Your Guide to Different Types of Beer Glasses

Published: Author: Abby Helgeson

Finally decided to make the switch from beer bottles to glasses? We’re here to help you find the perfect custom beer glasses for your taste. As we all know, you can easily put beer into any cup and start drinking, but there is a reason beer glasses were designed. Looks play a part but each glass has its own unique qualities that not only enhance the taste, but take your beer-drinking experience to the next level. Keep scrolling to learn all about the different types of beer glasses!

Beer Mugs

If the temperature of your beer is important to you, beer mugs are the best option for you! With a thick glass design, these mugs keep your beer cool for longer periods of time, are very sturdy, and the handle makes for some great toasting. And, to keep your beer even colder, you can store them in the freezer. If you are looking for a beer glass for the pub that is sturdy and well insulated, beer mugs are a great choice.

Pilsner Glasses

Pilsner glasses definitely stand out from other glassware due to their unique shape. They are tall and skinny but widen at the top and are formed to show off the golden hue of a pilsner, while maintaining the head and trapping in essential flavors. These types of beer glasses have an ounce capacity of 14 ounces, which is slightly smaller than pint glasses.

Traditional Pint Glasses

Definitely the most common type of beer glass, pint glasses are the top choice for most restaurants and bars due to its versatility. Pint glasses compliment most beer types like IPAs, ales, stouts, and lagers. Pint glasses differ in size and shape between countries, American being the most popular type of pint glass. The American pint glass holds 16 ounces and is tapered with straight sides, making it very easy to clean and store. If you are looking for a classic beer glass to get the job done, pint glasses are your best bet!

Imperial Pint Glasses

Similar to traditional pint glasses, the imperial pint glass is versatile, but is a bit larger than American pint glasses, holding up to 20 ounces of beer. This type of pint glass has straight sides that taper out and has a small lip at the mouth for smooth drinking. Ales, lagers, and stouts, are highly recommended for this type of beer glass.

Stange Glasses

Stange, which is the German word for pole, perfectly describes the shape of this beer glass, narrow and straight. This type of glass does a great job at preserving the carbonation, while maintaining flavor and has a sturdy base that is very reliable. The typical capacity for stange beer glasses is about 6 ounces, but more modern types are made larger.

Tulip Glasses

Also known as Belgian glasses, the tulip glass features a bulbous body that tapers at the top to best capture the aroma and flavor of Belgian ales, stouts, saisons, and other ales. The perfect glass for swirling and releasing the aroma for a pleasurable sensory experience.

Thistle Glasses

Similar to a tulip glass, the thistle glass has a wide body that tapers up, but is more angular and usually taller than tulip glasses. Thistle glasses are generally used to serve Scottish ales.

IPA Glasses

Similar to a goblet, only more elongated, the IPA glass is ideal for hoppy beers. These glasses are usually around 19 ounces and have a wide body that tapers out towards the bottom. They typically have a series of ridges toward the base that really help to release all of the flavor and carbonation, making the bubbles rise to the very top of the glass for a great tasting beer that you are sure to enjoy!

Weizen Glasses

Designed for wheat ale, weizen glasses are tall and slim to really emphasize the signature aromas that come with this type of beer. These glasses show off the color in an elegant way, and have a wider mouth that provides ample space for the foam to rise up to the brim. The ounce capacity for this type of glass is usually 17 ounces.

Taster Glasses

Taster glasses can come in many shapes and sizes. The only thing that makes a glass a taster is size. Usually coming in around 3 to 6 ounces, these small glasses are meant to give people a sample of beer. Commonly used in beer gardens and breweries, these small glasses are perfect for when you can’t decide on what beer to order, or to just try out some new flavors!

We hope this guide helped you find the perfect glass to take your drinking to the next level! Still haven’t figured out which one is your favorite? Take a look at our custom beer glass buying guide!