BARTEND: Why use generic liquor?

Question

One of my questions on this test says, "If a customer doesn’t ask what liquor, why use generic?"

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

The cost is less for the business to use the generic thus more profits on the bottom line for them.

Answer 2

The only reason to ever use generic liquor is "cost". It's only when a customer is not to particular about his/her drink. Then usually they'll take the cheapest version. And frankly, in many cases when drink mixers are involved, it's almost a waste to ask for a premium brand. But as a good bartender, always try to get them to start with premium brand on their 1st round. By the 2nd round and beyond the taste difference will deminish and most would appreciate the savings more than the quality of the liquor.

Answer 3

Some of it is regarding bar costs. But it's not all about saving the bar money. The extra cost of top shelf to the customer will more than cover the actual cost of the liquor. Since top shelf liquor does come at a greater cost to the customer, you wouldn't want to 'shock' the customer when it's time to tally up the bill. If they have not asked for a specific label, the bar stock suits the customer's pallet just fine, plus they will expect to pay a price that is pretty standard in the market. If the customer is expecting to pay $4 for a standard drink, don't pull out all of the top shelf and hand the customer a $10 bill for something he/she may not have even tasted the difference with.

Don't you just wish they had cliff notes for your bartending test? lol

Answer 4

If a customer requests, say, rum and coke, the rule of thumb is to assume that the customer wants "basic rum and coke." It's like going to McDs and ordering a hamburger...unless you specifically request a Big Mac or other pricier burger, they will give you the cheapest burger that they have on the menu. This is cost effective to the business and meets the request of the customer without gauging them for more than they want to pay. I used to wait tables and we were to ask, "Would you like a specific brand of rum in your drink." Some said no because they just wanted cheap, decent booze. Others said Bacardi or some other brand that they had had or heard of just because it sounded interesting. Others, still, knew exactly what they wanted. This is especially true of those who like fine liquors and want a certain brand, even if it costs 3x as much.

Answer 5

To save the bar a ton of money. Get rid of the cheap stuff, and a lot of places will still just charge you the same price unless you get a really high end liquor. So middle of the road or dirt cheap will cost you as a customer the same price, but can save the bar money by using the cheaper item.

Answer 6

It costs less and in most mixed drinks the taste is pretty much hidden. If the drink uses Scotch the bar brand will likely work just as well as the most expensive single malt at 1/10th the cost.
Need I say more.
If the customer specifies a brand they might have a valid reason for that and that should be respected, If they need to be charged more for the drink then that should be explained to them first.

Answer 7

I would say because it's cheaper and the customer not asking for a specific liquor probably won't know the difference.

Answer 8

Yeah, that would be the last time I went to that bar. I mean, I understand not using top shelf, but generic? Perhaps they could advertise that they serve Georgi vodka and watch the classy crowd, which patronizes the establishment!

Answer 9

Hiram Walker is your source for all the knock off liqueurs including hazelnut and black raspberry Look for Basilica Hazelnut Liqueur too

Answer 10

Because it's cheaper. However, I would try to upsell to top shelf so they pay more. Dumb test question.