<h2>Function</h2>

<p>Beer glassware serves a few primary purposes:</p>

<ul>
<li>it is part of the branding of the beer (for beers with their own glass)</li>
<li>it presents the beer (beauty is in the eye of the beer holder) showcasing the beer's color, clarity and/or carbonation.</li>
<li>it influences how quickly volatiles (aromatics) are released</li>
<li>it influences how much beer can be consumed per sip (e.g. compare champagne flute vs. beer mug)</li>
<li>it can promote head retention (through the shape, plus small etchings in the base of the glass)</li>
</ul>

<h2>Some examples</h2>

<ul>
<li><p>A Pilsner glass is a long tall V-shaped glass. It emphasizes the
color, clarity and effervescence of the Pilsner. It's similar in
principle to the fluted champagne glass, but having larger rim,
affords larger sips.</p></li>
<li><p>The traditional mug is a robust glass, primarly aimed at "chinking"
glasses together and allowing large swallows of beer. </p></li>
<li><p>The challace/goblet can be beautiful pieces of work, designed to
showcase the beer, and also promote and maintain a large head. </p></li>
<li><p>The tulip glass captures volatiles (in the narrow part of the glass)
while the large opening at the top supports a large head.</p></li>
<li><p>The Sniffer, typically used for cognac/brandy, but also for very
strong ales, has a large base that curves up to a small opening to
capture the aromatics, and to allow for swirling to encourage more
aromatics to be released.</p></li>
<li><p>The Stange, a long tall glass, amplifies the malt and hop
characteristics by concentrating them in a smaller area, while also
providing a simple elegant presentation of the beer. Often used with
delicate beers.</p></li>
<li><p>The Weizen glass is similar to the pilsner glass, but larger
(typically 0.5l minimum) with plenty of room for the large head
typical of a wheat beer.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>For more details and images, see <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/glassware/" rel="noreferrer">Glassware for Beer</a>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-01-24T20:34:05.573Z
2016-10-05T19:48:43.827Z
2016-10-05T19:48:43.827Z
mdma
<p>I know there are already one or two questions that touch on specific beers. However, I would like more of a comprehensive list. I would also like to understand why those types of glasses are chosen. Is it for head retention? Breathability? Appearances? </p>

<glassware>
What glasses are meant for which beers and why?
BryceH
# What glasses are meant for which beers and why?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-01-24)

I know there are already one or two questions that touch on specific beers. However, I would like more of a comprehensive list. I would also like to understand why those types of glasses are chosen. Is it for head retention? Breathability? Appearances?

**Tags:** glassware


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2014-01-24. Score: 24 | Accepted answer

## Function

Beer glassware serves a few primary purposes:

* it is part of the branding of the beer (for beers with their own glass)
* it presents the beer (beauty is in the eye of the beer holder) showcasing the beer's color, clarity and/or carbonation.
* it influences how quickly volatiles (aromatics) are released
* it influences how much beer can be consumed per sip (e.g. compare champagne flute vs. beer mug)
* it can promote head retention (through the shape, plus small etchings in the base of the glass)

## Some examples

* A Pilsner glass is a long tall V-shaped glass. It emphasizes the
  color, clarity and effervescence of the Pilsner. It's similar in
  principle to the fluted champagne glass, but having larger rim,
  affords larger sips.
* The traditional mug is a robust glass, primarly aimed at "chinking"
  glasses together and allowing large swallows of beer.
* The challace/goblet can be beautiful pieces of work, designed to
  showcase the beer, and also promote and maintain a large head.
* The tulip glass captures volatiles (in the narrow part of the glass)
  while the large opening at the top supports a large head.
* The Sniffer, typically used for cognac/brandy, but also for very
  strong ales, has a large base that curves up to a small opening to
  capture the aromatics, and to allow for swirling to encourage more
  aromatics to be released.
* The Stange, a long tall glass, amplifies the malt and hop
  characteristics by concentrating them in a smaller area, while also
  providing a simple elegant presentation of the beer. Often used with
  delicate beers.
* The Weizen glass is similar to the pilsner glass, but larger
  (typically 0.5l minimum) with plenty of room for the large head
  typical of a wheat beer.

For more details and images, see [Glassware for Beer](http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/glassware/).


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