Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Tilted Barrel?

A. The Tilted Barrel is a mobile beverage/bartending service. We will assist you with planning all your beverage needs for your event.

Q. What types of events do you service?

A. We serve just about any event you can think of. Weddings, Corporate Events, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Birthday Parties, Graduations, Proms, Opening Events, Company Picnics…just to name a few.

***Please note: The Tilted Barrel does not service political gatherings of any sort. Please contact us if you are unsure if your event might fall into this category***

Q. Where are you located and do you travel?

A. We are located in the beautiful town of Grass Valley, CA. The Tilted Barrel includes up to 30 miles from 95945 with each package we have available. We will travel beyond that for an additional fee of $2.50 per extra mile.

* For Evening Events: If traveling will require more than a 3 hour drive one way after the event, a fee for lodging will be added.

Q. Do you provide the alcohol?

A. State laws prohibit the supply or sale of alcohol without a liquor license, including on private property. However, the purchasing of your own alcohol allows you to select your favorite brands while staying within your budget.

Q. How do I know how much alcohol to buy?

A. Our knowledgable staff will assist in coordinating a bar menu ahead of time as well as help you calculate how much you will need for your estimated guest count.

Q. Are you insured?

A. YES! We carry general liability insurance as well as liquor liability insurance.

Q. How far in advance should I book?

A. We require a 30 day advanced booking. If booking with a 30 day notice, payment will need to be paid in full a time of booking. Anything less than 30 days notice will be a case by case and dependent on our schedule. It is recommended to book further in advance if possible as we book on a first come first serve basis and dates go quickly. Booking more than 60 days in advance also allows you to take advantage of the payment plan and full cancellation policy in the event you are unable to keep your date.

Q. Are your bartenders certified?

A. Our bartenders are LEAD certified and have experience in bartending various events.

Q. What size space, electrical needs, and permits are required?

A. We require a minimum space of 14L x 10W just for the trailer. Please keep in mind for extra space allowing guests to access bar easily and to mingle in the area. We prefer to be within 30 feet of an electrical outlet. We will provide the extention cord if it is needed. If there is no electricity, we do have a generator available to rent. It is up to the client to ensure any neccessary permits are obtained prior to the event date.

Q. What is your payment and cancellation policy?

A. We require a 50% deposit to hold your event date. The remaining balance will be due 30 days prior to the event. If you need to cancel, you will receive a full deposit refund minus a $250.00 admin fee if cancelled more than 60 days prior to event date. 50% of the deposit if cancelled 31-59 days prior to event date. There are no refunds for events cancelled 30 days or less. Please remember we begin working on preparations for your event as soon as a contract is signed to ensure the greatest success.

***We accept cash, check ($50.00 fee for returned checks), venmo, major credit cards***

Q. Can I reschedule my event?

A. If the date you want to reschedule is available and we are able to fulfill the original date slot, then we will certainly accomodate you. The same payment and cancellation policy will apply. The initial deposit and balance due will transfer to your new date. If the reschedule date is available but we are not able to fulfill your slot then you will forfeit your deposit in accordance with the cancellation policy and a new deposit will be needed to secure your new date.

Q. Whats your rain policy?

A. While we prefer things to stay dry, we will still service your event if it rains. We do require a covered space for rain. It will be up to the client to provide tents/ covered space. We are happy to work with your tent vendor to find the right fit.

Q. How do we tip the bartenders?

A. Our trailer has a tip jar. If you wish to forgo the tip jar, we will add a 25% gratuity charge to your total bill.​

Q. Do you ID the guests?

A. Absolutley. We will ID any guest who looks under the age of 40. Further information on our ID/ Serve policy will be included in the contract for your review prior to agreement.

Q. Can the trailer be moved?

A. Once the trailer is set up it cannot be moved unless there is an emergent reason to do so.

Q. What is your bartenders attire?

A. We like to encourage our staff to be their unique and individual selves while tending bar. We require a clean, tidy and professional style. However, this is YOUR event and if you would prefer for our bartenders to coordinate with your theme, colors, black and white, etc, we will accomodate that as well. This too, is discussed in detail during consultation.

Q. Do you provide service in home?

A. Yes. If the trailer is not practical for your event, we can offer our portable bar option as well. Our bartenders are also available for hire to provide service for your event using your own bar set up.

Q. Does The Tilted Barrel have Keg Taps?

A. Yes! We can accomodate (2) 5 gallon kegs in the trailer.

Q. Do you provide service of non- alcoholic beverages?

A. Yes! Mocktails are within our specialty and can be provided as well. We can also service sodas, water, coffee, tea, etc.

Q. Can we decorate the trailer?

A. Here at The Tilted Barrel we LOVE to stage the trailer. Each package comes with simple style staging decor to match your theme. You are welcome to add decor to the exterior of the trailer space only but it must be movable (not taped, etc). If you would like to add things like garlands, balloons, banners to the exterior of trailer itself, this must be done by a professional or with the help of one of our staff members. This decor must not be attached with anything that will damage the trailer upon removal.

Q. Does set up and take down time count towards my service time?

A. No. We will schedule arrival atleast 1 hour before the event. The time frame for set up and take down is tentative and will be discussed durning consultation. If actual service hours are to be extended (up to 2 hours), approval from one of the Tilted Barrel Admins must be obtained and additional hour fees must be paid before service will continue. We do have a last call 20 minutes prior to service end and a 15 minute grace period after the event ends should it be needed.