How to choose the right glass for beer

In which glass to drink your craft beer

Craft beers are highly valued because they do not undergo pasteurization and microfiltration processes that separate the yeast deposits from the liquid part. To serve them in the correct way while fully enjoying them, we must also consider what is the best glass from which to sip them.

Full-bodied flavor, bold aromas, sometimes a fruity aftertaste-these are just some of the merits of a good craft beer. Once we have decided which one to drink, let’s also see how to choose the right glass for our beer!

Glasses for drinking craft beer

Each type of beer, considering certain factors such as fermentation type and organoleptic characteristics, will have its own specific glass to best enhance its taste and aroma. Let’s see what the main ones are.

Mug

Probably the most popular glass for beer, so much so that it is often considered a “universal” glass for drinking it. In 50 cl or 1 liter format, it has a cylindrical shape to let the foam develop, and a very thick glass (ceramic versions also exist) or handle so that the heat of the hands does not heat the drink. Suitable for German bottom-fermented beers, Czech beers, and lagers, it is popular at events such asOktoberfest.

Pint

There are several versions, the best known being Irish, American, and imperial nonick. It is generally a wide vessel at the top and narrower at the bottom, easy to handle and able to form a full-bodied foam and enjoy the beer in wide sips. Ideal for IPAs, Stouts (Guinness above all), Pale Ale and American Lagers.

Altglass or Tall Glass

Tall, thin, cylindrical-shaped glass. It usually has a capacity between 20 cl and 30 cl and enhances the characteristic freshness of ales and amberales, such as lagers and porters.

Flute

Also known as a “Pilsner Flute,” this is a very tall glass, with a capacity of about 50 cl, with a conical shape that tends to narrow slightly downward. It enhances the appearance of clear, pale beers, especially the
Pils
, also promotes the development of aromas and the maintenance of foam.

Weizenglass

The Weizenglass, or Weizenbecker, is a glass with a capacity of 50 cl, with a slender shape with a narrow base and a slight curvature at the top to hold the abundant foam of Weiss beers. Sometimes the bottom of these glasses is lightly scratched to accentuate the effect of the bubbles.

Cup

Cup-shaped, very wide glass that promotes oxygenation and foam reduction. Suitable for beers with a roasted malt base with a medium to high alcohol content, fragrant and aromatic, particularly Belgian beers, triples and bocks.

Chalice

Also referred to as a “closing goblet,” it has a short pedestal and a slight doming toward the center that tends to tighten upward so that the foam rises without overflowing. Ideal for holding different types of strong-flavored beers such as IPAs, Stouts and Bock.

Tulip

Type of goblet similar to a wine goblet, named for the shape that resembles a flower. Wide at the bottom that then tightens at the top to lock in the flavors and create a not-too-large foam, with a fairly short stem that prevents the beer from heating up. It is used for aromatically complex, crisp beers with a fairly high alcohol content; examples include Belgian Ale and Pale Ale.

Balloon

Thin goblet with an enlarged spherical shape that promotes foam formation and provides good heat exchange while allowing beers to release aromas. It is typically used to serve full-bodied, high alcohol beers such as Strong Ale and Tripels.

Teku

The official beer tasting glass, it is actually a kind of hybrid that possesses the characteristics of many of the vessels mentioned above, which makes it suitable for multiple types of craft beer. It has a short stem, is very broad in the base and then narrows at the top to concentrate the aromas.