Different Types of Beer Glasses

The record time of drinking the yard of ale (1.42 liters of beer) in the Guinness Book of Records is 5 seconds! Phew! That's some serious drinking!

You are hosting a party and have invited your friends to join you for a drink. The beer cans are out, and you want to enjoy the drink. Why go for the regular beer cans when you can present your drink differently? There are many glassware that are dedicated especially for beer. The best part of having any drink is to enjoy its texture, color, and aroma.

However, they are hidden in the cans and bottles of beer that we purchase. Instead, get a beer mug, and enjoy your drink from it. When beer is poured in a glass, it forms a beer head (foam), which maintains the aroma of the drink. It is easier to appreciate things that we see, and beer glasses give you a chance to do so.

Interestingly, these glasses are also as old as the beer itself! The wooden tankards were the early glasses that were used in 1600s! Silver glassware was also used for drinking beer.

If you don't have the authentic glasses, you can even use the regular wine glasses, balloons, or Collins glass for your beer. But, why compromise with your drink? Get yourself the glass of your choice, and all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.

The Maßkrug (Bavarian word), or Krug as it is popularly known as, is the dimpled beer mug. The "Maß" in Maßkrug refers to the 1 liter of beer in the glass. This glass is the staple of Oktoberfest. The wide mouth releases the aroma of the beer.

Used to Serve: American, English, and German lagers

Stangen or the stick glass is a tall glass, which is used to serve delicate beers. This one looks like a Tom Collins glass. In German, "stangen" means stick, or rod. The glass usually holds 100 ml to 200 ml of beer.

Used to Serve: German Kölsch and Altbier

The thistle glass, a modified tulip glass, resembles the thistle -- the national flower of Scotland. This is the only glass that is used to serve Scotch ale. The beer is pushed in the glass, and the head creates enough space for aroma to set in while drinking. It generally comes in 21 oz (approx. 600 ml) capacity.

Used to Serve: Belgian Scotch ales

Weizen glass is a tall glass with a big head and narrow shape that draws focus to the aroma of the Weissbier (also called Weißbier or Weiße). The tapered look of the glass is required to trap the yeast at the bottom of the glass. It usually holds 0.5 liters; however, in Belgium, it holds 0.25 to 0.33 liters.

Used to Serve: Traditional Bavarian Weizen beer

Also called beer boots, this glass found its roots in the German military base. The boots are passed on to drinkers in drinking challenges during festive occasions. It usually holds beer ranging from 500 ml to 5 liters!

Used to Serve: Any beer of your choice!

The glassware is similar to the pilsner; however, the stemmed pokal has a long-stemmed bottom similar to a wine glass. The glass head has enough space for holding the foam and to focus on the sweet aroma of bock.

Used to Serve: Bock (German-style beer)

This type of beer glass is used to serve light beers and usually holds 200 ml, 250ml, 300ml, 330ml, or 400ml beer. This glass has enough space for the foam.

Used to Serve: Light Beer

Tankards were used in the 1600s. The wooden and silver ones are the oldest; however, the glass tankard was used from 1700s. The tankard, like the stein, has a lid and handle.

Used to Serve: Any beer of your choice

These bowl-shaped glasses are mostly used to serve heavy beer at the pubs. The inside bottom of the glass is scored so as to create CO2, as a result of which eternal bubbles are formed, and froth is maintained.

Used to Serve: Belgian ales, German bock

The beer stein is made up of stoneware, porcelain, silver, or wood. It has a lid that can be opened by pressing the thumb lever. The lid was first used during Black Plague to prevent flies from falling into the drinks.

Used to Serve: Any beer of your choice!

The glass is tulip-shaped and has a curved body due to which the beer head has enough room. The aroma of the beer is maintained. This glass is used to serve strong beers.

Used to Serve: Scottish ales, barleywines, and Belgian ales

This glass is widely used in Germany and can hold 500 ml of beer. The base of the glass is heavy. This design of the glass helps in keeping the beer chilled. It is also known as German pint glass.

Used to Serve: German black beer and lagers

This is one of the most commonly found beer glasses in the United States. It can hold beer up to 16 or 20 oz. The glass is too wide and thus, the aroma of the beer is lost.

Used to Serve: American lager

Snifters are also used to serve aromatic beers. The wide bottom provides hand space due to which the body heat is transferred to the beer, warming it and releasing its aroma.

Used to Serve: Belgian ales, Double IPA

It's a 22 oz. wine glass that is used to serve beer. The glass has a broader headspace that allows one to smell the aroma of the beer, just like in the case of wine. The glass is used for serving strong beers.

Used to Serve: Belgian Ales, Barleywine

This English pint glass, variation to the conical pint glass, has a curved lip at around two inches from the top. The glass can hold up to 20 oz of beer.

Used to Serve: English, Scottish, and American ales

The glasses that are mentioned here can be brought from leading lifestyle stores. There are many online websites that also sell such glasses. Grab the one you like, and enjoy a good drinking session with your near and dear ones. Genießen Sie Ihr Bier!