Curating the Perfect Glassware for Craft Beer

May 2

Craft beer enthusiasts know that the glass you choose can significantly impact the aroma, flavor, and overall drinking experience.

With an array of styles and varieties to explore, selecting the right glassware can enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of each brew's unique characteristics.
At Purdy Meyers, our curators understand the importance of pairing craft beer with the perfect glassware. Let's delve into their expert advice on choosing the best glass for different styles of craft beer.

Pilsner Glass

Best for: Crisp and refreshing lagers, pilsners, and light ales.

The slender, tapered shape of the pilsner glass showcases the beer's clarity and effervescence, while the narrow opening helps maintain the beer's head and carbonation. The elongated design allows for easy swirling, releasing the beer's aromas and enhancing its flavor profile.

Tulip Glass

Best for: Aromatic and complex beers such as Belgian ales, IPAs, and saisons.

The tulip glass features a bulbous body and a flared lip, allowing ample space for swirling and capturing the beer's aromas. The inward curve at the top of the glass helps concentrate the aromatics, while the wider bowl provides room for the beer to breathe, revealing its nuanced flavors with each sip.

PM Favorite: Belgian Tulip Glasses

Snifter Glass

Best for: Strong and bold beers such as barleywines, imperial stouts, and barrel-aged ales.

The snifter glass is characterized by its short stem, wide bowl, and tapered opening, making it ideal for capturing and concentrating the complex aromas of high-alcohol and aromatic beers. The wide base allows for easy swirling, while the narrow opening directs the aromas towards the nose, enhancing the tasting experience.

Stout Glass

Best for: Rich and creamy stouts, porters, and dark ales.

The stout glass features a wide bowl and a narrow opening, allowing ample space for the beer to breathe and develop its flavors. The bulbous shape enhances the beer's creamy texture and allows for easy swirling, while the tapered opening helps concentrate the beer's aromas, delivering a full sensory experience with each sip.

IPA Glass

Best for: Hop-forward and aromatic India Pale Ales (IPAs) and double IPAs.

The IPA glass is designed to accentuate the hop aromas and flavors of IPAs, with a narrow base, tapered body, and flared lip. The inward curve at the top of the glass helps trap the beer's aromas, while the wide bowl allows for easy swirling, releasing the beer's volatile compounds and enhancing its hoppy profile.

Looking for a variety?

Try PM’s suggestion, the Spiegelau Craft Beer Tasting Kit.

This set includes IPA, American wheat, stout and barrel-aged beer glasses, ensuring you always have the perfect vessel on hand. Or pick up multiple sets of four to conduct an educational and entertaining tasting with friends.

PM Favorite: Spiegelau Tasting Kit