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Craft brewery tasting room dos and don’ts

Who needs Miss Manners to learn proper etiquette when The Growler is here to help?
Growler Dos and Dont's

All over this fine province, the craft brewery tasting room has quickly become a community hub. It’s a place where people of all ages can come together over a common love for the finer things in life. The vast majority of tasting room patrons are incredibly well-behaved, but then there are some who need a lesson in etiquette. Naturally, The Growler is happy to oblige.

 

Do…

Return your empties! You’re going to the bar anyways, so take your empties with you. Full hands in, full hands out, right? After all, if you make more work for the staff, that just means it’ll take longer for them to get to your drinks.

 

Don’t…

Jump the queue! There’s clearly a line-up here, so don’t try to flag down the bartender over the heads of everyone seated at the bar. It’s a surefire way to get served last.

 

Do…

Ask lots of questions! Want to know what kind of hops were used in your favourite IPA, or how a kettle sour is made? Ask away! Beerfolk love talking about the beer they make and are happy to share their passion with you.

 

Don’t…

Ask lots of questions… if the place is packed! If the lineup is stretching out the front door and down the block, then don’t waste everyone’s time by trying to strike up a conversation with the bartender. Order your beers, pay, and sit down. Save the small talk for when it’s slow.

growler kids
Source: Tara Rafiq/The Growler

Do…

Bring the kids! Most craft beer tasting rooms are kid-friendly and have toys and other fun stuff to keep the little ones occupied. The more the merrier!

 

Don’t…

Abandon the kids! If the little ones are having a meltdown, then it’s time to go. The tasting room is not a daycare, nor is it an open range for feral children.

 

Do…

Tip your bartender/server! You might think that everybody’s getting rich off of craft beer, but you are very, very wrong.

 

Don’t…

Get wasted! The tasting room is a place to imbibe responsibly over good conversation with good company. If you want to get shitfaced, do it at the club.

Growler drunk
Source: Tara Rafiq/The Growler

Do…

Wash out that growler! Seriously. It’s been sitting in your closet for the last month, slowly growing what appears to be an alien life form. Wash, rinse, repeat. And don’t get pissy if the brewery refuses to fill your nasty growler. That just means they care more about you then you do.

 

Don’t…

Be a jerk! I could have sworn we learned this in kindergarten, but apparently not. Treat the staff kindly, and if you don’t like a beer, don’t be an ass about it.

Growler girl
Source: Tara Rafiq/The Growler

Do…

Ask for a sample! It’s OK to be hesitant about ordering a beer style you’ve never tried before, or a beer with triple-digit IBUs. The bar staff are happy to give you a taste so can order a beer that you know you’re going to like.

 

Don’t…

Drive! Automobiles and alcohol don’t mix. Duh.

 

Do…

Have a good time! It’s hard not too when you’re surrounded by good folks and good beer!

 

Satisfy your curiosity about all things craft beer at TheGrowler.ca.