an unknown. I'm just self conscious about asking for more than that.

 

But you sound like an 18 year old boy... with a fake ID.

I kid I kid. Nothing wrong with sampling something new or never tried. Nothing worse than forcing down a pint you wish you never ordered, especially if the board is packed full of solid offerings. In my experience at least.

Cheers!

 

Nothing wrong with sampling if you are being polite and not harassing the bartender, tipping him/her well, it's not too busy, and, most importantly, if you are actually buying stuff. Any limit on free samples depends on how much you are consuming. If you only order 1 beer, then 2 samples seems ok while 5-6 seems like you are taking advantage. However, if you are consuming a lot and putting down $50-$100, then you should be entitled to more samples. From the businesse's perspective, it is also good practice to acquiesce to a patron that is putting down lots of cash to drink in your establishment.

 

Even when I was an 18 year old with a fake ID I'd still drink a whole beer. The practice of "sampling" beers is annoying and time consuming to the employees and other patrons. If you want to try something order a flight if they have them and a pint if they don't have flights. Worst case scenario you don't like it and can get something else next time. Plus having 1-2oz of a beer isn't really giving it a shot. That's another reason I don't like sampling beer, because you can't really appreciate a beer with one 1 sip.

 

Well, check YOU out...

 

I'll sometimes do a beer flight to try out a couple. The only time I'll have one of those tiny samples is if I'm handed one.

 

Distinctly remember sitting at my favorite bar watching a guy walk in, get 6 or 7 samples, and just leave.

 

If i owned a bar or craft beer shop w/ growler fills i wouldnt allow samples....or i would designate which beers are available for sample...just like grocery stores do. If they want to promote a certain item, then they offer samples.

Inevitably, if you offer anything for free there will be an endless amount of people whose only goal in life is to take advantage of it.

 

While I understand the idea behind wanting to try a sample before you purchase a full pour, it is in no way the business' responsibility to do so. Order the beer that sounds good. If you don't like it, don't order it again. That's how adults handle things. If here's something wrong with the beer (dirty tap lines, too old, diacetyl) then yes it should be refunded but ordering a beer you happen to not enjoy is ultimately relegated to consumer responsibility.

 

Whenever I go to the growler place here in Spokane I usually sample 4 or 5 things that interest me before I choose. These samples are usually less than an ounce though. Not even a sip.

 

Not sure if I agree with the people posting against free samples. Yes I understand the concept of buyer beware. Yes I understand that businesses have to make profit. However, in every business, valued customer care is an intangible that has long term benefits. If I go to an establishment I like to be valued and taken care of. Not everything has to be charged. For example, when I go to a good restaurant they will often provide me with free bread, butter, dipping oil etc. Likewise, if I spend big, some places will throw in a complimentary dessert. At bars where one is a regular and frequent spender, you will often get a free round. These are things that keep customers going back and why we stay away from places that nickel and dime you. So yes, I stand by what I said before; if I'm dropping $50-$100 at a bar, I'm entitled to a generous amount of samples damnit!