Skip to main content

Perception in Bars / of Beverages

This is a somewhat important post, as in hospitality there are very little absolute values.
It is important to know, that perception has always a huge impact in people's assessments and as much as we [from a technical point of view] like to be uninfluenced by it, we just can't be unaffected by perception. The best strategy is, to know about the very own perception and put everything into perspective.

Personally I like to see me [as everybody himself] independent and not manipulated by marketing, the press, by other people. However I do have a weakness for fancy, sophisticated, elaborate and "individual" things [do you remember the quote from "Life of Brian" »...you are all individuals.« - »Yes we are all individuals« - »I'm not!« - it is a bit like that, lol].


To fight your inner demon, who suggest non-objective impression is a constant struggle. But it is important, if you are working in the service industry. Only if you are aware of this demon, you can use it for your [and especially your employers] own advantage.

See... vodka is a prominent example for it. The differences between quality vodkas [from a price bracket between 10 and 30 Euro] is negligible. The big difference makes the projection of the marketer. You can only utilize it, if you know, which marketing is more successful. Brands, which are not successful [or targeted to an audience, which is not frequenting your venue] you won't list - unless this brand is giving you an advantage [marketing money, very good price, special events - and in the best scenario, a combination of all].

Even the sales of Scotch, which is usually sensory very distinctive, is more driven by perception than by pure taste. The rivalry between Chivas Regal 12 years old and Johnnie Walker Black Label is not very logical, if it comes to taste only - both products are very different: Chivas is quite malty and focusses more on Highland and Speyside malts; Black Label however carries its bold character of Islay malts, which makes it pretty peaty/smokey. But most people don't care - because they are hooked up by their perception and by the brands.

You have to understand one thing: Perception even influences your taste - big time!

Another point is, that perception doesn't come only from the marketing from a specific product. It comes from the way you grown up [often people are distancing themselves from brands their parents - but tend to be attracted by their grandparents choices].
Family, friends and other relationships are always influencing us in our choices.

Again - we should try to be open minded, fight our own perception and use the diverse influences to our advantage!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to use citric acid - and why you might not want to use it anyway!

To be honest, I shied away of this topic, because I think, people can misinterpret this - big time. I don't want to be part of the problem - I want to be part of the solution!  But when Chris, over at A Bar Above  discussed this subject- I literally could not resist to join into "the discussion". Here is the video: I - however take a bit slower approach than Chris. What is citric acid? Chemical Compound Citric acid is a weak organic acid with the formula C6H8O7. It is a natural preservative/conservative and is also used to add an acidic or sour taste to foods and drinks. Wikipedia Formula: C6H8O7 Molar Mass: 192.124 g/mol Melting Point: 153C Density: 1.66 g/cm3 Boiling point: 175C Soluble in: Water Why is it controversial? In my "mixology world" it is controversial, as citric acid is the stuff, which makes the nightmarish sour mix [ preferably in powder form ] sour. Yeah - citric acid is the main ingredient in one of the most

Fentiman's - part deux

You might already know [otherwise just read my last post ], that Fentiman's Botanical Tonic Water taste great. And I mentioned, that I am not totally convinced of the other flavours... Let me now and here explain why. First to the great ones: Rose Lemonade is really nice... however I have to come across one rose drink, which doesn't taste really good. A couple of years I have reviewed [and tried] Sence - also a drink which is based on Bulgarian roses - and it was lovely. Fentiman's Rose Lemonade is not different - maybe slightly too acidic. Anyway - it is just great [however also very simple to replicate - citric acid, sugar syrup, carbonated water and rose water is all what you need...]. The Curiousity Cola is also nice - it is a bit more standalone and unique as other cola sodas- but hit the right spots. Only problem still is: the original just taste better and - well like the original. Cherrybark Cola - is another good soda. While I've expected it to taste

What is the best cranberry juice in the bar?

A good friend of me "whatsapp'ed" me today and asked for my expertise: "What is the best cranberry juice?" I would loved to just let him know the brand - however it is not that easy. What do we understand of cranberry juice? One of the biggest [maybe the  biggest producer] of cranberry products is Ocean Spray. And: it is well regarded. Problem is: it is not a juice! Wait - what? Ocean Spray doesn't produce a juice - they produce a juice cocktail - which translates into a lot of water, a lot of sugar, some taste-balancers as citric acid [nothing against this really] and a minuscule portion of juice - usually around 3%. Yes they have something which is called 100% juice. Which is on one hand true, on the other the biggest deception ever. Because you don't get 100% cranberry - you get a mixture of juices of concentrate - most of the time apple and white grape and a bit of cranberry. There are also some other brands around, which might feature a h