When visiting a new place, it is important to know the culture and etiquette that represents it. I always try to make an effort to have good manners wherever I go. Polite practices and kindness will go a long way, and people really do appreciate it!

Breweries are no exception–take a look around the place. Is it acceptable to share bottles here? Is it busy? Is there a purchase limit on the can or bottle release? These are important things to look for, especially if it is your first time visiting.

Here are some tips for being proper at your local craft beer oasis!

1. Busy brewery? Try not to order a flight. This can be very time-consuming and will make the lines even worse. Do your beer research ahead of time. Take out your smart phone and download Untappd, if you haven’t already. There are tons of customer beer reviews and ratings for most of the breweries in existence, and it stays pretty current. Find the brewery’s social media pages and see if they have a current tap list up on their site. Figure out what they have (if you can) so you already have an idea of what you want to try. And for my breweries/brewers–if you can, put your tap list up somewhere. I have noticed some breweries don’t bother uploading one to their social media, and it’s something I personally always like to check ahead of or refer back to when I am trying to remember the delicious beers I’ve had. 🙂
2. Don’t ask for too many samples (especially if it’s busy). Just don’t. If you’re going to do that, order a flight. I would say you could ask for 2-3 small sips before it gets to be annoying. JUST PICK A BEER. Don’t take forever to decide, either. Even if you’re not sure about it, just order it. Beer tastes differently with temperature changes (even by just a few degrees) and who knows, your palate may change after a few sips of the beer you’re not sure about. If you really don’t like it, try something else. Just don’t ask for a million samples. Trust me–I have learned it gets annoying. 🙂
3. Never say the beer is disgusting. This is debatable (lol) but if you are talking to an employee, telling them that their beer is gross, disgusting, appalling, whatever–it’s rude. Craft beer is complicated and everyone has different tastes. There are infinite amounts of flavor combinations and a myriad of styles of beer. It’s not always objective. And, unless you’re one of the top certified cicerones/beer judges out there who really knows your stuff, it’s all based on your own opinions and feelings. Just because you don’t like a beer they have, doesn’t mean someone else doesn’t. A trash beer to you may be someone else’s beloved holy grail cocktail.
4. Don’t complain about the prices! Craft beer uses some of the finest ingredients out there and its carefully thought out and created by talented brewers. It’s a craft. Not only that, when you are drinking craft beer, you are supporting small and local businesses! The ABV also tends to be much higher in craft beers. Think about it: your run-of-the-mill domestic average joe bubbly water is about 3-4% ABV and it probably takes a few of them to catch a buzz. With well-made craft beer, the ABV in one glass could be upwards of 9, 10, or even 15% ABV! You probably just need one glass (again, debatable). Yes, it might be “expensive” but it is above your typical, common beer. Would you rather go on a date to McDonald’s or Red Robin (or some other delicious sit-down restaurant for dinner)? I mean, there really is a time and a place for different food and beers, but that’s a story for another time. Point is, don’t complain about how much it costs.
5. Bottle sharing? ASK FIRST! This should go without saying. You need to ask if you can bring in other cool beer to share with everyone before diving in and poppin’ those bottles. Respect the rules. Sometimes, it’s beer that is from an entirely different state, so it’s not necessarily in competition with the brewery, but you should still ask. You should also be nice and share it with the ones who are pouring your beers (because you also must order a beer from the brewery you’re at–DUH).
6. If the brewery is doing a beer release, find out what the purchase limit is. Don’t be greedy. Craft beer is meant to be shared and celebrated. Don’t be an asshole and buy up all the popular release for your own stash or to be sold in the black beer market. We all want to try the magnificent libations that the brewery poured their heart and soul into the boil at the 30 minute mark when they decided this was going to be the most epic beer ever.

I hope you guys enjoyed this and take this information into account at your next brewery trip! Try to be mindful and considerate of everyone around you, not at breweries, but in general. I know things happen and sometimes we get a little focused or carried away, but consideration and kindness saves you a lot of agony and inconvenience in the long run.

What do you think are some other good tips/reminders for when you’re visiting a brewery? Do you agree with some of these? Let me know in the comments!

Cheers!