“All About The Beer”

Posted On September 25, 2013

With Mitch Biggar

Often times I am asked, “Why are there so many different types of beer glasses?  Does each beer style have its own matching beer glass?  What are the names of the different beer glasses? “
 
In an attempt to clarify these questions let’s look at some of the more common beer glasses. This will be part one of a two part article.
 

Known as the Weizenbier or Weissbier this glass is a gem for any wheat based beers. It’s designed to hold ½ litre of beer.  It is said that the glass is tapered to trap yeast at the bottom of the glass. In other countries such as Belgium, the glass may be 0.25 liters or 0.33 liters. This tall glass provides room for the often thick, fluffy heads produced by the style, which traps aromas and is visually pleasing.
 

The pilsner glass is used to serve many types of light beers, but is intended for its namesake, the pilsner. They are tall and slender and tapered. Weizen glasses are often mistakenly referred to as Pilsner glasses, but a true Pilsner glass has an even taper without curvature. Pilsner glasses are made to showcase the color, effervescence and clarity of the Pilsner style, as well as maintain a nice head. This is a classic beer glass style that was widely used in both the USA and Europe prior to Prohibition.
 

A flute glass is the preferred serving vessel for Belgian lambics and fruit beers. The narrow shape helps maintain carbonation, while providing a strong aromatic front. Flute glasses display the lively carbonation, sparkling color and soft lacing of this distinct style.
 

My favorite and most used glass the beer snifter. The snifter is typically used for serving brandy and cognac, a snifter is perfect for capturing the volatiles of aromatic beers, such as Belgian ales, India pale ales, barleywines and wheat wines. The shape helps trap the volatiles, while allowing swirling to agitate them and produce an intense aroma.
 

Beer related questions? Email mitch@railcarbrewing.com