Serious beer drinkers around the world firmly believe that the beer glass that holds the beer is just as important as the beer inside the glass.  Others think that it’s a marketing gimmick.  But truth be told, different styles of beer glasses affect the color, foam, aroma, and the taste of the beer you’re drinking. 

One of the most important parts of a great beer pour is the head.  The head of a beer, or foam on top of the beer has a very important job.  The head makes sure that the fruity esters, hop oils, spices, and yeast fermentation byproducts all stay within the beer to provide you with the best beer drinking experience.  So, what beer glass do you choose for the beer you’re currently drinking?  Here’s a list of recommendations for the beer glass you should use for each style of beer.

The Flute Glass

The flute glass is used for highly carbonated beers that typically do not develop much head.  The shape of the glass release volatiles quickly for a more intense aroma to the face, and also enhances carbonation in beer.

Drink this beer:

• Bière de Champagne / Bière Brut
• German Pilsner
• Ciders – Ice cider, rosè cider

The Chalice

The chalice was designed to maintain head of a beer and to offer a wide-mouthed sip.  The wide opening ensures that a beer drinker can analyze the overall flavor profile and aromas.  Typically these glasses are designed for heavy, malted beers.

Drink this beer:

• Imperial Porters
• Belgian Dark Ale
• Belgian Dubbels
• Belgian Quads
• Belgian Tripels
• Berliner Weisse
• German Maibock
• Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Pilsner Glass

This tall, slender glass which is shaped like a trumpet is perfect for maintaining color, clarity, and carbonation.  It promotes a lot of head and keeps all of the yummy volatiles in!

Drink these beers:

• American Amber
• American Imperial Pilsner
• American Lager
• Bohemian Pilsner
• European Pale Lager

The Pint Glass

The pint glass is all about convenience.  You can find this type of glass anywhere in bars because they are cheap to produce, easy to store, and easy to clean.  Drinkers can also easily drink beer out of these.  Perfect for guzzling!

Beers to drink:

• American Amber
• American Blonde, Brown, Cream, and Pale Ale
• American Porter
• Stout
• Baltic Porter
• New England IPA
• Low Alcohol Beer
• European Dark Lager

The Snifter

This beer glass makes aroma the star of your beer.  By being able to swirl your beer around and release volatiles, once you put the beer up to your lips, you get an intense aroma of the beer you are drinking.

Beer to drink:

• Barleywine
• Imperial Stout
• Strong Ale
• Wheatwine Ale
• English Old Ale
• Eisbock
• Russian Imperial Stout

The Tulip

The tulip was designed to trap and maintain head of the beer you are drinking.  It enhances the flavors of hoppy and malty brews.  The bowl at the bottom of the glass also allows you to swirl your beer to release the full aroma into your nose.

Beers to drink:

• All IPAs
• Belgian Blonde Ale
• Belgian Fruit Lambic
• Belgian Pale Ale
• Fruit Cider
• German Bock
• Spiced Cider
• Pumpkin Beer

I hope you enjoyed this lesson in beer glasses!  Stock up on glasses from your local brewery and bar.  They’re sure to steer you in the right path of beer drinking!

Cheers,

Danyelle