Beer Glasses

What glass suits your tipple?

In order to enjoy a beer to its full potential, it’s important to drink the beer from the right glass. You might be surprised, but this has a huge influence on the smell and taste of your beer. But which glass belongs with which beer?

Which beer glass for which beer?

For a long time, beer drinkers have been searching for the best shape, size and material to drink beer out of. They tried cups made from wood, sandstone, clay, tin - you name it - until finally the art of glassblowing was discovered.

It soon became apparent that the shape of the glass and with which style of beer it’s paired does in fact make a big difference. And that’s why today, there different types of beer glasses which can be distinguished by their shape, and which each go well with a particular style of beer.

Let’s take a look at the different types of beer glass, why they should be used and how they can complement your beer. And we are starting with those that have a stem.

Tulip beer glass

A tulip is one of the most versatile glasses, used often when drinking a Duvel, a La Chouffe or any Belgian Blond. The shape retains aromas well and offers room for a large head, which is typical of a Duvel. A lot of beer styles can be poured into a tulip, especially Belgian beers. Lager beers, pilsners, wheat beer and weizen are the few exceptions which don’t go so well.

Pros: Enhances the volatile components and maintains large heads.

Recommended use: IPA, German Bock, Belgian Blond.

Chalice glass

Typical Belgian beers, such as Tripels, Dubbels, Blonds or Abbey and Trappists are often served in a chalice. Due to the round and open shape of the glass, these fragrant beers’ aromas are released more freely. By holding the glass on the stem, the beer stays at the right temperature for longer.

Pros: Cleverly designed to support head and reduce warming through your hands. The wide rim makes for easy release of aromas and big sips.

Recommended use: Dubbels, Blonds and Trappists.

AnDer beer glass

The AnDer is the perfect glass for beer tastings because aromas remain preserved in the round shape of the glass and its narrow top. Want to get the full effect? Try a hoppy IPA from a vase first, then try it from an AnDer glass, and experience the difference for yourself.

Pros: An AnDer brings out the aroma of beer, making it an optimal choice for analysing smell, foam and flavour.

Recommended Use: Great for beer tasting!

Pint glass

Here in the UK, of course, the most popular beer glass would be the pint. The shape of the glass makes it easy to hold and ensures it won’t slip through your hand due to condensation on the outside. Drinking English classics from a pint completes the experience: try Newcastle Brown Ale or a stout.

Pros: Easy to drink out of and hold.

Recommended Use: Lager, IPA, porter and stout.

Weizen glass

This is a glass suitable for German wheat beers, such as Brand Weizen or Edelweiss. It is a fairly narrow, high glass of 50cl. The best - or actually the only - way to pour this beer is by keeping the glass at an angle of about 45 degrees and slowly pouring it until the bottle is almost empty. Leave the final 10-15% of the contents in the bottle.

Pros: Seal in those characteristic banana aromas.

Recommended use: Wheat beers (German Dunkelweizen and Hefeweizen).

Oktoberfest

These are the biggest, thickest beer glasses on the list. They’re used at Oktoberfest in Germany and are made thick in order to keep the beer cool. They are heavy and sturdy, with a handle. They can also come in many shapes and sizes.

Pros: They don’t break if you ‘cheers’ with too much force!

Recommended use: German Lagers, Belgian white beers, and any Oktoberfest beers or Märzen, such as those from Paulaner or Camba.

We have branded glasses too!

As each glass gives you a different taste experience, many brewers produce their own glasses to ensure you drink the beer at its best. A branded beer glass helps to bring the pub home and can add a connection with the brewer. Interested in Beerwulf or Heineken branded glasses? Check them out here!