If you go to any bar with more than six beers on tap (that aren’t Budweiser, Michelob or Miller related), you can hazard a guess that he or she knows a bit about the beer they are pouring. If you have the time, beer slingers could talk your ear off about this beer or that beer and you will leave with more fermented knowledge than you ever thought possible.

And if they are really good beer spots, you will have the opportunity to sample a few of their more unique flavors. It’s like going to an adult ice cream parlor that features the wackiest varieties you could think of.

This sampling of beers must be done delicately, however, as you don’t want the bartender to think you are taking advantage of his generosity. That means buying a first beer, getting a lay of the land and ensuring that at the end of your stay you tip generously for his time, his conversation and his beer knowledge.

Last week, I had the opportunity to sample a wide array of brews at the Liberty Taproom in Greenville. With more than three dozen beers on tap, this relatively new addition to the downtown landscape (right off the baseball stadium) is a great spot to try beers you won’t get everywhere. And since beer selections are growing in groceries and specialty stores by the day, you could sample something before buying a full sixer of it.

Even after taking samples of six or seven different beers, I couldn’t stop thinking about the first one Rob, the Liberty tender, handed me. I had never heard of it before, but this German beer made an impact and had tasting instructions.

“Put a good sip in your mouth, hold it on your tongue for three seconds, and then swallow,” Rob said.

I obliged and, at first, wondered what the hell he was talking about. But, three seconds later, something happened. My tongue felt heavier and sweeter and when I tasted the beer, it was a like honey and malt all at once.

A veritable coat of honey soaked my tongue and the taste was beautiful. This Arcobrau Dark Lager was something out of a brewer’s movie and made for one fantastic, smooth taste. A perfect balance, though a bit sweeter than I normally go. I wanted another, but dared not rile the tending gods. Instead, I moved on to a couple more, still thinking about that first taste.

So, today, I wait for Wednesday to come when I can go to Liberty and get a pint of Arcobrau Dark for three bucks. And in between, perhaps another taste that will have me going back for more.