Originally representing a measure of liquid just above half litres, Pint has come to mean something more to beer drinkers, if not really enthusiasts. The glasses with no attribution to art but a convenience so thoroughly appreciated by bar owners across the UK and then all over the world, Pint has become a standard. Narrow at the bottom and broader at the rim, they are sturdy, made to stand the rage of tipsy-headed drinkers. Popular as Nonic Pint (holds 20-ounce beer) and in its other variation American Pint (holds 16-ounce buy pappy van winkle), pints can be spotted in casual to regal looking bars. They are more of a necessity than anything else, and definitely not ideal if you are looking for an experience rather than a drink.
Beers, especially in older times, were known for their heads and that’s what these glasses celebrate in a beer. Seem to be coming straight from some vampire movie, these special glasses are meant for complex beers. Goblet is defined by the length of their stem and thinness, while that’s slightly vice-versa for chalices.Pros: rich and classic appeal, maintains beer head, ideal for complex beers, best for sipping
Cons: They are not for every beer and beer drinker out there, found very rarely, mostly used for decorative purposes than practical
MUG
Another no-nonsense, all-purpose container to drink beer from and forget is, of course, mug. Available in sizes you might be looking for, and sturdy as glassware can be (no we are not talking about anything bullet-proof here!), the mug has taken the world by rage. Be it a college party or a casual weekend outdoor picnic, mugs are trustworthy. The handle is what makes them special and unique, keeping your beer cool for long and doesn’t require refilling frequently.
Pros: robust, commonplace, keep a conversation on for long without letting the beer go hand-warm
Cons: not for formal celebratory setups, not to be used if you only have expensive beers left
STEINS
Though similar to mug if you take handle and size in account, these come with a lid and often in a wide variety of materials like metal, stoneware, wood and pewter. Today, however, they are used more for their artistic appeal rather than any practical purpose. They come with German history, taken from ‘Steinzeugkrug’, meaning stoneware jug or tankard. Back then, beer drinkers believed them to be preventing bubonic plague.
Pros: holds a generous amount of beer, great as a souvenir, works best if you are a fan of drinking beer in a stormy or windy place
Cons: more historical rather than traditional or even casual, the confusing category of beer containers
PILSNERS
Slightly better than Pints, mostly for their tall looks, rather than anything else, pilsner is ideal for drinking (you guessed it right!) pilsners (in particular and any sparkling beers in general). Sparkling beers feel at home in these slender glasses, thanks to the slight taper, and are great to look at. Their design allows for good head retention while trapping the effervescence. These might resemble a trumpet, only in a vertical position.
Pros: lighter beers taste great, brings out the true aroma and flavour profile, for beer enthusiasts with an inclination for tall and skinny (and of course sparkling!)
Cons: difficult to clean and store, typically hold less beer than pints (not to mentions the mugs!)
WEIZEN GLASS
For the fans of the slight curve in beer glasses (or otherwise!), Weizen glasses are pilsners rounded at the upper side. This distinctive curve at the top is what makes them stand apart in looks as well as the beers that taste better when served in these. Designed keeping wheat beers in mind (as the name meant that too in German- Weizenbier), it keeps the foam head in its place. Thus, you can truly appreciate the characteristics wheat ales are enjoyed. Also, since these beers are served unfiltered, the narrow bottom doesn’t let yeast to get through your lips.