How to Choose a Beer Glass

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By dasbootjoe
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Choose a Beer Glass

If you enjoy beer as much as I do, you know that it’s all about the glass. Choosing the proper glass for your beer can enhance its color, aroma, texture and head. After reading this article you will be able to choose the perfect glass for your favorite beer…

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Some people say it’s all about head; the head on a beer of course! Head is a very important component of beer because it traps the volatiles. A volatile is what gives your beer is aroma, color, ect. An increase in head will trap these volatiles and enhance the flavor of your beer. Different beer glasses produce head in different ways and that will be explained next.
Step 2

The first glass on the list is the Goblet. The Goblet can sometimes be heavy and thick-walled. It can also be thin and have a long stem. Most Goblets will produce a head of 2cm. The process involves the creation of a CO2 nucleation site on the bottom of the glass. This produces a stream of bubbles and perfect head retention. The Goblet is designed with a wide mouth for easy sipping. A Belgian IPA or Belgian Dark Ale is a perfect beer for the Goblet.
Step 3

The next glass on the list is the popular Mug. There are two types of Mugs: Seidel (German) and Stein (Contains a lid). The Mug is a very tradition and simple glass. It is built for clinking together with another Mug drinker and holds more beer than most glasses. NOTE: Never freeze your Mug prior to drinking out of it because this will cause condensation and will water down your beer. There are many beers that are perfect for a Mug. Some include: American Pale Ale, American Amber, Bock, Cream Ale, English Ale, English Bitter, Irish Red, Irish Stout, Spiced beers, and Smoked beers.
Step 4

The next glass is my favorite. It is the Pilsner glass. A Pilsner glass is usually tall and slender (tapered out on the top). They typically hold 12oz of beer. Pilsner glasses really show off the color of your beer well. Again like the other glasses, a Pilsner glass enhanced head and traps volatiles. Recommended beer for a Pilsner glass are: American Lagers, European lager, Beer with low alcohol content, Rice beer (Japan), and Light Lagers.
Step 5

The next glass is a Pint glass. These glasses are tall and cylindrical with a slight taper on the top. They usually come in two different sizes: 16oz and 20oz. You obviously would use the 20oz glass if you are looking to hold more beer. Recommended beers for a Pint glass are: American Amber, American Ale, American Stout, Cream beers, English Ales, English Stouts, Scottish Ale, and Smoked beer.
Step 6

This is just a taste of the many different beer glasses and beer styles that you can use! Remember to always think about the glass the next time you order a beer and always enjoy your favorite beverage responsibly.

Comments

MIghtyDreamer said

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on 5/22/2009 Choosing the right glass for certain beverages makes drinks test better, wine and beer in particular. Good insight and directions. Thanks