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 These design features became less important when manual washing was superseded by machine washing from the 1960s onwards.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…

As the name implies, this glass is used for the consumption of wheat beers. A rather tall glass, the weizen glass has a mouth that is considerably wider than its base. This reflects the beer’s allowance for space for the thick creamy white head associate with the wheat beer style.The typical German wiezen glass holds 1/2 litre of beer. Other styles (Belgian wit) can be found in glasses measuring .25 litres or .33 litres.When toasting with a weizen glass, it is customary to touch the bases of the glasses instead of the body of the glasses (due to the risk of breaking the relatively thin upper portion). It is also…

A tulip shaped stemmed glass. This glass helps create a visually interesting pour while at the same time trapping the head in the glass (typically a large amount of head relative to the size of the glass).There are pint glasses that taper outwards towards as they move higher that are called tulip glasses (resembling the flower shape). These glasses do not have the curves of the traditional tulip glass though.Highlights: Aid in head retention. Visually nice. Help trap aroma.

The Trappist glass. Whether a goblet (tending to be on the more delicate and thin side) or the chalice (thicker walled with a sturdy stem), the primary aim of these glasses is to show off the aroma of its contents and the skill of the beers maker. Beers (Trappist Ales, Berliner Weiss) get to showcase their multitude of aromas, as well as, being able to show off the lacy head associated with these beers. The wide mouth of these glasses allows for the nose to be enveloped in aroma.Highlights: Close to art in some cases. Wide mouth to allow maximum aroma. Showcase for lace and head rentention of trappist ales.

Very much like a traditional tulip glass, but with a rounder bottom. This glass is primarily used for Scotch ales, but a Belgian ale would feel at home in it. Highlights: Helps accentuate the beer’s malty character.

As with wine, this glass allows the complex aromas of primaly Belgian ales to shine. The large head space (the glass should be 20 to 25 ounces), coupled with is round shape directs the distinct aromas in these ales directly towards the nose.Barleywines, Wheat wines, Saison, Stout. These all can find a comforting home in this glass. Any big, aromatic beer would be welcome. Highlights: Aroma helper. Large size = large beer. Can drink wine from it when beer isnt in it.