Message 9541 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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> Curious about this subject. Are there any bartenders who are non 
> drinkers. If so,what kind of flack do you get because of it. Have 
> considered giving it a try. Am a non drinker and have no interest in 
> it at all. Wondered if there were any pitfalls.............. Would I 
> be considered an odd ball for not being a drinker ? Stupid question 
> maybe,but I asked anyway.

This is just an opinion - I believe I spoke up the last thread pertaining to 
this as well.  I have several bartenders that are alcoholics - some that are 
sober now, some that aren't.  My recovering alcoholic bartenders are 
fortunately all well versed in a majority of the flavors of alcohols, 
therefore they mix mighty nice drinks, often coming up with some lovely new 
drinkies.  They are not at all opposed to dong the "Taste test" with a straw 
and then spitting it out, as one does during a wine tasting.

I have hired several bartenders that would not, under any circumstances, even 
taste a drink.  They didn't end up working out.  They moved on to other bars 
and didn't end up working out in those places as well.  My reasons for letting 
them go is that they were unable to really market a drink or particular 
alcohol with personal knowledge, they just repeated what they heard customers 
say or what they have read and that they would sometimes pass off absolute 
swill as a "brand new cocktail" that they invented - without tasting it. 

I know that there are many reasons for not drinking - allergies being a 
perfect excuse (as in: "It could kill me").  Religion, ethics, past 
experiences are also valid, however, as mentioned before, these three would 
also preclude one from being able to serve alcohol in good conscience.  

I have no wish to discourage anyone who wants to try bartending who is a 
non-drinker, but an understanding of the product and it’s distinct 
individuality is necessary in order to apply it imaginatively.