Best Stores For Beer Glasses: Elevate Your Drinking Experience

Whether you're a casual beer drinker or a connoisseur, having the right glassware can elevate your drinking experience. The shape of a beer glass can enhance the clarity, taste, and aroma of your drink. For instance, tulip-shaped glasses are great for aromatic craft beers and ales, while stemmed glasses are perfect for effervescent beers or slow-sipping stouts.

If you're in the UK, you can find a wide variety of beer glasses on Amazon, including sets of tulip-shaped glasses, stemmed glasses, and pint glasses. Bed Bath & Beyond also offers a range of beer glasses, with free shipping over $49.99. For those in the US, Target also has a selection of craft beer glasses.

So, if you're looking to buy some nice beer glasses, these online retailers are a great place to start your search.

Online retailers with next-day delivery

If you're based in the UK, Amazon offers next-day delivery on a wide range of beer glasses. Options include tulip-shaped glasses, such as the Rink Drink Snifter Beer Glasses, which are ideal for real ale and IPA, and the Krosno Lager Craft Beer Glasses, which come in a set of six. You can also find pint glasses, like the Wrenbury Fjord Belgian Stemmed Beer Glasses, which are suitable for aromatic craft beers and ales, and the Molson Coors 2X Madri Exceptional Beer Glasses, which are perfect for your home bar or mancave.

For those in the US, Amazon also provides a variety of beer glasses with next-day delivery options. You can choose from insulated glasses, such as the Host Freeze Frozen Mugs or the Stanley Adventure Insulated Stacking Beer Pint Glass, which keep your drinks cold. Alternatively, you might prefer a classic design like the Libbey Pint Glass with DuraTuff Rim, which comes in a set of four, or the Kitchen Lux Pint Beer Glasses, a set of 12 clear drinking glasses.

Next UK also offers next-day delivery on selected items, including beer glasses. You can choose from tankards, pint glasses, or tulip glasses, and they even have personalised options available.

Glasses for specific beer types

The glass you choose to drink your beer from can have a big impact on your experience. The shape and style of the glass can affect the release of carbonation, the development of the beer's head, and the concentration of its aroma. Here are some common types of beer glasses and the styles of beer they are best suited for:

• Pint Glasses: The pint glass is the most common type of beer glass and is used in bars and restaurants worldwide. The American pint glass holds 16 ounces and has a tapered, cylindrical shape. The English or Imperial pint glass holds 20 ounces and has a subtle lip at the rim. Pint glasses are versatile and can complement most beer types, including ales, stouts, IPAs, and lagers.
• Pilsner Glasses: Pilsner glasses are tall, slim, and slightly wider at the mouth, showcasing the sparkle, clarity, and bubbles of pilsners and other light beers. They typically hold 12 to 14 ounces of beer.
• Weizen Glasses: Weizen glasses, or wheat beer glasses, are taller than pints and have a curved profile to trap sediment and yeast. They have a wider mouth to promote a foamy head and capture the beer's aroma. Weizen glasses are typically used for wheat beers, gose, and white ales.
• Tulip and Thistle Glasses: Tulip glasses, also known as Belgian glasses, have a rounded bowl on a small stem, with a flared lip to capture the beer's aroma. They are well-suited for strong, aromatic beers such as double stouts, saisons, Belgian beers, and other ales. Thistle glasses are a variation of tulip glasses, with a more elongated shape and less curvature at the lip. They are better suited for Scottish ales, double IPAs, and barleywines.
• Beer Mugs: Beer mugs, also known as beer steins, are sturdy and insulated, with a handle to prevent heat transfer from your hand to the beer. They are well-suited for a wide range of beer types and are commonly used for American, German, English, and Irish beers.
• Rye Glasses: Also known as stange glasses, rye glasses are tall and slender, similar to a champagne flute. They intensify flavours and preserve carbonation, making them ideal for delicate beers such as Kolsch or bock.
• Goblets and Chalices: Goblets and chalices are extravagant and elegant, with a long, thick stem and a wide, round bowl. They are decorative and often feature intricate etching or precious metal inlaying. Goblets and chalices are ideal for heavy, dark beers such as Belgian IPAs, Belgian strong dark ales, dubbels, tripels, and quadrupels.
• IPA Glasses: IPA glasses have a series of ridges towards the base that agitate the beer, releasing aromas and flavours. They typically have a rounded mouth to lock in these aromas. IPA glasses are ideal for hoppy beers such as IPAs and pale ales.

