Learn how to correctly pair your favourite craft beers with the right beer glasses. In this article, we cover the IPA glass, the tulip beer glass, the beer goblet and the pilsner glass.
Beer can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and that means there are different beer glass types to suit your needs. When you're looking for the perfect glass for your beer, consider what kind of drinker you are - some people prefer dark beers while others might enjoy light beers. When it comes to the perfect pint, selecting a beer glass is just as important as what you pour. So for those of us who want to enjoy every sip with the most clarity and flavour possible, we’ve created this handy guide that will help you pair your favourite craft beers with the right size and shape of beer glasses.
Breweries are constantly inventing new types of beers, meaning there will always be a different glass for every type. Breweries that offer a wide range of different types of beers - including IPAs, pilsners, lagers, stouts, different types of ales and sours - will typically have multiple beer glasses available. Depending on the type of beer you're drinking, you'll find that they are usually served in different glasses. That's because the different shapes and styles of beer glassware are designed to enhance the aromatic compounds inherent to different kinds of beer. And as we all know, smell has a huge impact on how we perceive flavour. In other words, the right beer glass can take your beer-drinking experience to new heights.
IPA Glass
The IPA (India Pale Ale) is one of the most popular kinds of beer in Australia today, making IPA glasses common at breweries that serve this type of beer. If you've ever been to a brewery and ordered an IPA, you might have seen an IPA glass sitting on your table. The IPA glass is a good option for someone who loves hoppy beers like an IPA. This type of beer typically has a strong taste and is enjoyed in a glass that features a larger surface area to increase the aromatic experience. The iconic ridges of the IPA glass aerate your favorite hoppy drink with each sip, allowing volatile aromas to escape. Meanwhile, the tall, slender, and tapered bowl concentrates and directs the hop aromas to your nose. To aid in the release of carbonation and the formation of a steady stream of cascading bubbles, some IPA glasses are nucleated (etched) at the bottom.
Tulip Beer Glass
The tulip beer glass is commonly used to serve sour beers as well as other types, including IPAs and Belgian ales. It's designed to enhance the experience of drinking by allowing you to smell the beer before you even take your first sip. It features a tulip-like shape that narrows at the top, creating an opening where you can place your nose to inhale deeply and pick up on all of the wonderful aromas present in sour beers or malty, hoppy beers. The tulip beer glass also has a flared lip, which prevents the beer from being exposed to your lips for too long and keeps it out of direct contact with hot air so you can enjoy all that you're drinking even more.
Beer Goblet
The goblet is a popular beer glass that's great for enjoying dark beers. The beer goblet, sometimes called the Belgian beer goblet, typically features a deep bowl with thick, wide walls and straight sides so you can hold the goblet without warming up your drink. It also comes with a stem at the base of the cup to keep it from resting on its side. The beer goblet is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy heavy, dark beers like Belgian ales, dubbel, tripel, quad, stouts and porters. Its design makes it easy to swirl your drink and release the rich flavors that are locked inside.
Pilsner Glass
The pilsner glass is another common shape for beer lovers who enjoy the taste of lighter beers like pilsners or lagers. The pilsner glass has an iconic shape that is long and slender with a tapered bowl. They typically have a thin lip at the top, which allows you to drink from them without any interference or distraction from their form. This type of beer glass is designed for light-bodied beers that are often more effervescent, which is why it has a thinner body. The thinness of the glassware allows carbonation to escape through gaps in the side of the bowl while simultaneously concentrating aromas at your nose by directing them toward you. The thinness of the pilsner glass also encourages a more fluid drinking experience, which can keep you coming back for another sip.
Choosing the right beer glass
The right beer glass can enhance the taste of your favourite brew. If you're looking for a new way to enjoy and appreciate your favourite beer, it may be time for an upgrade in drinking vessels. Check out our range of craft beer glasses, available in Australia, now.
Looking for a gift for a beer lover? We've got you covered with a range of craft beer glass sets that suit every taste.