Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Proper Beer Glassware for the Perfect Craft Beer Experience


The shape of the glass is actually fundamental in delivering the aroma, and thus taste, of your beer.  Such attributes as the height of the glass, how wide or narrow the glassware is, and the shape of the mouth all effect the bouquet.  As outlined earlier on the Nor'easter Brewing website, your nose is important and, therefore,  taste and aroma are absolutely connected.  As a point of fact, smell (or aroma) enhances flavor. 
The primary objectives of the glassware chosen are four fold; namely, the  ability to retain the beer's head or foam, allow for aromas to enter your nose, the glass should control the temperature of the beer inside the glass, and, lastly,  provide a delicious and full taste for the style of beer you are drinking. 
TIP: Your craft beer will taste phenomenal no matter what glass you pour it into; however, the proper glassware WILL enhance your enjoyment. There are literally dozens of different types and styles of glassware available.  We include the most popular for your reading enjoyment.

Irish Imperial Pint
-My personal favorite!
Glass Shape Features - This glass shape includes a wide 'rounding' mouth tapering down slightly at the base. Most likely the glassware that comes to mind when you are traveling and say   ' I'll have a pint...'
Glass Functionality - The tapered base allows for less heat transfer from the hands and the wider mouth encourages a tall head of foam and room for the hop aromas to escape and be smelled.
Perfect for these Beers - Stouts (although I use this glass for numerous styles)

'Nonick' Imperial Pint
-This is very similar in appearance to the Irish version above with the exception of a bulge about a quarter way down from the mouth of the glass.  
Glass Shape Features  - The bulge allows for a better grip (difficult to slip out of your hands), very good hop aroma is released from the wide mouth, and,  if the glasses are stacked (as bars and restaurants normally do), the notch prevents each glass from sticking together. 
Perfect for these Beers - Pale Ale, Brown Ale, Stout, ESB, Porter, IPA

Classic Pilsner Fluted Glass
-A very popular beer glass at fancy restaurants.
Glass Shape Features - This is a tall, slender, conical shaped glass with a narrow base and a wide mouth.
Glass Functionality - The narrow base design brings bubbles of hop aroma to your nose as you tip the glass back from each sip.
Perfect for these Beers - Kolsch, Pilsner, Scotch Ale

Tulip or Snifter
This is certainly the 'prettiest' beer glassware and borrowed from the world of spirits for Brandy.
Glass Shape Features - This tulip-like design creates a large round bottom on a stem which actually enhances the transfer of heat from your hand to the beer while allowing aromas to escape.
Glass Functionality - Encourages a warmer beer which creates a better tasting experience.  Meanwhile, the expanded mouth permits much of the aromas from the hops to penetrate your nose for the perfect taste.  This beer glass is ideal for strong beers over 8% ABV and strong malty craft beers.
Perfect for these Beers - Russian Imperial Stout, Strong Ales, Dopple Bock, Double IPA, Saison, Lambric, Tripel

Handled Glass Stien  (AKA 'The Mug')
-Probably the most traditional beer glassware.
Glass Shape Features  - This stien is typically made of thick glass with an easy gripping handle for drinking. The mug is approximately the same diameter from mouth to base.
Glass Functionality -The shape promotes easy drinking and the handle completely eliminates any heat transfer from your hands.
Perfect for these Beers - Vienna, Oktoberfest, Marzen, Dunkel.

American Shaker Pint
-By far the most common beer glassware in the USA ... known as the 'pint glass'.
Glass Shape Features  - This tall glass enjoys a slightly larger mouth than base to promote easy drinking, but fails to promote hop nor malted barley aroma and flavor.
Glass Functionality - Beyond the ease of stacking, this beer glass is strictly 'function over form' and should be avoided!
Perfect for these Beers - Wheat, Amber, light beers

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an education! I generally drink out of whatever the bartender pours my beer into. Perhaps now, I'll inform my waiter what glassware I demand for the specific beer I am ordering.
.... Always enjoy reading your articles. thanks!!!!

Anonymous said...

Who knew? I just drink from a mug or generally from the bottle or can! We have lots of fine beers to choose from - all taste great no matter what.
I just found this blogger section on Goggle. Your notes are very good. I'm in Vermont - are Noreaster beers available? CHEERS!

Personalized Glass Ornaments said...

No matter the shape or thickness, washing the beer glasses correctly involves leaving a streak- and spot-free surface, especially when the glassware adorns your wet bar.