Glasses for different drinking experiences

There are many types of beer glasses available for beer consumption, each serving a specific purpose. From releasing carbonation at the proper rate, delivering taste to the right part of the tongue, to capturing the aroma and escaping the frothy head, the right glassware can make all the difference in your tasting experience. Here are some of the most common types of beer glasses:

The Stein

The stein, short for "steinzeugkrug", is a German word for stoneware jug and has been made from various materials such as wood, earthenware, and silver since the early 1500s. The hinged lid was originally designed to keep flies away during the Black Plague era, but now helps maintain the beer's temperature by trapping aromas and preventing carbonation from escaping too quickly. While the stein is more of a souvenir than everyday glassware, it is a rich part of German beer culture.

The Glass Mug

The glass mug is a staple in beer-drinking establishments worldwide, having evolved from the German beer stein. It serves a dual purpose: durability, thanks to its thick glass and handled design, and insulation, as the handle keeps the beer colder by preventing hand warmth from affecting its temperature. The satisfying clink of a mug also adds to the festive atmosphere of the beer-drinking experience.

Goblets or Chalices

Goblets, or chalices, are exquisite and elegant beer glass styles that allow drinkers to hold the glass without warming the beer, while enhancing the beer's aromas. They elevate the drinking experience, making it feel like a special occasion. Goblets have a wide mouth to maintain the beer's head and allow the drinker to take deep sips to analyse the aromas and flavour profile. Chalices are similar in shape but may be heavier, with thicker walls.

The Pilsner Glass

The pilsner glass is tall and slender, designed to showcase the crisp and effervescent qualities of pilsner beers, as well as other lighter beers. The skinny design helps maintain carbonation and showcase the beer's colour, clarity, and carbonation. The wider top helps develop the aroma and flavour profile while maintaining the head.

The Weizen Glass

The Weizen glass is tall and curvaceous, designed to complement wheat beers and showcase their unique characteristics. The elongated shape allows for a generous pour while leaving room for the thick, fluffy head that wheat beers are known for. The narrow bottom and flared top help maintain carbonation and capture the rich aromas.

The Tulip or Thistle Glass

The tulip glass is well-suited for stronger, aromatic brews like double IPAs and Belgian ales, while the thistle glass is typically used for Scottish ales. These uniquely shaped glasses have a small stem and footer below a tulip-shaped bowl, enhancing flavours and aromas. The outward-curving rim helps trap and emphasise the head, while the stem prevents hand warmth from affecting the beer.

The Stange Glass

The Stange glass is tall, slender, and cylindrical, much like a Tom Collins glass. It is perfect for showcasing delicate and nuanced beers, as its slender design allows the beer's carbonation and aroma to shine, delivering a crisp and refreshing drinking experience.

The Flute

The flute is commonly associated with champagne, but it is also perfect for certain beers, especially fruit beers, krieks, biere de Champagne, and Belgian lambics. The long, narrow shape highlights carbonation and colour while allowing for a strong aroma to escape, creating a unique beer-drinking experience.

The Pint Glass

The iconic pint glass is a true classic in the world of beer and holds a special place in the hearts of beer enthusiasts and pub-goers alike. Its cylindrical shape and wide mouth offer a no-nonsense approach to beer drinking, showcasing the beer's colour and clarity. The generous size also means you can enjoy a substantial amount of beer without constant refills.

The Snifter

The snifter is usually used for cognac or brandy, but it is also perfect for big, aromatic beers. The shape traps and enhances volatiles as they rise to your nose, while the glass fits snugly in your hand. Swirling the beer in a snifter entices the volatiles to release their full aroma. In this case, hand warmth is used to warm the beer to its optimal temperature.

Glasses for different occasions

The Casual Get-Together

For a casual get-together with friends, a simple, everyday glass will do the trick. Options such as the Bormioli Rocco Bodega Mini Glass Tumbler Set, the Libbey Classic Can Tumbler Glasses, or the Libbey Pint Glass are perfect for this setting. These glasses are affordable, durable, and easy to clean, making them ideal for a relaxed gathering.

The Beer Tasting

If you're hosting a beer tasting or want to explore the nuances of different beers, consider investing in a craft beer tasting kit. Spiegelau's Craft Beer Tasting Kit includes four different glasses, each designed to amplify the aroma and flavours of specific beer styles. This option is perfect for serious beer aficionados who want to fully appreciate the complexities of their beverage.

The Special Occasion

For a special occasion or when you want to elevate your beer-drinking experience, opt for elegant and sophisticated glassware. Goblets or chalices, such as the Wrenbury Fjord Belgian Stemmed Beer Glasses or the CRYSTALIA Premium Beer Glasses, exude luxury and are perfect for making any occasion feel special. These glasses are often ornate, with decorative stems and accents, adding a touch of elegance to your beer-drinking experience.

