Bourbon Knowledge (Or Lack Thereof)

[JPBoston]

If you're going to blame someone blame the management for hiring a bartender that doesn't know what they're doing.

Well, I'll go one further... and say blame management for not training them along the way as well. Seems like a pretty simple 'learn on the job' kind of assignment to me.

And not to beat a dead horse, but if they don't want to train the employees, then a simple printed list of what spirits they carry would be a swell addition instead.

[OscarV]

I think the simple answer to the ignorant bartender question is that most are beertenders and not actual bartenders.

If you're going to blame someone blame the management for hiring a bartender that doesn't know what they're doing.

Well, I'll go one further... and say blame management for not training them along the way as well. Seems like a pretty simple 'learn on the job' kind of assignment to me.

And not to beat a dead horse, but if they don't want to train the employees, then a simple printed list of what spirits they carry would be a swell addition instead.

Yes it is very odd when everyone is tumputing the return of classic cocktails you still can't get a cocktail made right.
I'll add to Scott's assesment, not only should they be called beertenders but also fruit-flavored-vodka-tenders.
Most off these people think mixing up a Red Bull and Jagermister is a unique and skillfull thing to do.