How To Choose The Right Drinkware For Beer?

Answer 1

Many people consider wine to be a more refined drink than beer, but the fact is that beer is in many ways a more complex beverage. This is most apparent in the type of glassware that is used for different kinds of beer. Many styles of beer require specific types of drinkware to be fully appreciated, which can be off-putting to those who are unfamiliar. However, once you learn which glass goes with which beer, drinking becomes a much more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

The pint glass is perhaps the most popular type of drinkware for beer. While it is not suitable for all styles, it is very useful for styles such as Russian Imperial Stouts and Pale Ales. Pint glasses are generally used for beers that are meant to be drank in large sips, and should not be used for high-alcohol beers (except for Imperial Stouts).

Alternative to the pint glass is the pilsner glass, which is generally used only for lagers. Lagers such as pilsners are very effervescent and require tall glassware that lets the bubbles rise 8 or so inches up. Conversely, you should never put a stout into a glass such as this, as it will not drink well.

High-alcohol beers such as Belgian Strong Ales need to be sipped out of a snifter. Snifters are generally short-bodied with wide mouths and allow you to stick your nose into the glass to get a good nose from the beer. Belgian tulips are also used for beers such as these, and have many of the same characteristics of a snifter. Belgian beers are also commonly drank from goblets or chalices, which are basically very wide versions of a snifter.

Once you pair the right beer with the right glass, you will quickly learn that there is more to beer than just drinking it cold from the bottle. Be sure to take notes on the beers you drink to learn the differences between styles, and always drink responsibly.