Beer mugs & glassware

Beer glassware comes in different shapes and sizes, and is designed for the different aromas, flavors and even colors of various beers. Typically, beer glasses have wide rims to accommodate the foam, or head, of the beer. Some glassware is designed to serve many types of beer. Some types of beer, such as wheat ales, have their own type of glassware.

Mug or Stein
Mugs are a common type of beer glass.
The heavy glass mug is a popular beer vessel because of its easy handling and versatility. Its shape is good for ales, lagers, India pale ale, porters, stouts, and beers that have been herbed or spiced. Glass mugs can be large or small. In many American bars, a "mug" of beer constitutes a smaller serving than a pint. The stoneware beer mug is a stein, and is traditionally lidded.

Pilsner Glass
Pilsner glasses show off a beer's color and head.
The pilsner is tall, slender and usually has a cone-like shape. It is meant to showcase the appearance and head of clear sparkling beers. It's especially good for serving pilsners, red and pale lagers, and bocks.

Pint Glass
The classic pint glass holds 16 to 20 oz. of beer, depending on the country.
Pint glasses may be heavy with straight sides or have somewhat thinner walls and a bulge between the middle and the rim. Pint glasses are good for serving most American and English brews, and most ales and stouts in general.

Weizen Glass
The weizen (German for wheat) glass has a slender base with a wider bowl near the top to accommodate a large head. Ideal for serving German weizenbock and American wheat ales.

 

Tulip and Thistle Glasses
Tulip and thistle glasses have wide bowls at the bottom that narrow near the middle, then are slightly wider at the rim to accommodate a full head. They are especially good for serving aromatic beers such as Scottish and Belgian ales.