Did you know that the shape of your beer glass affects the foam head of the brew? The proper shape keeps the volatiles trapped. Volatiles are compounds that evaporate from beer to create the beer's aroma, byproducts of yeast such as alcohol and other additions. Different beers call for different glass shapes to ensure the proper levels of head retention. Here's match the beer to the glass.
Instructions
1. Learn about the traditional pint glass. Bartenders use the basic pint glass in most bars and pubs because of its durability. They are good, sturdy glasses that are decent for serving many styles of beer. Match a British-style pint glass, which bulges at the rim for pale ales, bitter, porters and stouts.
2. Try beers with more hops in a pilsner glass. The inverted cone shape of the glass gives you maximum aroma.
3. Use the Weizen glass for weizen beer (wheat). This glass is narrower at the top than at the middle to give a large head and lots of carbonation. The shape helps the drinker enjoy the hints of fruit in the aroma.
4. Drink big and malty beers from a goblet glass. The big bowl holds the entire beer. It collects the aromas in the dome of the bowl.
5. Use a snifter (or tulip) glass for fancy barley wines and Belgian ales. The glass is tall and has a small opening, which gives the malt and alcohol to blend. Use a brandy glass in this case.
6. Try a thistle glass when drinking Scottish ales and Belgian ales. These bowed and pilsner-like glasses offer a large head and more subtle aroma.
7. Trust an old standard--the beer mug. The mug is sturdy and holds a lot of brew. These are great for drinking with your friends because they stand up to clinking better than any other glass. Drink up.
Tags: pint glass, beer glass, Belgian ales, large head