Inspiration

The right glass for beer

DE: Verschiedene Biergläser mit Grimbergen und Valaisanne Bieren auf Holztisch FR: Différents verres à bière avec bières Grimbergen et Valaisanne sur table en bois IT: Vari bicchieri da birra con birre Grimbergen e Valaisanne su tavolo in legno EN: Various beer glasses with Grimbergen and Valaisanne beers on wooden table

The importance of the right beer glass for your tasting experience

Just as there is a wide variety of beers, the selection of beer glasses is also extensive. But how important is the right beer glass for the taste really? The short answer: serving beer in a well-shaped and properly cleaned glass has a major influence on the drinking and tasting experience. The long answer follows in this blog post.

The optimal shape of the beer glass

The aromas of the beer come out best in the right glass. Glass manufacturers have been intensively studying the topic of beer glasses in recent years. Today, almost every beer producer offers a suitable glass for their beers.

Influence of glass shape

  • Head of foam: The shape of the beer glass determines, among other things, the height of the foam head.
  • Drinking point: Determines the point during drinking at which the beer hits the tongue.

Tall, narrower glasses produce a thicker foam head. With a tall glass, the beer hits the tongue at the front during drinking and is perceived as a thirst quencher.

Glass thickness and taste

The thickness of the glass also has an influence on the tasting experience. The thinner the glass, the more elegant and nuanced the beer tastes. Thick glasses, on the other hand, make beers appear heavier and more rustic.

Influence of diameter and opening

  • Diameter: Light beers are usually served in slender glasses to emphasise their pale colour.
  • Opening: Glasses with a small opening preserve the aromas of the beer better. An opening curved inwards holds the foam head better and channels the aromas during drinking.

Beer glasses for beginners

There is no universal glass that can be used for every beer. Ideally, the glass that breweries recommend for their beer is used. For starters, just two types of glasses are sufficient:

  • Light and easy beer styles: A straight, taller glass.
  • Darker and more complex beers: A glass similar to a cognac glass or a tulip-shaped glass.

Beer glasses for connoisseurs

Stange (straight glass)

Cylindrical glass (0.23/0.3 or 0.33l) · Use: Non-alcoholic beers, light beers, lagers

Tulip or goblet

Thin-walled glass, tapering downwards · Use: More elegant and complex beers such as specialty beers and ambers

Wheat beer glass

Tall, curved glasses (0.5 l) · Use: Classic wheat and white beers

Mug

Thick glass, stays cool longer · Use: Non-alcoholic beers, light beers, lagers

Chalice

Glass widely open at the top · Use: Gourmet beers and complex beers

Becher (tumbler)

Cylindrical with slightly curved outer sides · Use: Robust glass for everyday use, suitable for lagers

Sensory glass or craft glass

Elegant glass with a large diameter at the belly, tapering upwards · Use: Aromatic and complex craft beers

With the right selection of beer glasses, you can significantly enhance the tasting experience of your beers. Discover the variety in our Feldschlösschen online shop!