The right beer glass for the right beer
A glass affects more than many people think. The shape determines how the foam holds, how the aroma reaches the nose, and how the beer feels in the mouth. The right beer glass is therefore not just a detail for nerds, but the difference between an acceptable and a truly great beer.
Here, we will review which glass suits which beer, and why.
Why the glass matters
The foam carries the aroma. When you pour beer into a glass with the correct shape, the foam collects in an even layer. This "lid" retains carbonation and aromas that would otherwise disappear in minutes.
The width of the opening also determines how much you smell while drinking. A narrow opening concentrates the aroma upwards. A wide opening allows more to escape, which suits beers with strong aromas.
The stem also serves a purpose. If you hold a bowl-shaped glass, your hand warms the beer in a few minutes. A stemmed glass allows you to hold it steadily without warming.
Pilsner and lager
Pilsner is best enjoyed in a tall and narrow glass. The shape displays the colour, keeps the bubbles moving, and provides a stable head. Falcon Pilsner Beer Glass 50 cl follows the classic Swedish shape and holds a whole bottle.
If you prefer something sturdier on the table, a conil or a tumbler works just as well for lager.
Wheat beer
Wheat beer is very foamy and smells of banana and clove. Therefore, the glass needs both height and space for the foam. Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc Stem Beer Glass 33 cl has a narrow waist that lifts the aroma upwards.
Pour slowly and tilt the glass. Then swirl the last bit in the bottle so that the yeast comes out with it.
IPA and other craft beers
IPA thrives on hop aroma. A glass with a rounded bowl and a slightly narrower opening captures it. Craft Master Bowl Beer Glass 33 cl is designed specifically for this, and its smaller volume keeps the beer cold throughout.
A smaller glass also allows you to try more varieties in one evening.
Stout and porter
Stout is served in a tulip shape. The bowl provides space for the creamy head, and the narrower rim retains the roasted notes. Guinness Official Beer Glass Relief 50 cl is the original glass used by the brewery itself.
For porter and dark lager, Carlsberg Better Tumbler Dark Beer Glass 40 cl works well, being straighter and easier to set down.
Belgian and Abbey beer
Belgian beer is strong and aromatic. A stemmed glass with a wide bowl allows it to breathe. Grimbergen Stem Beer Glass 33 cl follows the tradition where each brewery has its own glass.
Serve it slightly warmer than lager, around ten degrees. This brings out the sweetness and spice properly.
Cider
Cider wants coldness and freshness. A stemmed glass keeps hand warmth away from the drink. Somersby Stem Cider Glass 28 cl is made for this and works just as well for non-alcoholic cider.
When the company is large
The tankard is perfect for parties and outdoor seating. The handle keeps the hand away from the beer, and the thick glass is very durable. Astra Tankard Beer Glass 40 cl holds a generous serving without becoming unwieldy.
How to keep beer glasses clean
Grease is the beer glass's worst enemy. The slightest residue of cooking oil or fabric softener will instantly destroy the foam.
Therefore, rinse the glass in cold water before pouring. Wash without fabric softener and let the glasses air dry standing up. Preferably avoid towels, as fibres can stick to the glass and interfere with the foam.
Quick guide
- Pilsner and lager: tall and narrow glass
- Wheat beer: tall glass with a narrow waist
- IPA and craft beer: rounded bowl, smaller volume
- Stout and porter: tulip shape or straight tumbler
- Belgian: wide bowl on a stem
- Cider: stemmed glass
- Party: tankard with a handle