Drinknation Forums

[newme]

This may sound really stupid but what is the difference between a well and a call?

[The Archvillain Bartender]

Hey newme... welcome to the forums!

I'm not sure I've ever heard those terms before... what sort of context are they used in?

[SwizzleStick]

Basically, "well" has two meanings (which are losely the same). Physically, the "well" is the same thing as your "speed rack." You know, that metal rack hanging on your side of the bar, usually in front of your sinks. The "well" is the area where you keep your most common, liquors, liquers and bottled mixers. In some bars, up to 70% of the drinks come from the "well."

"Well" also refers to your most generic liquor. Say somebody orders a Vodka and 7-up and does not stipulate the brand. Then you will probably pull your vodka from the "well" and it will be something cheap like McCormick. or say you are making a Long Island Iced tea. No need to use quality/expensive liquor, so you simply pull the liquors from your "well." So - "Well" is both a physical rack and it is your most generic liquor.

A call on the other hand means that the customer told you what brand of liquor he/she wanted. Example: "Give me an Absolut and 7-up." You told me (or called) what brand to use, so I won't give you the cheap stuff from the well.

Most bar pricing includes: Well, Call, Premium and Super Premium.

Hope this helps!

[Tim]

Another word for "well" is rail, more popular in other areas. Just as "premium" could be called "top shelf" depending when you're bartendin'.

[Herrald]

The differnce between a well and a call is about $3.50..