There is a reason why particular styles of beer are served in specific type of glasses. It isn’t just because it looks good, but different shapes and styles of beer glassware are designed to make the aromatic compounds more pronounced and enhance flavour profiles.  The aromas and taste of the beer have a huge impact on how we perceive flavour and the right glassware enhances the beer drinking experience. 

 

Below are some types of beer glasses and the beer styles they pair best with. 

1. American Pint glass : This 16-ounce glass is slightly wider at the mouth than at the base. This basic design will not enhance or diminish flavours/aromas from any particular beer style. It is considered an all-purpose glass used to serve a wide range of beer styles. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to clean and store, which is why it is seen across the majority of the bars.
2. Imperial Pint Glass : This glass is also known as “Nonic” or “Tumbler” and is similar to the American Pint glass. It holds 20 ounces and has a bulge towards the top. It’s the go-to glass for British ales lagers like Pale ale, Amber ale, IPA, Porter, Milk stout, Scotch ale etc.
3. Pilsner Glass :The glass is slim, tall and has a wider mouth that captures the clarity, colours and carbonation while retaining the head that keeps volatile aromatics under the nose. The pilsner will hold anywhere between 12 to 14 ounces and is used to serve Pilsner, Vienna lager, Blonde Ale, California Common, Japanese rice lager, Witbier and Hefeweizen.
4. IPA glass : The glass has wave-like ridges that help aerate the beer with each sip. The unique design creates more foam and pushes the hop aromatics towards the top. Some glasses are etched at the bottom to help release carbonation with a steady stream of bubbles. The IPA glass can be used for all varieties of IPA’s.
5. Stout glass : The shape of the Stout glass helps enhance the notes of coffee, chocolate and roasted malts most commonly found in stouts. The narrow mouth and angled neck help with head retention. The glass is used to serve all varieties of stout.
6. Tulip Glass : Also known as the Belgian glass, it has a round bowl with a flared lip designed to promote the aroma and flavour of Belgian ales and other hoppy, malty beers. The short stem of the glass helps with swirling and the tapered mouth directs the aromas to the nose enhancing the sensory experience. The glass is used to serve Belgian dark ale, Belgian strong ale, Belgian pale ale and American wild ale.
7. Thistle Glass :The shape of this glass resembles a thistle, the national flower of Scotland, and is a modified version of the Tulip glass. It has a round base, short stem and the top half is noticeably more elongated and angular than the tulip. The Thistle glass is used to serve Scotch ale.
8. Goblet : Also known as the Chalice, it has a thick stem with a large bowl and wide mouth specifically designed to maintain head and enjoy hearty sips. It’s used to serve heavy, dark beers like Belgian strong dark ale, Belgian IPA and Berliner Weissbier.
9. Weizen glass : The glass is tall and has thin walls that allows for appropriate headspace, locks in the signature style banana and clove aroma and showcases the colour of wheat beers. Often mistaken for a pilsner, the glass holds around 6-7 ounces of beer and is used to serve Wheat ale, Dunkelweizen, Kristalweizen, Hefeweizen and Weizenbock.
10. Stange Glass : Stange is the German word for pole which symbolizes the glass being narrow, straight and cylindrical. It is often referred to as the “Champagne flute of beer glasses” it preserves carbonation and concentrates malt and hop aroma. The glass has a thick bottom for sturdiness. It is used to serve delicate beers like Bocks, Kölsch, Lambics, Rye beer, Rauchbier and Altbier.
11. Snifter : Rarely found in public but a must try. Usually used for tasting brandy and cognac, it helps enrich the aromatics in beer. You want to make sure you don’t fill the beer up to the rim as the unique shape allows you to swirl the beer, releasing the full aroma. Strong beers such as Double or Imperial IPA and Belgian IPA can be used for this type of glass.

 

 By 

Vidit Mantri