10 Best Beer Glasses in 2022 (Craft Beer Brewer-Reviewed)
Beer is one of the most popular drinks the world over. There are more than 100 different types of beer, and each kind has its own distinctive flavor profile and color. To get the best flavor out of the beer, it's important to use the right type of glass. You might need beer glasses for a party you are hosting, or you might want to gift a set to someone special. There is a perfect beer glass for all occasions.
If you are looking for details on which beer glass to choose, check out our buying guide for tips to know before you purchase. And if you need some options, check out our list of favorites. Out of all the beer glasses we reviewed, the Pub 'N' Co. Ultimate Pint Glass was our favorite. This glass works well for any beer, and the design features enhance the drinking experience. Continue reading for more options!
Manabu Sato is the representative of KEY CORPORATION Caghiya Brewery and the owner of Cafe Club Key. Born in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, after graduating from university, Manabu studied abroad in England, where he discovered British pub culture. Inspired by the sense of community, where men and women of all ages gather, after returning to Japan in 2017, Manabu opened Caghiya Brewery in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, where he now brews his original craft beers. He also launched the Craft Beer Association and now hosts beer-related events in Kawasaki in an effort to help spread craft beer culture in Japan.
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Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust Us
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the best way to pour beer? Is there a method to create a good head?
- How does glass thickness affect a beer's flavor?
- Does no beer lacing on a glass mean it's low-quality?
- More Must-Haves for Beer Lovers
- Amazon's Best Selling Beer Glasses
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Craft Beer Brewer Manabu Sato
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
How to Choose Beer Glasses
When choosing a beer glass, there are many factors that you should consider. Two important aspects are the size and shape of the glass and the durability. Our buying guide will further detail which glass is best to compliment your beer.
Choose From the Larger Types of Glasses for Most Beers
The shape of the glass is important as it can enhance carbonation or amplify aromas. The size and shape of particular glasses are best suited to hold certain beers. Read on to learn about common glass shapes for larger volumes of beer and how they compliment the taste and aroma.
Pint Glasses Are Multipurpose
Pint glasses work for many types of beer, including ales, stouts, and IPAs. Due to their versatility, they are used in most bars, restaurants, and clubs.
There are two kinds of pint glass: American and English. An American pint glass, also referred to as a shaker glass, is designed to hold a full American pint of 16 ounces. It has a cylindrical shape with a wide mouth that narrows towards the base. It can also double as a cocktail shaker.
On the other hand, a nonic pint glass, or English glass, can hold an imperial pint of 20 ounces, and looks very similar to the American type. However, it has a slight bulge below the rim of the glass. This design makes it easier to hold. Both American and Imperial pint glasses are stackable for easy storage.
Pilsner Glasses for Light-Colored Beers
Pilsner glasses are slender and tall with straight, tapered sides. They're usually used for light-colored beers, such as pilsners, blonde ales, and American lagers. Their long shape helps showcase the color and effervescence of light beers. The slightly wide mouth helps maintain the head of the beer and traps its aromatics, too.
Weizen Glasses for Wheat Beers
Weizen and pilsner glasses can look quite similar. Weizen glasses also have thin walls and are tall to highlight the hue of the beer. The wide opening supports a foamy head and channels the beer's aroma to your nose as you drink.
Unlike pilsner glasses, they have a curved profile to enhance head retention and keep yeast and sediment at the bottom of the glass. Weizen is a German word that means wheat, and weizen glasses are used for wheat beers like American wheat ales, goses, and hefeweizens.
Beer Mugs Help Keep Beer Cold
Beer mugs are versatile and work for all kinds of beer. You can use them for dark and roasty beers like stouts and porters, fruity beers like ales, or crispy beers such as pilsners or lagers.
Since they are made of thick glass, beer mugs can keep beer cold longer and are very durable. Some even have a double-walled construction for extra insulation and durability.
Also, they have a wide handle that helps you hold on to your drink. However, keep in mind that they can be quite large and heavy.