The Everyday Beer

For your everyday beer, a classic pint glass is a versatile and timeless option. The American or shaker pint glass is a staple in many bars and restaurants, offering a no-nonsense approach to beer drinking. It's durable, stackable, and showcases the beer's colour and clarity. Alternatively, consider a tulip or thistle glass, such as the Rink Drink Snifter Beer Glasses, for a unique shape that enhances the flavours and aromas of your beer.

Glasses for different users

There are many types of beer glasses, each designed to enhance the experience of drinking a specific type of beer. Here are some of the most common beer glasses and their recommended use:

Pint Glass

The pint glass is the most common type of beer glass and is used in most restaurants and bars. It is versatile and complements most types of beer, from ales and stouts to IPAs and lagers. There are slight variations in the design of pint glasses from country to country, with American, English, Irish, and German pints differing in shape and size. The American pint glass, also known as a shaker glass, holds 16 ounces and has a tapered, cylindrical shape. The English pint glass, or Imperial glass, holds 20 ounces and is similar to its American counterpart, with a subtle lip at the rim.

Pilsner Glass

Pilsner glasses are quite popular among Americans and Europeans and are suitable for Pilsner beers, as well as lighter beers such as lagers and blonde ales. They are made of thinner glass and have an elongated, slender shape that showcases the beer's golden hue, clarity, and carbonation. Pilsner glasses typically hold 14 ounces of beer.

Weizen Glass

Weizen glasses are often confused with pint glasses, but they are taller and make a better display of the beer's golden colour. They have a curved profile that traps sediment and yeast at the bottom, and a wider mouth to promote a foamy head and capture the beer's aroma. Weizen glasses are typically used for wheat beers, gose, and white ales. They usually have a capacity of 17 ounces or half a litre.

Stemmed Tulip and Thistle Glasses

Also known as Belgian glasses, these glasses loosely resemble goblets or snifters. They feature a rounded bowl on a small stem, with a rim that curves outward to capture the beer's aroma and create a foamy head. Tulip glasses are best suited for strong, hoppy beers such as double stouts, saisons, Belgian beers, and other ales. Thistle glasses, on the other hand, are stretched-out versions of tulip glasses with less curvature at the lip. They are better suited for Scottish ales, double IPAs, and barley wines.

Beer Mug

Beer mugs are sturdy, made of thick glass, and often have a handle to prevent the drinker's hand from warming the beer. They are popular among enthusiasts who like to keep their beer cold and are commonly used for a wide range of beer types. Mugs are most popular in England, Germany, and the United States and come in a range of sizes.

Rye Glass

Also known as a stange glass, the rye glass is tall and slender, similar to a champagne flute. It is recommended for delicate beers such as Kolsch or bock, as it intensifies flavours and preserves bubbles. Rye glasses typically have a capacity of 6.5 ounces but can also be found in larger sizes.

Snifter Glass

Snifter glasses are commonly used for brandy and cognac but have gained popularity among beer lovers. They feature a large bowl that sits on a footed stem, making it easy to swirl the beer and release its aroma. Snifters are typically used for stronger beers such as double and imperial IPAs, barley wines, and Belgian IPAs.

Tasting Glass

Tasting glasses come in various shapes and sizes and are typically used for sampling a variety of beers, such as during a brewery tour or when trying out new brews. They usually hold a fraction of the amount of a pint glass, ranging from 2.5 to 6 ounces.

IPA Glass

The IPA glass has become popular in recent years and is ideal for aerating hoppy beers. It resembles an elongated goblet with ridges at the base that agitate the beer, releasing aromas and flavours. The rounded mouth locks in the aromas and flavours. The typical IPA glass has a capacity of 19 ounces.

Goblet and Chalice

Goblets and chalices are extravagant and elegant ways to serve beer, often with decorative elements such as gold or silver inlay. They have a wide mouth that directs the beer to the back of the tongue, where bitterness is detected. Goblets and chalices are ideal for heavy malt beers, including Belgian ales and German bocks.

Lager Glass

Lager glasses are tall and slender, designed to lock in carbonation and maintain the beer's foam head. They showcase the colour and clarity of the beer and are suitable for a wide variety of lagers.

These are just some of the many types of beer glasses available. Each style has its unique characteristics, and choosing the right glass can enhance the drinking experience, allowing users to appreciate the beer's appearance, aroma, and flavour to the fullest.

Frequently asked questions