As stated by renowned beer expert Randy Mosher, “we don’t always give beer the attention it deserves, and we are poorer for it.” And as Randy would agree, one of the best ways to give beer the attention and respect it deserves is to serve it in the proper glass. Can this really make a difference? Absolutely. The proper glass manages and delivers aroma, flavor and the visual beauty of the beer. But which glass is best for which beer? Well, that’s why we’re here. Let us show you four of the best and most versatile glasses to enhance your beer life and the beer lives of those around you.
The Mug
(Filled with Karbach Brewing Company’s Hopadillo IPA)
This hearty glass comes with a handle. That’s helpful given that this glass is one of the heaviest. Be it a stout, an IPA, a witbeir, an amber, a brown ale, a bock and many more, the mug is as friendly and welcoming as the beer itself. It’s perfect for offering a boisterous cheers or singing your favorite pub songs in rowdy fashion. No need for delicacy with this rugged vessel.
The Pilsner Glass
(Filled with Avery Brewing Company’s White Rascal – a witbeir)
Whether it be a German, American, or Czech form of the light and easy drinking pilsner, this tall, tapered glass fits nicely into your hand and makes the most of the pilsners effervescence and foamy head. And while also perfectly appropriate for many other beers, the curvy, slender physique of this one provides an excellent canvas to showcase the bright, splendorous color of the Pilsner.
The Tulip/Poco Grande
(Filled with Community Beer Company’s Mosaic IPA)
This elegant vessel is suited to hold saisons, IPAs, quads, and American wild ale. The tulip-shaped top fits the mouth with exquisite ease while also allowing excellent head retention. The inward taper maintains and accentuates aroma for a truly wholesome drinking experience. It also just feels good in the hand and stands on its own should you require a brief separation from your beer.
The Pint Glass
(Filled with Odell’s Cutthroat Porter)
This is the most common and diverse of all glassware. The bump near the top not only helps maintain aroma but also makes this one well suited for standing and drinking, and the wide mouth supports excellent head retention. Porters, stouts, IPAs, blacks, blondes, browns and barleywines just highlight a few of the best beers to serve in the pint. It’s hard to find a beer that doesn’t go well with this glass. Should you have only one glass in your cabinet, this should be the one. This is not to be confused with the “shaker” pint glass that’s common in bars today.
So there you have it. Treat your beer and yourself with proper glassware. While there are many more specialty glasses to suit specific beers, these four are a great place to start and will provide enough variety to host many the beers you might keep in your household. Aside from that, these are just more fun to use and will encourage closer attention to the wild and wonderful beer you decide to share your life with.
