Benjamin Franklin once commented, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Indeed, the allure of chilled beer is hard to ignore on a hot afternoon or a humid summer evening. Those who adore this fizzy alcohol are extremely particular about the mug they savour it in.
If you are hosting a Sunday brunch and want to upgrade the beer-drinking experience, then here is a short glimpse into the wide world of beer mugs to complement the different types of beer.
Matching the Mug & the Beer
There is a mug for every beer, and getting it right is key to optimising the flavours and enhancing the fun. Here’s a quick look into the shapes of beer mugs and the beer they should hold.
1. Beer Mugs
The robust and commonly seen big mug for beer has a cylindrical shape, thick walls, and a handle. Appreciated widely for the large amount of beer it can hold, the thick walls prevent the contents from getting warm. And the handle is not just for show! It’s an ingenious idea to keep your body heat from soaring the temperature of the beer.
Apt For: All kinds of beer
2. Pint Glass
Easy to clean and stack, this is the glass to bring out when you are expecting a huge gathering. The pint glass is also economical and made with thin glass as compared to the beer mug. Good to clink but not too hard, okay?
Apt For: Lagers & Ales
3. Goblets
The deep bowl and short thick stem of the goblet are certainly attractive and a more elegant option than other beer mugs and glasses. The wide mouth of the goblet is designed thus to help the beer drinker amply take in the aromas and flavour profile of the drink. Already imagining the robust tastes in your mouth, aren’t you?
Apt For: Malty beers like German bocks & Belgian ales.
4. Weizen Glass
The curvaceous Weizen glass is definitely a head-turner in the bar cabinet. As you must’ve guessed the shape isn’t merely an aesthetic stunt but holds some meaning. The wide mouth is to showcase the fluffy beer head while the narrow bottom preserves the tantalising carbonation beers are famous for. The long Weizen glass beer mug capacity is up to 0.5 litres of beer in one go. Cheers to that we say!
Apt For: Weizenbocks, kristallweizens, or wheat ales
5. Stange Glass
Stange is the German name for rod and that is how this glass is shaped. If you were in Cologne, you will find this glass a common occurrence in bars, where they come slotted in a round tray. The tall and slender shape of this glass helps preserve the beer head and is just right for beers with delicate flavours. This one is not a large beer mug but you can always go for chilled refills!
Apt for: Kolsch, Gose & Alt beers
Interested in making these glasses a part of your enviable beer mug collection? Head to Vaaree and feast your eyes on an exquisite collection of beer glasses online that are sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ):
1. What factors should I consider when selecting the ideal beer mug?
Beer mugs and glasses determine how your drinking experience will be. The factors you should consider when selecting the ideal beer mug are:
- Size – If you dislike refilling or want to pour the entire bottle in the beer mug without letting it sit, a mug of 500 ml or above is ideal.
- Type of beer – The shape of a beer mug impacts its drinking experience and aroma. For instance, beers that demand swirling to release concentrated aroma compounds should be poured in tapered glasses. Therefore, beer mugs and glasses must be selected depending on their type.
- Design & appearance – If you don’t like how the beer glass looks, you will never enjoy the beer in it. Make sure the glass appeals to your eye and is preferably transparent to gauge color, carbonation, clarity and foam.
- Thickness – Thicker the beer glass, the longer the beer will be cold!
2. How does the size of a beer mug impact the drinking experience?
First, talking about basics – smaller glass encourages an individual to sip the beer faster whilst it's still cold. That said, taller glasses = lesser refills but more chances of drinking slowly. Similarly, a smaller beer glass multiplies the aroma and flavor. Hence, making them more favourable for pungent beers. Likewise, taller glasses disperse the aroma, make the drink visually appealing and is apt for subtle beers.
3. What are the different shapes of beer mugs available, and how do they affect the taste and aroma of the beer?
A few shape types of beer mugs and glasses are listed below:
- Classic big mug for beer. They are apt for all types of beer, are usually thicker and keep beer cold for longer.
- Pink beer glass– A no-nonsense glass suitable for serving a wide range of beers, lagers and ales. Easy to sip from whilst enjoying the delicate aroma.
- Goblets – Looks like a wine glass but is not. Its wide mouth maintains the head of the beer and delivers impeccable aroma + flavor profile. Perfect beer glass for malty beers.
- Weizen Glass – Known for its peculiar shape, its wide mouth elegantly showcases the beer head while its narrow bottom safeguards the natural carbonation process. A dream come true for wheat ale lovers.
- Stange – The kind of glass you need to relish the smacking flavors of alt beers. Preserves beer heads too!
- Pilsner – The best wide mouthed beer glass for drinks with a lot of carbonation and flavor!
