Beer glassware

Beer glassware comprises the drinking vessels made of glass designed or commonly used for drinking beer. Different styles of glassware complement different styles of beer for a variety of reasons, including enhancing aromatic volatiles, showcasing the appearance, and/or having an effect on the beer head. Several kinds of beer glassware have a stem which serves to prevent the warmth of the drinker's hand from warming the beer.

Wheat beer glass

A wheat beer glass is a glass used to serve wheat beer, known also as "Weizenbier" or "Weißbier". The German glass generally holds 500 millilitres with room for foam or "head". It is much taller than a pint glass. It is very narrow at the bottom and slightly wider at the top. In other countries such as Belgium, the glass may be 250 ml or 330 ml. The tall glass provides room for the often thick, fluffy heads produced by the style, which traps aromas and is visually pleasing.

Pint glass

A pint glass is a drinking vessel holding an imperial pint (568 ml ≈1.2 US pints) of liquid and is usually used for beer. Three common shapes of pint glass are found (conical, jug, and flared top), though others are available. Pints are considered good for serving stouts, porters and English ales.

Pilsner glass

A pilsner glass is a glass used to serve many types of light beers, but is intended for its namesake, the pilsner. Pilsner glasses are generally smaller than a pint glass, usually in 250 ml or 330 ml sizes. They are tall, slender and tapered. Wheat beer glasses are often mistakenly referred to as pilsner glasses, but a true pilsner glass has an even taper without curvature. Pilsner glasses are made to showcase the color, effervescence, and clarity of the pilsner, as well as to maintain a nice head.

Beer stein

A beer stein is a traditionally-German beer tankard or mug, made of pewter, silver, wood, porcelain, earthenware or glass; usually with a hinged lid and levered thumblift. The lid was implemented during the age of the Black Plague, to prevent diseased flies from getting into the beer.

Flute glass

A flute glass is the preferred serving vessel for Belgian lambics and fruit beers. The narrow shape helps maintain carbonation, while providing a strong aromatic front. Flute glasses display the lively carbonation, sparkling color, and soft lacing of this distinct style.

Goblet or Chalice

Chalices and goblets are large, stemmed, bowl-shaped glasses adequate for serving heavy Belgian ales, German bocks, and other big sipping beers. The distinction between goblet and chalice is typically in the glass thickness. Goblets tend to be more delicate and thin, while the chalice is heavy and thick walled. Some chalices are even etched on the bottom to attract carbon dioxide and provide a stream of bubbles for maintaining a nice head.

nifters

Typically used for serving brandy and cognac, a snifter is ideal for capturing the volatiles of aromatic beers, such as Belgian ales, India pale ales, barleywines and wheat wines. The shape helps trap the volatiles, while allowing swirling to agitate them and produce an intense aroma.

Tulip glass

A tulip glass not only helps trap the aroma, but also aids in maintaining large heads, creating a visual and olfactory sensation. The body is bulbous, but the top flares out to form a lip which helps head retention. It is recommended for serving Scottish ales, barleywines, Belgian ales and other aromatic beers.

tange and Becher

A Stange(trans: 'Stick' or 'Bar'), is the preferred glass shape for the serving of Kölsch. Altbier, traditionally served in a "Becher", although slightly shorter and fatter than a Stange, is similar in shape. Both usually hold between 200-300cc and are cylindrical(Although, Altbier can sometimes be seen served in more conical glasses).

Beer Boot

Beer boots, Bierstiefeln have over a century of history and culture behind them. It is commonly believed that a general promised his troops to drink beer from his boot if they were successful in battle. When the troops prevailed, the general had a glassmaker fashion a boot from glass to fulfill his promise without tasting his own feet and to avoid spoiling the beer in his leather boot. Since then, soldiers have enjoyed toasting to their victories with a beer boot. At gatherings in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, beer boots are often passed among the guests for a festive drinking challenge. Since the movie Beer Fest appeared in 2006, Beer Boots have become increasingly popular in the United States. Beer boots are made of either manufactured pressed glass or mouth blown glasses by skilled artisans in form of a boot.

"A New Glass"

An unnamed glass design was released by the Samuel Adams Brewery. This glass was created by Jim Koch, founder of Sam Adams brewery, to attempt to "elevate the craft beer experience". [cite web
url=http://www.samueladams.com/Promotions/glassware/default.html
title=A New Glass
publisher=samueladams.com
accessdate=2007-06-20] The "New Glass" is shaped similar to a wheat beer glass, with a large bulb near the top of the glass, only shorter. The lip of the glass is turned outward where the wheat beer glass would end, turned inward. Other notable characteristics of the glass include: laser etchings on the bottom of the glass, thinner walls, and a bead inside the rim. Other names for used for the glass are "The Perfect Pint Glass" and "The Boston Beauty".

References

* [http://www.germanbeerguide.co.uk/glasses.html German beer guide - Glasses]
* [http://beer.happytimewonderfun.com/glass.html Beer Snob - Glassware]
* [http://beerfestboots.com/what-are-beer-boots-/info_5.html]

External links

* [http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/glassware.php Beer Advocate article on glassware]
* [http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer-Glassware.asp RateBeer section on glassware] - Matches beer styles to glassware
* [http://www.decaturspirits.com/newsletter/2007-05/#beer Goblets and Draughts] - Simple guide to glassware selection and maintenance
* [http://virtual.presence.free.fr/Trappistmania/ Trappistmania] fr icon