What should you do with a cork that has been removed from a bottle of beer?

Presenting the cork to the customer serves several purposes in the context of beer service. First, it acts as a form of transparency, indicating to the customer that the bottle has been opened and ensuring they are aware of the beer's status. Additionally, especially with bottle-conditioned or corked beers, the cork can provide information regarding the beer itself, such as the brand or style. It can also be an important part of the experience for consumers who appreciate the details or characteristics of the beer being served.

This practice can enhance the overall service experience and engage the customer, making them feel involved and valued. In contrast, disposing of the cork immediately would eliminate this opportunity, while reinserting it in the bottle does not contribute to the service experience and could lead to concerns about the beer's quality. Keeping the cork for future reference may be unnecessary in most situations, as it doesn’t add any benefit to the customer at the point of service.