Beer enthusiasts swear by the value of the right glass for their beers. The right glassware allows you to fully savor the aroma, flavor, and appearance of your craft beers and elevates the drinking experience altogether.
So whether you’re just starting a collection or looking to make a new addition, we’ve listed some of the best beer glass types to have in your barware collection.
What are the different types of beer glasses?
1. Nonic Glass
The pint or nonic glass is a popular choice for beer drinkers due to its size and shape. Its wide opening enhances aroma and flavor and allows for a generous foam.
The nonic glass is iconic for its distinctive “bump”. Aside from pure aesthetics, it actually serves several functions. It prevents glasses from sticking when stacked, protects the glass rim from chips and breaks, and aides in gripping the glass.
Best for: almost any pours
2. Pilsner glass
Enjoying a cold, crisp pilsner in a glass jar may seem unconventional, but it can actually enhance the drinking experience. Its long body retains the beer’s head, which traps the aromatic scents close to your nose. Additionally, it showcases the sparkle, clarity, and bubbles of lighter beers.
Best for: pilsners, light lagers, blonde ales
3. Stange
A stange is a traditional German glass for serving beers, known for its slender, cylindrical design. The slim and narrow structure retains the beer’s carbonation and head for much longer which also helps to maintain the beer’s aromatics and flavors for longer.
Best for: Kölsch, Altbier, and other German beers
4. Tulip
The tulip glass gets its name from its bulbous body which resembles a tulip, its namesake. Its body – paired with the flared rim – captures and concentrates the beer's aromas while the stem keeps the beer at an optimal temperature. The glass also showcases the beer's appearance, allowing for a generous foam and vibrant hues to shine through.
Best for: Double IPAs, Belgian ales and barleywines
5. Thistle
The thistle glass is a modified tulip glass with a fuller body and a wider rim. It’s a popular choice for malt-forward beers, like Scottish ales. Just like the tulip glass, its bulbous shape creates a generous head for aromatic release, and its tapered design concentrates the aroma towards the nose. The stem keeps the beer cool, while the elegant design adds to the experience.
Best for: Scotch ale and malty beers
6. Weizen
The weizen glass is a tall, curved vessel specifically designed for wheat beers like hefeweizens and witbiers. Its shape allows for a generous head and captures the beer's complex aromas and flavors. The glass also showcases the beer's hazy appearance.
Best for: wheat beers and gose beers
7. Snifter
A snifter glass is a sophisticated choice for those seeking to fully appreciate complex and flavorful beers. The wide base allows you to swirl for additional flavor and aroma release. The broad bowl allows for a creamy head and shows the beer's color and clarity. The snifter’s versatility makes it ideal for various beer styles, such as Belgian ales, imperial stouts, and barleywines.
Best for: barleywines, tripels, eisbocks, and Belgian strong ales
8. Flute
The flute glass, more popularly used for champagne, can be used for certain beers like lambics and fruit beers. Its slender shape enables a steady stream of bubbles, enhancing the beer’s head and aromatics. The flute glass is versatile and perfect for appreciating light, effervescent beer.
Best for: Belgian Lambic, Fruit Beers, Strong IPAs and German Weiss beers
9. Chalice
The chalice’s wide, bowl-like shape allows for ample room for the beer's aroma and flavor to develop while keeping the beer at the perfect temperature. Its body and wide rim enhances the complexity and depth of beer, which makes it perfect for Belgian ales, barleywines, and imperial stouts.
Best for: Belgian ales and German Bocks
A note from Italic.
Choosing the right beer glass can greatly enhance your drinking experience. From pilsners to snifters, each beer has its ideal glass type to help. highlight unique characteristics and aromatics. Consider adding some of the recommended glasses to your barware collection, and you're sure to take your beer game to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the shape of the beer glass matter?
A: The shape of the beer glass can impact the aroma, flavor, and overall drinking experience of the beer. Different beer styles can benefit from different glass shapes.
Q: Can any type of glass be used for beer?
A: While any glass can technically be used for beer, certain types of glasses can enhance the flavor and aroma of the beer. For example, a glass with a narrow mouth can concentrate the aroma, while a glass with a wider opening can enhance the taste.
Q: Do different types of beers require different types of glasses?
A: Yes, different types of beers can benefit from different glass shapes. For example, a pilsner glass can enhance the appearance and flavor of a pilsner beer, while a snifter glass can enhance the aroma and taste of a strong, aromatic beer.
Q: Can the material of the beer glass affect the taste of the beer?
A: Yes, the material of the beer glass can impact the taste of the beer. For example, a glass made of thicker material can insulate the beer and keep it cooler for longer, while a thinner glass can allow the beer to warm up and release more aroma and flavor.
