The pourer decides speed and accuracy behind the bar. Here are the pour spouts for free pouring in metal and plastic, the portion pourers that release the same quantity every time, and the bitters pourers for a fine stream of bitters. Multi-packs to fit out the whole back bar. Below, the guide to choosing the right system for your service.
Pourers and measured pourers: how you pour shows in the GP
Every bottle in your speed rail has a pourer, and that small part decides two things: how fast you are and how accurate you are. The right spout lets you pour without looking and land the same dose every time. The wrong one wastes product drop by drop. In a venue doing high covers, the difference at the end of the month is counted in bottles.
Counted pour or measured pourer
The counted pour is the classic school: a metal spout with a calibrated hole, a steady flow and a timed count. With practice a four-count comes to about 30ml, and the bartender stays quick and free. A measured pourer does the work for you: it releases the same amount whatever the angle of the bottle, useful where cost control has to be absolute or the team changes often. In the UK, single measures of gin, rum, vodka and whisky sold by the glass still go through a stamped measure or an optic.
Metal or plastic
The metal spout is the professional reference: it takes constant use, keeps its shape and looks right on a back bar on show. Plastic costs less, and different colours help you tell spirits apart at a glance or code the stations. Many bars run both: metal on the bottles on display, coloured plastic out of sight.
The right flow for each liquid
Not every liquid wants the same spout. Spirits need a full, steady flow. Bitters and tinctures need a dash pourer, which releases a few controlled drops or a precise dash without flooding the drink. A detail often overlooked: collars and dust caps keep flies and oxidation out between services.
Type
How it works
Where it fits
Metal pourer
Steady flow, dose by count
Speed, open bar counter, trained team
Measured pourer
Releases the same amount every time
Strict cost control, changing team
Coloured plastic pourer
Low-cost flow spout, colour coding
Backup, several stations, high turnover
Bitters / dash pourer
Fine flow in drops or dashes
Bitters, tinctures, aromatics
Pieces to put on show
The Bars Metal Pourers (Pack of 12) fit the whole back bar with the same spout in one order: a steady flow and a predictable pour on every bottle.
The Pro Pourer, Wood Effect releases the exact portion without counting, with a wood-effect finish that suits a back bar on show: cost control and presentation together.
The Bitters Pourer gives the fine flow bitters and tinctures need: a few controlled drops, never one dash too many.
Pourers live on the bottles in the speed rail and next to the speed bottles. For drinks built in the glass, measure with the jigger.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a counted pour and a measured pourer?
A counted pour uses a steady-flow spout and the dose is controlled by counting the time of the pour: it is quick and free, but it takes practice. A measured pourer releases the same amount whatever the angle, which keeps costs under control even with a changing team.
Metal or plastic pourer?
Metal is the professional reference: it takes constant use, keeps its shape and looks right on a back bar on show. Plastic costs less, and different colours help you tell spirits apart or code the stations. Many bars use both.
How do you count a pour with a metal pourer?
With a calibrated spout you pour on a timed count: a four-count comes to about 30ml. Accuracy improves with practice and should be checked against a jigger from time to time. In the UK, single measures of gin, rum, vodka and whisky are served from a stamped measure or an optic.
What is a bitters pourer for?
A bitters or dash pourer releases a very fine flow, a few drops or a precise dash. It is made for bitters, tinctures and aromatics, where the exact amount decides the balance of the cocktail.
Do pourers fit every bottle?
Most pourers have a cork or rubber base that fits standard spirit bottle necks. For unusually wide or narrow necks, check the diameter; standard models cover the common sizes.
Metal and Plastic PourersAdd
Metal and Plastic PourersAdd
