Why Did the Bartender Charge a 2 for My Double Whiskey Neat?
Typically, a bar will have two size pours: a 'standard pour' of 1.5 oz. and a 'rocks pour' of 2 oz. When you request a spirit 'on the rocks' or 'neat, ' a rocks pour is used, meaning no additional ice or water is added.
Pricing Strategies
Bartenders and bar owners often set up their pricing strategy in a way that maximizes profits while also providing a good value to customers. Management sets the prices for all individual spirits at the standard pour price, then adds an additional charge for a rocks or neat pour when no additional ice or water is required. This additional charge typically covers the higher volume of the spirit.
One common misunderstanding is that by ordering a double pour, you are paying a premium for twice the amount of spirit, which might seem unfair. However, this is usually not the case. By doubling the pour, the bar is giving you more of the spirit for only a few dollars more than the standard pour, thus providing an incentive to order a larger portion.
Understanding the Value
Often, if you order a double (for example, a 3-oz double instead of a 1.5-oz standard pour), you are indeed getting more spirit for a fraction of the cost. A five-drink order expanding to a seven-drink order due to a double might seem like a benefit. However, if you order a 16-drink batch and the bar charges an extra 2 for a neat pour, it's more likely they are compensating for the additional spirit in the neat pour compared to the standard 1.5-oz pour.
Who Sets the Prices?
Bartenders themselves do not set the prices. The establishment’s owner or the bar manager sets the prices. Bartenders are responsible for executing the pricing strategy but not for determining the actual rates.
Disagreements and Allegations
Some people might argue that a charge for a neat pour is a scam, but as a bartender and bar owner, the trend is to provide more spirit in the neat pour and only charge for it the way it’s priced for a rocks pour or a standard size.
A neat pour is often more generous, providing about 2-2.5 ounces of spirit. When making a cocktail with a top-shelf drink, bartenders aim to keep the spirit ratios consistent, meaning a total of 3-3.5 ounces of spirit in the drink. This approach is standard practice, but there are certainly instances where bartenders might overcharge.
Conclusion
Removing any skepticism, it's important to remember that the charge for a neat pour is usually a fair price for the additional amount of spirit. If you noticed the price of your drink was 2 more and you noticed this at the time, it's really worth examining what caused this discrepancy and whether it's just a pricing strategy or a true scam. The best way to get clarity is to ask the bartender or the establishment owner directly.