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If you step into a bar in Manhattan and order a craft beer it will probably be served in the same style of pint that you'd receive in Los Angeles or Seattle. Americans aren't terribly creative or picky when it comes to glassware. If you're lucky, you might be able to order a proper Imperial pint at your nearest British pub. Meanwhile, in Europe, serving beer with this level of indifference is considered sacrilege.
Head into a tavern in any corner of the continent, order a beer and it will arrive at your table in a glass specifically designed for it, most likely with the brewery's logo on the side. In addition to traditional, mug-style glasses, you'll find slender ones for pilsners and elegantly-crafted "tulip" glasses typically reserved for German lagers.
While this phenomenon has yet to take root in the states, specialty beer glasses are an excellent addition to any kitchen or rec room bar. If your local bottle shop doesn't sell them, there are several online outlets that offer a wide selection. At True Beer you'll find designs ranging from snifters to French "jelly" glasses.
Not well versed in the lexicon? Here's a quick rundown on a few of the more common terms you're likely to encounter when shopping for beer glasses:
Alt: A cylindrical glass that usually holds 0.2 to 0.3 liters. Popular in Northern Germany, where it's kosher to drink beer in small quantities.
Handled Glass Stein: Commonly found in German beer halls. These hardy glasses are designed to handle clinking, sing-alongs and rowdiness. The wide mouth makes keeping up with your drinking comrades easy.
Snifter (or Small Tulip): Used for certain ales with high alcohol percentages. The glass's round bottom helps transfer heat from your hand, which warms the beer while the top traps the brew's aromas.
Tulip: Made from thin glass, this one helps to both trap aromas and maintain a frothy head. Best for craft beers with a strong flavor.
Head into a tavern in any corner of the continent, order a beer and it will arrive at your table in a glass specifically designed for it, most likely with the brewery's logo on the side. In addition to traditional, mug-style glasses, you'll find slender ones for pilsners and elegantly-crafted "tulip" glasses typically reserved for German lagers.
While this phenomenon has yet to take root in the states, specialty beer glasses are an excellent addition to any kitchen or rec room bar. If your local bottle shop doesn't sell them, there are several online outlets that offer a wide selection. At True Beer you'll find designs ranging from snifters to French "jelly" glasses.
Not well versed in the lexicon? Here's a quick rundown on a few of the more common terms you're likely to encounter when shopping for beer glasses:
Alt: A cylindrical glass that usually holds 0.2 to 0.3 liters. Popular in Northern Germany, where it's kosher to drink beer in small quantities.
Handled Glass Stein: Commonly found in German beer halls. These hardy glasses are designed to handle clinking, sing-alongs and rowdiness. The wide mouth makes keeping up with your drinking comrades easy.
Snifter (or Small Tulip): Used for certain ales with high alcohol percentages. The glass's round bottom helps transfer heat from your hand, which warms the beer while the top traps the brew's aromas.
Tulip: Made from thin glass, this one helps to both trap aromas and maintain a frothy head. Best for craft beers with a strong flavor.