yard of ale

A yard (or yard glass) is a very tall glass used for drinking beer; a yard (or yard of ale) also refers to the (variable) quantity of beer held by such a glass.

The glass is approximately 1 yard long, shaped with a bulb at the bottom, and a widening shaft which constitutes most of the height. Because the glass is so long and in any case does not usually have a stable flat base, it is hung on the wall when not in use.

Drinking a yard glass full of beer is a traditional pub game. The object is to drink the entire glassful without pausing for breath, and/or to drink it as quickly as possible. Because of the shape of the glass, once it is raised and the liquid starts to flow, it is difficult to pause. When attempted by the novice, the liquid may flow out in a rush and soak the person holding the glass.

England

A yard of ale

The glass most likely originated in 17th-century England where the glass was known also as a "Long Glass", a "Cambridge Yard (Glass)" and an "Ell Glass".^[1] Such a glass was a testament to the glassblower's skill as much as the drinker's. The diarist and Fellow of the Royal Society John Evelyn records the formal yet festive drinking of a yard of ale toast to James II at Bromley in Kent, 1683.

Another reference to this type of glass was recorded in the diary of a John Evelyn in 1685. He referred to the Sheriff and the Commander of the Kentish Troop in Bromley drinking to the health of King James II from a "glasse of a yard long."

The story goes that the glass was specifically designed to meet the needs of stagecoach drivers who were always in hurry to get to their destinations. The glass had to be long enough to hand to the driver without his having to leave the stagecoach. The design of the glass meant that the stagecoach driver could drive without losing control and drink at the same time. He could also have his glass refilled without letting go of the reins.

Yard glasses can still be found hanging on the walls of some English pubs and there are a number of pubs named The Yard of Ale throughout the country and in certain pubs in the United States.

The fastest drinking of a yard of ale in the Guinness Book of Records is 5 seconds.^[2]

Australia and New Zealand

The yard glass has had a significant effect on Australian drinking and popular culture. The ritual of the yard-glass sculling competition (who can empty the contents of the glass the fastest) is predominant in, but not restricted to, Australian "bogan" culture. It is also popular among the "Westie" culture as well.

Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke has been wrongly attributed as holding the world record holder for fastest drinking of a yard of beer. It was a pewter pot.^[3]

It is a popular tradition to receive a yard glass as a gift for coming of age celebrations on one's 21st birthday in Australia and New Zealand, and consume the full glass during one's birthday party. This is usually timed for fun and comparison.

A yard glass in New Zealand generally holds between 6 and 7 beers (just over two litres) substantially larger than the English version. As such it can take anywhere from 2 minutes onwards to consume a full New Zealand yard.

America

The yard glass has over the past several years seen more use for blended drinks, often available at fairs and casinos. Varying greatly in measurements from the standard glass versions, these are often plastic and associated with festivities of all sorts.

References

See also

• Funneling
• Drinking game
• Endurance game

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