Most glasses are meant to showcase presentation and aroma of a beer. (Kye R. Lee/The Dallas Morning News)
By now, everyone must have that friend who is into this thing called “craft beer.” But many folks are still unsure what to make of all the crazy names and full flavors.
Breaking out of routines and comfort levels takes a bit of nerve, curiosity and blind trust. Lucky for you, craft beer has the verve to make it worth the effort. Tremendous craft beer is born of artistry, science and patience. With the weight of that creation, why not choose the appropriate vessel to transport this precious liquid to your lips? If you’re going to spend money on a terrific beer, then you should do so with respect and care. You wouldn’t drive a Ferrari in flip-flops, after all.
The appropriate glassware typically has been born out of history, but now it is becoming more of a science or a matter of personal preference. In recent years, scientists have attempted to create the ultimate glass for particular styles, including the India pale ale and stout, with some success. But beer geeks still argue endlessly about the benefits of a shaker pint vs. a nonic pint vs. a snifter. Just know this: Most glassware was created to enhance aroma, appearance and enjoyment. New glassware, with all of its science, has the same aim.
Here are five recommended glasses to pour the perfect experience.
Nonic pint (Kye R. Lee/The Dallas Morning News)
Nonic pint
Beer styles: India pale ale, stout, extra special bitter session ale
Why: The important feature of the nonic is the bump that makes it easy to hold. This glass has only been around for about 40 years and is beginning to take the place of the old shaker pint glass. Most nonics are designed with nucleation points etched in the bottom of the glass to create bubbles that release aromas while you drink your beer. The pint glass in all its different formats is by far the most common beer glass.
Pour this: Public Ale by Community Beer Co., Dallas; Royal Scandal by Peticolas Brewing Co., Dallas; El Chingón by Four Corners Brewing Co., Dallas; All Day IPA by Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich.; DayTime by Lagunitas Brewing Co., Petaluma, Calif.
Stange or pilsner glass (Kye R. Lee/The Dallas Morning News)
Stange or pilsner glass
Beer styles: Kölsch, pilsner, lager
Why: These two glasses focus on showcasing the beautiful, delicate pale spectrums associated with lagers. The smaller volumes prevent cool, refreshing lagers from becoming too warm. Who likes a warm lager? We have all had one. It didn’t taste very good, and it certainly was not as refreshing as a good lager should be.
Pour this: Golden Opportunity by Peticolas Brewing Co., Dallas; Fancy Lawnmower by Saint Arnold Brewing Co., Houston; Sünner Kölsch by Sünner Brauerei, Germany; Hans’ Pils by Real Ale Brewing Co., Blanco; The Crisp by Sixpoint Brewery, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Pearl-Snap by Austin Beer Works, Austin.
Chalice (Kye R. Lee/The Dallas Morning News)
Chalice or goblet
Beer styles: Trappist, Belgians, strong ales
Why: Goblets are thinner and more fragile and chalices are thicker and more durable, but they both serve the same purpose. Origins begin with the Belgian. Both glasses showcase a beer’s aroma (not to mention make the beer look sexy in the process). A large, stable, frothy and aromatic foam head will be more durable so that olfactory senses can play a larger part in the experience. The serving sizes are generally 12 ounces or less, allowing you to exercise some restraint. And some breweries consider the glasses similar to wearing your favorite team’s jersey while getting your sport on — or as advertising. These glasses are commonly found in beer-centric bars.
Pour this: Chimay, Maredsous, La Trappe, Rochefort.
Snifter (Kye R. Lee/The Dallas Morning News)
Snifter
Beer styles: Strong ale, imperial stout, barrel-aged beers
Why: The snifter is the perfect vessel for the patient beer. Any beer worth a snifter will be a beer worth savoring. The inward curvature of the rim traps aromas like a fog for long-lasting satisfaction. The shape of the glass accentuates the spectrum of malty colors, and the footed base allows the beer to warm slowly rather than quickly from the grasp of your hand.
Pour this: Bourbon-Barrel Temptress by Lakewood Brewing Co., Garland; Legion by Community Beer Co., Dallas; The Duke by Peticolas Brewing Co., Dallas; Black Butte XXVI by Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Ore.; Mephistopheles’ by Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, Colo.
Weissbier vase (Kye R. Lee/The Dallas Morning News)
Weissbier vase
Beer styles: Weisse, Dunkel, Weizenbock, wheat
Why: Many wheat beers are imbibed in larger volumes due to a generally lower alcohol content, so a larger glass is more appropriate. The larger size also allows for more foam, which releases all of those yeasty esters (fruity notes) and phenols (spicy notes). The long, skinny curves of the glass display the vibrant hues of the yeasty brews.
Pour this: Hefeweizen by Live Oak Brewing Co., Austin; Schneider Weisse by G. Schneider & Sohn, Germany; Hefe Weissbier by Weihenstephaner, Germany.
Matt Quenette has been working in beer industry for seven years throughout D-FW and currently resides at the Meddlesome Moth as beer director for the last three-and-half years.