Perfect Pairings: Pairing The Proper Beer Glass

Using the correct glass to pair with your beer can make all the difference in the tastes that you will experience. Putting together a home bar yourself is a great way to elevate home entertaining. There are a few staples that you will want to include, as well as some optional, less frequently uses glasses to provide your guests with the proper beer pairing, and keep them coming back. With nine total, the best place to start would be to choose glasses that pair with your favorite kinds of beers. Check out our list to get started.

1. Shaker Pint

Named for its obvious function, the shaker pint can also be used for mixing cocktails. It is a commonly stocked beer glass intended for widely popular American Craft Ales. American Craft Ales include locally made traditional brews made in small batch quantities.

2. Tulip Glass

The tulip glass is obviously named for its tulip like bell shape. A glass like this sustains a foamy head, and for that reason is best paired with flavorful Belgian Style Abbey Ales, as well as Belgian IPAs.

3. Goblet

A goblet glass also has a shape reminiscent of flowers, with rounded sides. It is best to pair this glass with traditional Belgian Style Ales as the glass features a wide mouth for large flavorful sips and a full head.

4. Snifter

The snifter glass is shaped to showcase and enhance complex flavorings. It’s purposeful shape makes it the perfect pairing for strong and full bodied ales including imperial stout and scotch ale, to name a few.

5. Nonic Pint

A nonic pint resembles a standard pint glass but with a distinct bulge near the opening. It is also occasionally referred to as an English pint glass. The nickname can give you an idea of which kind of beers to pair, English style ales.

6. Mug / Stein

A mug or stein is yet another home bar staple that can be paired with an array of beers, including German Ales, American Ales, British Ales and Stouts. Some people even like to serve their stein’s frozen, for an ice cold brew.

7. Weizen Glass

The weizen glass is specifically designed to enhance flavor and aroma. The glass is tall and rounded at the top, changing the flavors as soon as the beer is poured into the glass. Those attributes make it the perfect choice to pair with already flavorful and easy drinking Wheat Ales.

8. Pilsner Glass

The name of this glass gives away its perfect pairing. Pilsners and Light Lagers are recommended for use with a pilsner glass. Pilsner glasses can vary in size, but the majority hold just under or about a full pint.

9. Stange

The stange glass is a German beer glass with a tall, straight shape. They are also sometimes referred to as a pole glass. Best pairings include Kolsch, German Lagers, and flavorful Golden Ales.