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Recently got together with friends to drink beer, and argued about beer glasses.
Opinions were divided: one said that it was convenient for him to drink only from his favorite beer mug, the second argued that each variety needed its own glass. It became interesting to me, and I decided to find out if there is a difference. In the end, I learned even more than I expected!
Which glasses are best for beer
In total, there are several dozen varieties of beer glasses. Some appeared relatively recently, others have existed for more than fifty years. But whatever the glass, its goal is always the same – to reveal the rich taste of an intoxicating drink. Let’s look at this issue in more detail.
With the advent of craft beer, and after it the craft revolution, the popularity of the beer mug has waned.
However, for me it is still one of the best beer glasses. Thanks to the handle and thick glass, the beer does not get hot from the hands and stays cold longer. Good, for example, for beer Staropramen Ležák (Staropramen Lezhak).
The next number on my list is the conical pint. Among the wide range of pint glasses, this is the most popular and versatile option. A conical glass with smooth walls made of thin glass is suitable for most types of beer.
Most often, non-foamy beer of low or medium strength is poured into such a pint. For example, Miller Lite (Miller Light) or Tuborg (Tuborg).
“Not everyone knows that a pint is also a measure of the volume of beer. A pint can be imperial (British) – 568 milliliters and American – 473 milliliters.
Goblets, bowls and stemmed glasses are also ideal for beer – especially for strong aromatic varieties. They look elegant, and also perfectly hold and enhance the aroma.
In such glasses, beer is not poured to the brim and stirred a little while drinking so that the aroma is fully revealed. For example, Velkopopovicky Kozel Cerny (Velkopopovicky goat dark).
How to properly serve beer in glasses
In bars and restaurants, beer is served in bottles or glasses. With the first option, everything is simple, but there are certain rules for serving in glasses:
- Each type of beer has its own glass. Ideally, beer and glass should have the same manufacturer.
- Before filling, the glass is rinsed with cold water – this improves the quality of the foam.
- Then the glass is thoroughly wiped – there should be no drops of water on it.
- The glass must be filled at one time, while it is held at an angle of 45 ° to the tap. When the glass is half full, the jet is directed to the center. Gradually aligning the glass to a vertical position, the bartender thereby controls the process of formation of the required amount of foam.
- After filling the glass, you need to close the tap in one motion and remove the foam from the outside of the glass, if it got on it.
- Put a stand of the desired brand in front of the guest, depending on the type of beer, and put a glass on it.
Note: as a rule, it is by the ability to pour and serve draft beer correctly that the skill and professional qualities of a bartender are assessed.
What temperature should the beer be
Many of us are used to drinking cold beer to refresh ourselves and quench our thirst. This is not always correct – each type of beer is made according to an individual recipe, which means that the taste qualities are revealed at different temperatures.
There is a standard for optimal temperatures for different types of draft beer, for example:
- refreshing light lager – 2-4 ° C;
- Munich Helles, Kelsch, German and Czech Pilsner – 4-8°С;
- most stouts (except imperial) – 8-10 ° C;
- almost all ales (except Belgian) – 10-13°С;
- imperial stout, doppelbock, Belgian ale, barleywine – 13-16 ° C.
For bottled beer, the optimal consumption temperature is indicated on the label.
8 unusual beer glasses
The right glass for a certain type of beer is just as important as its temperature.
Breweries and design studios come up with more and more ideas for beer glasses. Some of them are just variations of the classics, while others are really original and deserve attention.
I will give you the most interesting instances, in my opinion.
Kwak
I can’t help but mention the famous Kwak glass. This interesting design was originally invented for cab drivers who could not leave their wagon. But I still wanted a beer!
Such a glass with a stand could be attached to the carriage and enjoy your favorite drink even on the go.
It is believed that when there is not enough beer left in the glass, when tilted, it fills the flask and makes a “croaking” sound. I haven’t personally tested it, but it would be very interesting to know.
Viking Beer Horn
The glass is made in the Scandinavian style – ideal for brutal and unflappable beer connoisseurs.
The volume of a modern horn is 480 milliliters. Usually ale or cider is served in such glasses, sometimes lager. For example, Belhaven Scottish Stout (Belhavn Scottish Stout).
Fans of the Game of Thrones saga can feel like the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, because King Robert himself drank from such a glass.
Malty Beer Glass
Glasses for sorts of beer saturated with malt. Due to the presence of three waists, gas bubbles slowly rise up. And when they do get to the surface, they accumulate and form a lush foam that enhances the taste and aroma.
Handblown Dual Beer Glass
Paired glasses for bold experiments. If you’ve always wanted to try mixing two strains into one, this is your chance. In an ordinary glass, such a mixture can cause disappointment.
I recommend to stop at the varieties of the same strength. Practice and maybe you will create the perfect taste for yourself. There will be something to share with friends and acquaintances!
Sliced Cold Beer Glass
My personal favourite. “A glass, a bewitching look” – these were the thoughts that flew by when I first saw him. It was as if the katana blade itself had worked on him. When creating a glass, Polish designers were clearly inspired by Japanese edged weapons.
Poppin’ Pint Glass
Glass “double pleasure”. Made in the style of all recognizable packaging film with pimples.
Combined with your favorite beer, you get pleasure squared. You should not try to burst glass bubbles, if you still succeed, you will have to pay the cost of a glass. If so, I warned you!
Hopped Up Beer Glass
Another interesting design move. The glass is handcrafted from borosilicate glass. The lid is made of solid silicone, and at the same time acts as both a sealant and a coaster for a glass.
Hopside Down — Bottle-in-a-Glass Beer Glasses
The ideal solution for those who like to drink beer from a bottle and a glass, and the choice between these two containers leads to a stupor. A distinctive feature of this glass is the presence of two walls, which allows the drink to stay cold longer.
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Take care of yourself!
I am sure that many of you would like to have some glass from this selection. Or maybe all at once?
I hope I helped you better understand the intricacies of beer glasses and added a few ideas to your piggy bank of desires. What unusual glasses have you seen?