Jason Wagner
Choosing the right glassware can elevate your beer-drinking experience. The shape of the glass can impact head development and retention, which is important as the foam acts as a net for volatile compounds in the beer, such as hop oils and yeast fermentation byproducts. Different glass shapes can also affect how the beer's colour, aroma, and taste are perceived. While the ubiquitous shaker pint glass is functional and inexpensive, it is considered the worst type of glass for drinking beer as it fails to retain the desired head and allows carefully conceived aromas to escape. Beer mugs, goblets, pilsner glasses, and tulip glasses are among the many alternatives that can enhance the flavour and aroma of your brew.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Enhance the drinking experience by improving the release of aroma and flavour compounds, controlling the temperature and promoting the right amount of head. |
| Glasses | American pint glass, Imperial pint glass, pilsner glass, tulip glass, thistle glass, goblet/chalice, IPA glass, weizen glass, stange glass, teku glass, beer mug, beer boot, rye/stange glass, blonde beer glass, ale glass, snifter, tasting glass |
| Beer Types | American ales, lagers, Scottish ales, Irish dry stouts, Belgian ales, German bocks, Belgian IPAs, porters, strong ales, tripels, quadrupels, American lagers, pilsners, hefeweizens, blonde ales, double IPAs, barleywines, Scotch ales, fruit beers, krieks, biere de champagne, Belgian lambics, stouts, IPAs, wheat beers, saisons, lambics, gruit, fruit and heather beers, märzen/Oktoberfest, witbier, kolsch, bocks, gose, Czech pilsners, rye beer, altbier, rauchbier |
What You'll Learn
Tulip glasses
The tulip glass is well-suited for stronger, aromatic brews, like double IPAs, and Belgian ales. Since Scotland's official flower is the thistle, the thistle glass is typically used for Scottish ales. Thistle glasses are slightly taller and less curvy than tulip glasses, resembling a thistle blossom.
The 13-ounce Libbey Belgian glass is a modern take on the tulip glass, designed to capture a beer's aroma and enhance the sensory experience. The rounded bowl and inward-tapering top allow the subtle nuances of your beer to develop and encourage a thick head of foam.
- Spiegelau Beer Classics Tulip Glasses, Set of 4, 15.5 oz
- TRUE Tulip Beer Glasses, 15oz, Set of 4
- BaveL Belgian Beer Glasses, 13 oz, Set of 2
- Duvel Tulip Belgian Beer Glass, Set of 2
- Coors Banquet Tulip Pint Glass, Set of 2
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Pilsner glasses
- Vintage pilsner glasses, which come in a range of designs such as etched flower crystal, frosted gold and white, and platinum starburst.
- Modern designs such as the Libbey Stockholm Pilsner Beer Glass, which features a slender European design and a reinforced flat base for extra stability.
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Weizen glasses
The shape of the Weizen glass isn't just about grip; its narrow middle helps showcase a wheat beer's familiar colour and unfiltered goodness, while the wide mouth helps support the beer's thick, white, fluffy head. The bulb and wide mouth also help to collect and concentrate the beer's familiar banana-like esters and spicier notes.
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Stange glasses
The light carbonation of the Kölsch style benefits from the smaller serving size, as it is less likely to go flat before finishing the drink. Similar to other tall, thin glasses, the Stange glass aids in head retention and showcases the clarity of the beer.
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Beer mugs
Today, beer mugs are a staple in drinking establishments worldwide, offering durability and a festive atmosphere to the beer-drinking experience. They are perfect for celebratory toasts due to their sturdy design and satisfying clinking sound. The thick glass and handled design make it easier to maintain a firm grip, reducing the risk of accidental spills.
When choosing a beer mug, consider the size and shape that best suit your needs. They come in various sizes, ranging from 12 ounces to 1 liter or more. Some mugs even have dimples, adding a unique aesthetic touch. Beer mugs are a versatile and functional choice for enjoying your favourite brew with style and a touch of history.
Whether you're toasting with friends or simply enjoying a cold beer at the end of a long day, a beer mug elevates the experience and makes it more enjoyable. So, go ahead and clink those mugs with confidence!
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Frequently asked questions
A tall and slender glass is best for drinking lager. This allows you to see the bubbles rising to the top and appreciate the colour of the liquid. It should also be able to maintain the beer's foam head and lock in the brew's fragrance. A pilsner glass is a good option, though a champagne flute can also work.
The IPA glass, also known as the Spiegelau glass, is a recent addition to craft beer culture and is ideal for aerating hoppy varieties. It features ridges around the stem that aerate the beer as you drink and direct the aromatics to your nose. A Teku glass is also a good option for IPAs, as it accentuates malts and spices.
A stout should be served in a short and stout glass, such as a snifter. This type of glass is perfect for sipping and fully tasting the beer.
