How to Be Beer Server - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 1, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The popularity of craft beer has significantly increased in recent years, leading to an increased demand for beer servers. As a result, businesses are actively looking for skilled and knowledgeable individuals who can serve beer to customers and provide them with quality experiences. To become a successful beer server, one must have a thorough understanding of different types of beer, their flavor profiles, and how to properly pour and serve them.

the ability to recommend pairings and suggest beers to customers based on their preferences is an important skill for beer servers to master. the demand for knowledgeable and experienced beer servers is rapidly increasing, making it an attractive career opportunity for those passionate about craft beer.

Steps How to Become

Understand the Basics. Before you can become a beer server, you should have a basic understanding of beer styles, brewing, and beer service. Read books and online resources, attend beer festivals, and volunteer at breweries to learn more about the industry and the craft.
Obtain Certification. To become a certified beer server, you will need to pass an examination administered by an accredited organization. The Beer Judge Certification Program and Cicerone Certification Program are two of the most popular certifications available.
Gain Experience. Once you have your certification, you can apply for jobs as a beer server. You will need to have experience working in a bar or restaurant, as well as knowledge of different beers and how to serve them.
Develop Your Skills. As a beer server, you'll need to be comfortable interacting with customers, have good knowledge of the products you're serving, and be able to recommend beers and pairings. Take classes or attend workshops to improve your knowledge and skills.
Stay Up-to-Date. To stay ahead of the competition and remain competitive in the industry, it's important to stay up-to-date on new trends and developments in the craft beer world. Read industry publications and attend events to stay informed.

In order to keep updated and efficient as a beer server, it is important to stay informed of the latest trends in the beer industry. By regularly reading industry magazines, attending trade shows and conferences, and networking with other servers, you can stay abreast of new products, new styles of beer, and changes in the market. familiarizing yourself with different beer styles and their flavor profiles can help you to better recommend beers to customers as well as to pair them with food.

Finally, always be sure to follow responsible drinking policies, as well as any local laws that govern the sale and consumption of alcohol. By taking these steps, you will be able to provide an informed and enjoyable experience for your customers and keep yourself up to date in the ever-evolving world of beer.

You may want to check Beer Event Coordinator, Beer Steward, and Beer Brand Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Greet guests, answer questions about beer styles, and suggest beer pairings.
Check identification of customers to verify legal drinking age.
Clean taps, keg lines and draught beer systems.
Maintain accurate tap and keg inventories.
Stock and organize shelves with product.
Operate cash registers and other POS systems.
Monitor patron alcohol consumption and intervene when necessary.
Ensure customers are served in a timely manner.
Communicate with kitchen personnel regarding customer food orders.
Assist in bar related functions as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of beer styles, brewing techniques, and beer-making ingredients.
Ability to properly pour and draw a beer from a tap.
Ability to provide beer recommendations and answer customer questions about beer.
Understanding of food-and-beer pairings and how to recommend beer to customers based on their food selection.
Knowledge of state and local alcohol regulations.
Ability to keep up with trends in beer culture, both locally and nationally.
Possess excellent customer service skills.
Ability to work well in a team environment.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to follow safety protocols when handling and serving alcohol.

Having a strong knowledge of beer is essential for any beer server. Knowing the different types of beer, the ingredients used in each, the flavors, and the brewing process are all important skills that a good beer server must possess. With this knowledge, a beer server can provide customers with useful information and make suggestions on what type of beer they should try.

Furthermore, having a basic understanding of food and beverage pairings helps a beer server to suggest the best beer to accompany a customer's meal. being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key in helping customers understand the menu and ask any questions they may have. Finally, having excellent customer service skills is essential in ensuring customers have a positive experience and come back for more.

All of these skills are important for any beer server to have in order to be successful.

Beer Delivery Driver, Beer Delivery Technician, and Beer Mixologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How do you ensure customers enjoy their beer experience?
How would you handle a customer who is over-served?
What beer styles do you find most interesting and why?
What makes a good beer server?
Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?
Describe the process you use when recommending beers to customers.
How do you stay up-to-date on new beer releases?
What kind of beer menu do you prefer to work with?
How do you manage multiple orders and remain organized?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue for a customer regarding their beer order.

Common Tools in Industry

Draft Beer Management Software. Software used to manage and track keg inventory and draught beer sales. (eg: TapHunter)
Beer Dispensing System. Automated system that dispenses beer from the keg in a controlled manner. (eg: Perlick Flow Control)
Point of Sale (POS) Software. Software used to manage customer orders and transactions. (eg: Square)
Beer Chilling Equipment. Equipment used to keep beer at a consistent temperature for optimum taste. (eg: True Refrigeration)
Beer Cleaning Equipment. Equipment used to clean beer lines and other beer-related equipment. (eg: Kegco Beer Line Cleaning Kit)
Beer Glassware. Different types of glasses used to serve beer in different styles. (eg: Spiegelau Craft Beer Glassware)
Barcode Scanner. Handheld device used to scan and read barcodes. (eg: Honeywell Voyager 1202g)

Professional Organizations to Know

The Brewers Association
Master Brewers Association of the Americas
National Association of Beverage Importers
Society of Brewers and Cider Makers
Guild of Beer Sommeliers
International Association of Wine and Spirits Educators
International Center for Alcohol Policies
Beer Judge Certification Program
American Homebrewers Association
North American Guild of Beer Writers

We also have Beer Sommelier, Beer Merchandiser, and Beer Quality Inspector jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Draft Beer. Beer that is dispensed from a pressurized keg or cask, typically in a bar or pub.
Tap System. A set of connected components used to pour and serve draught beer.
Beer Line Cleaning. The process of removing organic build-up inside draft beer lines to ensure quality beer.
CO2 Tank. A pressurized tank used to carbonate beer and keep it at the right pressure for pouring.
Keg. A large container of beer, typically made of stainless steel, used to store and dispense beer.
Cask Conditioning. A process of fermenting and conditioning beer in a cask, giving it a unique flavor and texture.
Beer Glassware. Different types of glasses used to serve and enjoy beer, such as pints, steins, goblets, tulips and snifters.
Beer Flights. A selection of small servings of different types of beers for tasting.
Brewery Tour. A guided tour of a brewery, which includes a look at the brewing process and samples of their beer.
Beer Festivals. Events that celebrate the culture and taste of craft beer, with educational seminars and sampling opportunities.