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As I discussed in a previous post, proper glassware can make or break the experience of drinking beer. Using the correct cup can accentuate aroma, maintain temperature, support fluffy head, and make you feel like a badass.
The question then is what glassware should you use?
Although there are thousands of options (many of which are wonderful), I’d like to recommend six to get you started:
Best all-around glass – Teku 3.0
If you’re pursuing minimalism in the kitchen and only want to own one beer glass, the Teku is what I’d encourage you to consider.
- It’s beautifully shaped.
- It’s balanced in the hand.
- It’s sturdy yet feels delicate.
- It’s reasonably priced.
- The inwardly tapered shape captures and delivers concentrated aroma to the nose.
- The flared rim gently directs beer to the palate.
- The stem reduces transference of heat from the drinker’s hand.
Of course, by excelling in so many areas, the Teku isn’t specialized for any one specific beer style, but as a daily-use glass, it checks all the boxes you could want.
Best for large quantities of German lager – 1L Stein
Let’s say it’s mid-September and you’re craving a festbier. You could use your Teku (not a bad choice by any means), but if you’re looking to get into the festive spirit, a 1L stein is the way to go.
Given that it’s been around since the 14th century, the stein is no stranger to drinking. It has a sturdy construction made to handle vigorous clinking, and the thickness of the glass/ceramic alongside a strong handle ensures beer maintains its temperature. It often comes in a 0.5L size as well, but if you’re choosing to drink out of a stein, why the hell would you consider a smaller option?
This isn’t a beer receptacle you’ll want to use on a regular basis or for high-ABV beer, but for the occasional jovial jamboree, it’s the perfect glass to have.
Bonus: if you want to add some lighthearted competition to your Oktoberfest party, consider a round of Masskrugstemmen!
Best for the IPA drinker – Spiegelau IPA Glass
Originating in 2013 as a collaboration between Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head and Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada, the IPA Glass has become a favorite of mine for drinking both New England and West Coast IPAs.
Drinking out of this glass is an experience unto itself. It’s visually unique, the thin glass gives a decadent feeling, and the curvature of the bowl helps maintain a frothy head.
When it comes to the design’s purpose, Sam Calagione explains it best:
“These ridges help to aerate the beer. In the motion of the sip, they’re creating more surface area and more friction for the liquid to move through. They are breaking out more aromatics in that motion of bringing the beer up, as it hits each of these ridges. By shaping this upper part tall and slender, it acts as a sort of olfactory cannon that shoots the hop, concentrates it, and pushes it towards your nose. It doesn’t just let it linger on the top of the beer in the glass.”
One downside of using a delicate glass like this without a handle or stemware is the lack of insulation, yet due to its excellence in other areas, the IPA glass is still a pleasure to use.
Best for heavily fruited beer – Juice Orb Glass
If the beer you pull out of your fridge includes “heavily-fruited” in its description or has a name like Smoofee or Joosy, it’s best to honor that unique beverage with a playful glass like the Juice Orb.
Drinking out of the juice orb is a whimsical experience:
- It provides a 360-degree view of your drink.
- It sits comfortably in your hand.
- The small, flared lip funnels volumes of fruity aroma to your nose.
- It’s a beautifully crafted, hand-blown piece of glass.
- It’s fun to look at!
Even if you despise the juice-bomb trend, it’s hard to resist glassware like this.
Best alternative to the shaker pint – Nonic Pint
If you were offended by my last post, it’s likely because the taphouse you own still uses shaker pints. Although I stand by what I said, I’d like to extend you an olive branch. Just because you’ve used shaker pints for years doesn’t mean you can’t find an alternative (and a cheap one at that)!
The replacement I’d recommend is the nonic pint, which is an upgrade over the shaker pint in almost every way:
- The glass is thinner, which gives it a less clunky feel in the hands and on the lips.
- The bulge near the top allows for easy stacking and prevents vacuum-like seals from forming.
- The bulge also allows for an easier grip, resulting in less broken glassware and beer spillage (hence why it’s named the no-nic pint)
- The overall look of the glass is easier on the eyes.
Bonus: If you don’t like the look of the nonic pint, two great alternatives for taphouses/breweries are the Tulip Pint & Willi Becher glasses.
Best collector’s glass – Thicc Bois Glass
As you can see based on the previous five items, there are plenty of superb options for under $30. Functional use is unlikely to improve by spending more, but that’s not to say that premium glassware doesn’t have its place. For example, you may want a cup that doubles as a piece of art, completes a collection, or becomes a conversation piece at parties. If that’s you, I’d recommend looking at what Thicc Bois Glass has to offer.
Their high-quality, hand-blown glasses are visually stunning and will make your beer-nerd friends practically drip with envy.
Additionally, on top of being amazing to look at, most of their designs include a bowl to capture and concentrate aroma and a flared lip to gracefully deliver beer to your palate.
Final Thoughts
If you feel overwhelmed by the volume of glassware choices, the good news is that there’s nothing “wrong” with drinking stout out of a stein, pilsner out of a juice orb, or even märzen out of a mug. Those experiences could be elevated with glassware designed for those styles, but in the end, if you’re with people you love and are enjoying quality beer, the cup you use matters the least.
Cheers and all the luck on your glassware expedition!