The 15 Best Beer Glasses for a Proper Pour Every Time

Proper beer glassware is a treasured part of beer culture.

Did you know glassware affects the taste and appearance of your beer? And there are many so types of beer glasses!

The right glass makes all the difference and can be the center stage for a wonderful beer-drinking experience. From the many specific shapes of Belgian breweries to the new American styles tailored to make drinking those craft beer hazy IPAs an out-of-this-world experience, here is what you need to know about beer glasses.

Why Does the Type of Beer Glass Matter?

There are so many reasons why the type of beer glass matters. First, in some countries, the glass is chosen by the brewer to bring out the best experience possible. So what does the proper glass do?

First, how the glass feels in the hand is important. An outward tapered glass, or ridges, prevents the glass from sliding out of your hand. For larger vessels, a handle might be required.

Next, a beer glass, just like a wine glass, can be designed to bring out the aromas of the liquid. In the general narrow top and wider bottom help most

However, you might spot a classic Pilsner glass that has an outward taper. This is done to affect the foam.

The tapered shape serves as a “wedge” and gives the head of the top of the beer some additional support. An inwardly tapered beer glass forces the head in on itself.

Don’t think the rim doesn’t play an important part, because it sure as heck does. Whether the rim is flared outward or inward, it will change the part of the mouth in which the beer is delivered.

A flared rim will distribute the liquid more widely across the mouth, not just on the center of the tongue.

Finally, when it comes to size, that is also an intentional choice. I mean, are you really going to expect a 10% ABV Barleywine craft beer to be poured into a 32-ounce beer stein? No.

Instead, beer glasses range from a few ounces to a full liter in capacity! Typically, you’ll find the beer will be matched to the glass with stronger beers being served in smaller glasses.

Types of Beer Glasses by Country of Origin

Many styles of beer glasses have strong associations with many brands within a specific style or region. There are four major beer cultures that have had the strongest influence on the types of beer glasses we all see and use today:

American Beer Glassware:

Some American brewers have put forth their own unique beer glasses, but American beer culture has only come out with a few and widely adopted beer glass styles.

Belgian Beer Glassware:

In Belgium, nearly every brewery has its own distinct and brand glass to associate with its beer. (See photos above!) Therefore, even within one style of beer, you’ll find a range of glasses used in Belgian bars.

Nearby French brewers typically follow Belgium’s conventions.

British and Irish Beer Glassware:

Most commonly, bars throughout Britain and Ireland use the nonic pint glass, but some other traditional variations are seen.

German Beer Glassware:

Due to Germany’s rich brewing culture, we have a full range of glasses associated with specific styles (like the Kolsch’s stange glass). The beer glass cultures of the Czech Republic and Austria both contribute and draw from Germany’s culture.

The Best Beer Glasses for Every Beer Style

The list below gives 15 modern beer glass styles and lists a few different types of beers that they are best used for. Remember, these recommendations are not absolute. Most beers, in fact, can be served in more than one style of beer glass!