Just like the different types of beer, there are various types of glasses to serve beer as well. Of course, you can take any glass and serve beer in it. But there’s a reason why specific glasses are used to serve certain kinds of beer. And no, if you’re thinking it’s got to do something with just aesthetics, you’re wrong. The aromatic compounds in a beer can actually get enhanced when served in the right glassware. If you’re intrigued to make the most of your next beer drinking session, continue reading about the types of beer glasses: a guide to finding the right glass.
The Different Types Of Beer Glasses
- Pint Glasses
- Pilsner Glasses
- Weizen Glasses
- Stemmed Tulip and Thistle
- Beer Mug
- Rye Glasses
- Blonde Glasses
- Ale Glasses
- Snifter Glasses
- Tasting Glasses
- IPA Glasses
- Goblet and Chalice
1. Pint Glasses
Pint glasses are one of the most commonly used glasses to serve beer. They have a tapered design with a wide rim. Because of this tapered style of the beer glass, the hoppy aromas of the beer are directed towards your nose. Since the height of pint glasses is tall, they are used to serve beers like stouts, IPAs, ales, and lagers. If you purchase an American Pint Glass, you can serve 16 ounces of beer in it. But if you get an Imperial Pint Glass, it can hold 20 ounces of beer inside.
Also Read: How To Pour Beer Into A Glass?
2. Pilsner Glasses
As the name suggests, pilsner glasses are designed especially for pilsner beers. They also complement other lighter beers like lagers and blond ales. The shape of these glasses is slender and tapered. Pilsner glasses gradually taper towards the top and display the color and clarity of pilsner beers. They can hold around 12 to 14 ounces of beer.
Fun Fact: The tall, slim, and wide mouth of pilsner glasses enables you to see the colors, sparkle, and bubbles of pilsners and lighter beers.
3. Weizen Glasses
‘Weizen’ is the German word for ‘wheat’; Weizen glasses are very often confused with pint glasses. The structure of Weizen glasses starts with their narrow base that slowly expands to form a sleek curve, and then narrows slightly to form the mouth. What makes a Weizen glass different from a pint is that it’s more curved at the top of the glass. These glasses are much taller than pint glasses, so you can easily serve half a liter of beer in them.
Fun Fact: Weizen glass is specifically used for wheat beers. Its curved top enables it to trap the foam head, thereby letting you experience the true aromas and flavors of the beer.
4. Stemmed Tulip And Thistle
Stemmed tulip glasses are also called ‘Belgian glasses’ and their design resembles that of goblet or snifter glasses. These glasses have a round bowl and a small stem with a tapered top to trap the aromas of the beer. Because of their narrow stem, they’re often confused with wine glasses. You can enjoy strong beers like stouts and Belgian beers in stemmed tulip glasses.
Thistle glasses are just like tulip glasses. The main difference is that they are more elongated than stemmed tulips and have a narrow stem. They are long and less curvy, and can hold a large capacity of beer. Thistle glasses are best suited for non-hoppy beers like Scottish ales.
5. Beer Mug
It goes without saying that beer mugs are the most popularly used beer glasses around the world. Fan of cold beer? Then beer mugs can be your best bet for a variety of beers. Beer mugs are sturdy and have a thick glass that helps to insulate the drink.
Since these mugs have a huge handle, the warmth of your hand is only toward the handle of the glass. That enables you to enjoy your cold glass of beer. The other advantage is that this type of glass enables you to have a firm grip, so you won’t have to worry about dropping your beer. Beer mugs are available in different sizes; they can hold up to 30 ounces of beer.
6. Rye Glasses
Rye glasses are also known as Stange glasses and do not particularly have a specific shape. To put it simply, rye beer glasses are like regular water glasses, tall and slender. Just like champagne flute glasses, these glasses help to preserve the bubbles of the beer and intensify its flavors. Most rye glasses can hold around 6.5 ounces of beer.
Fun Fact: The name ‘rye glass’ is coined after the German word for ‘pole’, as the shape of the glass resembles it.
7. Blonde Glasses
Need a glass to best enjoy the flavors of your delicate beers? Then you should definitely go for blonde glasses that are also known as ‘Willi Becher’ glasses. These glasses are tall and sturdy and have a thick base with the top slightly tapered. So, you’ll be able to hold the glass easily and enjoy your beer. Even when it comes to aesthetics, these glasses seem to steal the show; all the more reason for you to add them to your home bar collection!
