Thanks to the craft beer revival, these days you can choose from a huge variety of brews. As you expand your palette, diversifying your glassware can be fun, too. After all, your local brewery’s newest concoction deserves better than a plastic cup. Read on to learn which type of beer glass is right for your preferred pour.
Easy to wash and stack, the pint glass is a utilitarian staple in watering holes across the United States. Pints are made from durable glass and are slightly cone-shaped, widening a bit at the top. A standard pint glass typically holds about 16 ounces.
Use with: Just about any light beer
These wide, cylindrical glasses typically hold a lot of beer. Mugs have sturdy handles that are easy to grip and keep your hands from warming up your drink. Similar to stoneware beer steins originally found in Germany, modern-day mugs are usually made from thick glass, which helps insulate your beer.
Use with: Low-ABV (alcohol by volume) beers
This tall, narrow glass widens somewhat toward its top and gives you a good look at your beer, which is part of the reason it’s used with clearer, golden pilsners. Standard at 12 oz., pilsners typically hold less beer than a pint glass.
Use with: Pilsners
Aptly named, these glasses are globe-shaped at the base and flare out at the opening like a tulip. They capture aromas, and that widening at the top helps display and retain the head. Tulip glasses usually have a stem, helping to keep your drink cold.
Use with: Aromatic beers
Often used for brandy, these short, bulbous glasses are also ideal for aromatic beers. To release the beer’s aroma, give the glass a swirl. The snifter’s shape lets your hand warm your drink, so it’s great for beers best enjoyed slightly warm.
Use with: High-ABV beers
Specifically constructed to hold wheat beers, this type of glass is similar to a pilsner, but it narrows partway up and is rounded inward at the top. Rumor has it the narrow base is designed to trap yeast from the drink at the bottom of the glass.
Use with: Wheat beers
A goblet is a bowl-shaped glass that sits atop a stem. Its cousin the chalice is usually made of thicker glass, while goblets are often a bit more delicate. Both have a wide mouth perfect for taking big sips of indulgent drinks.
Use with: Malty beers
Stange means “stick” or “rod” in German, and this glass lives up to its moniker. These straight-up-and-down cylinders typically have a smaller liquid capacity. That means you can drink your serving more quickly – while it’s still cold.
Use with: Crisp or delicate beers
Whether you love to try new styles or have one go-to, the right glass can make your beer even better. So pick your beer glass from the list and elevate your drink.
