The ubiquitous plastic cup. Known around the world for its liquid holding versatility. As a beer holding vessel it would usually be chosen last. It has no real qualities that make it the glassware of choice for beer other than its extreme low price, virtual indestructibility and availability. Thin walls, smaller volume and the inability to tell them apart at a party/gathering doom this “glassware” to the bench in most situations.  Pros: Cheap and availableCons: Cheap and available

The Flute glass (when not holding sparking wine or champaigne) likes to hold Belgian Lambics and Fruit beers. The narrow shape of the glass allows for good carbonation retention while focusing the unique aromas of these beers.Highlights: Beer color showcase. Carbonation display. Aroma focus.

Typically ceramic or porcelain, though they can be made from silver, pewter, earthenware and even wood, these glasses are the art pieces of the beer world. Coming in multiple sizes (.5L (halb) or 1L (mass) are the most common), steins can reach multilitre proportions. Steins differentiate themselves from mugs or seidels due to thier unique closure and of course their sometimes ornate designs.The closure on a stein dates back to the 14th century. It was around this time that many swarms of insects plagued Europe. So as to keep their beverages safe from these flying masses, glassware designers added (as required by some German laws), a lid with a hinge…

Jug glasses, or “dimple mugs”, are shaped more like a large mug with a handle. The dimples prevent the glass slipping out of the fingers in a washing-up bowl, and the design of the glass emphasises strength, also to withstand frequent manual washing. These design features became less important when manual washing was superseded by machine washing from the 1960s onwards. Dimpled glasses are now rarer than the other types and are regarded as more traditional. This sort of glass is also known as a “Handle” or “Jug” due to the handle on the glass. They are popular with drinkers who prefer a traditional beer experience.

A “Yard of Ale” in the traditional sense refers to both the length of this glass and the quantity of beer held inside. These glasses have their origins in the 17th century andwhere often times associated with coachmen that wanted to have their beer handed to them without having to leave the coach (good for refills too as the glass could be handed down and the coachman didn’t have to let go of the reins).The Kwak glass is similar in appearance, but not in size. This is a taletop glass that has a stand (due to the round bottom). It is said that the glass was designed by the innkeeper and brewer Pauwel…