Also Read: How To Drink Responsibly
8. Ale Glasses
Ale glasses resemble American pint glasses, but they have a bulge a few inches below the mouth of the glass. If you think this curvy shape at the top is to make it look appealing, you’re probably mistaken. It actually gives a perfect grip and also protects the top of the glass from getting chipped. You can serve ales and stout beers in these glasses. Ale glasses are known to have a capacity of 16 ounces.
9. Snifter Glasses
To best enjoy the taste and flavors of beers that have high alcohol content or also for craft beers, you can use snifter glasses. The length of these glasses is short with a curvy and wide bowl that enables the beer to swirl inside without leaving any room for spilling. No wonder these glasses have become an all-time favorite of beer enthusiasts! Snifter glasses have a capacity of holding 6.5 ounces of beer.
10. Tasting Glasses
You must’ve surely seen tasting glasses if you’ve ever gone drinking at a brewery. Tasting glasses are used for serving a beer flight at several bars and restaurants and breweries. The shape of tasting glasses is cylindrical, without any bulges at the top. You’ll find these glasses at various bar establishments. Many people also use tasting glasses to serve and enjoy expensive beers.
Also Read: Discover The Different Types Of Red Wines
11. IPA Glasses
When it comes to the different types of beer glasses, IPA glasses certainly come out as one of the most unique ones. These glasses gained popularity in 2013 and have since been used to aerate hoppy varieties of beer. IPA glasses resemble goblet glasses; they have a wide base and a narrow stem that juts out to form a bowl, leading to form the mouth of the glass. You’ll find several IPA glasses with ridges that head downwards, and are responsible for altering the flavors and aromas of the beer. IPA glasses have the capacity to hold around 19 ounces of beer.
12. Goblet And Chalice
Goblet and Chalice glasses are considered to be the most extravagant way of drinking beer. The goblet glass has a wide rim and a thick bowl. Its shape looks somewhat like a champagne glass.
A chalice, on the other hand, is known to have thick walls and tends to weigh more than a goblet glass. One similarity in both these glasses is that they have a wide mouth, so the beer is directed right at the back of your tongue. This enables you to enjoy the bitterness of the beer. Goblet and chalice glasses can be used to serve malt beers, like Belgian ales and German blocks. Both these types of glasses have a capacity of 16 ounces of beer.
Summing Up
That was all you needed to know about the different types of beer glasses. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a casual beer drinker or a beer enthusiast, it’s time you expand your glass collection. So, next time you call your friends over for dinner, let them be surprised by your amazing collection of beer glasses!
FAQs
How Do You Pick A Beer Glass?
When you pick a beer glass, consider the type of beer you’re drinking, its alcohol content, and the aromas. For example, smaller glasses can be used to drink strong beers.
What Kind Of A Glass Is Best For Beer?
Here’s a list of some of the different types of beer glasses to complement your beer:
- Pint glasses
- Pilsner glasses
- Tulip glasses
- Beer Mug
- Tasting glasses
Why Are There Different Types Of Beer Glasses?
Different types of beer glasses complement different types of beers. When served the right way and in the right glass, the beer’s aromas and flavors can get intensified and you’ll be able to make the most of your beer drinking experience.
Does The Type Of Beer Glass Matter?
The structure and shape of the beer glass help to retain its aromas and flavors. Different types of beer glasses designed to suit different kinds of beer. That’s because every beer is unique and has different strengths and alcohol content. So, the type of beer glass you choose matters as it can affect how the beer tastes.
What Is A Pilsner Glass Used For?
You can consume light beers like pilsners or lagers in a pilsner glass.
What Kind Of Glass Do You Drink An IPA From?
When drinking IPA, you’ll need a beer glass that’ll direct the aromas of the beer right to your nostrils. Some of the best choices for consuming IPAs are IPA glasses, tulip glasses, and thistle glasses.
Why Does Beer Taste Better In A Glass?
When you pour the beer into a glass, it helps manifest the carbonation and you get to smell the aromas of the beer.
Do Drinks Taste Different In Different Glasses?
When you use different glasses for drinks, you’ll be surprised by how the taste differs in each of them. The main reason for that is the structure and design of the glass that will enhance certain flavors and aromas of the drink.