Smaller Glasses Work Well for Tastings and Aromatic Beers
Small glasses have their place in your home bar, too. They're good for savoring the aroma of specialty beers, doing tastings, and more.
Tulip and Teku Glasses for Strong Beers
Tulip glasses have a bulbous bowl-shaped body and a short stem. This shape helps capture the aromatics of the beer while allowing swirling to amplify those aromatics.
On top of that, their flared lip helps maintain a head on your beer. This type of beer glass is great for strong beers such as Belgian ales, barleywine, and Scottish ales.
Teku glasses look similar to tulip glasses. They were created by Teo Musso and Lorenzo "Kuaska" Dabov, Italian craft brewers. Teku glasses have a tulip shape, a thin and flared lip, and a long, slender stem. Their unique design helps bring out the beer's aroma and flavor and preserve bubbles.
They work particularly well for strong beers.. You can also use this glass with fruity beers, like wits or hefeweizens, or hoppy beers, like pale ales and IPAs.
Bell-Shaped Glasses Are Ideal for IPAs
These beer glasses have a unique bell shape with a rounded mouth that helps amplify the beer's aromatics and direct them to your nose as you sip. The discernible ridges on the glasses help agitate the beer for maximum aroma and foam.
Specific Shapes for Unique Situations
Some beer glasses are most useful in certain situations. For instance, delicate beers are best enjoyed in a rye glass or a blonde glass. A delicate beer, kolsh for example, is suited for a rye glass because the tall glass helps retain carbonation and flavor. Blonde glasses taper toward the base for a narrow shape; this is meant to enhance the concentration and taste of the beer.
Tasting glasses offer you a way to sample a small amount of beer or taste a variety of beers. Because of this, they are commonly found on beer tasting tours. Another use for tasting glasses is to try different beers with your friends. They also make a great gift.
Novelty beer glasses can be found at breweries or given in bars for special occasions. They are also popular as gifts, as they can be personalized. They can range in style and size, so be sure to pay close attention to which beer they will pair best with.
Consider Borosilicate Glass for Durability
Many beer glasses are made of soda-lime glass. Although they are affordable, these glasses can break easily if dropped and are sensitive to scratches. They are also not resistant to thermal shock and can shatter if subject to sudden cooling or heating.
If you're looking for durable beer glasses that will last, try to find borosilicate glass. This glass is made with silica and higher amounts of boron trioxide. Borosilicate glass is stronger than soda-lime glass and can handle more rapid cooling and heating without breaking.
Look for Nucleation for More Carbonation
Some beer glasses have etching or a nucleation point on the bottom. The nucleation point helps release carbon dioxide from the beer, forming a steady stream of bubbles that flow from the base to the mouth of the glass. Therefore, it gives you a foamy head and maintains the head of your beer longer.
Think About How You Will Use the Glasses
It is important to consider how you will use beer glasses in order to decide the best option. For instance, if you want to host friends for an outdoor party, it might be best to choose a durable glass or something with a handle. If you and your friends enjoy sampling a variety of beers, you might want a set of tasting glasses.
If you are giving beer glasses as a gift, it will help to choose something suited to the recipient's taste. You might want to personalize a customizable glass or choose a novelty glass.
10 Best Beer Glasses Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pub 'N' Co Ultimate Pint Glass | | Best Overall Pint Glass for Many Types of Beer | |
2 | Luminarc | | Best for Beer Tasting | |
3 | Du Vino Beer Glass | | Best for Wheat Beers | |
4 | EcoDesign-US Beer Glass | | Best for Dark Beers | |
5 | Bavel Large Beer Glasses | | Best for Handling Various Temperatures | |
6 | Dragon Glassware Beer Mug | | Best for Keeping Your Beer Chilled | |
7 | Spotted Dog Company | | Best Glass for Gift Giving | |
8 | Du Vino Nucleated Teku Beer Glass | | Best for Capturing a Beer's Aroma | |
9 | LUXU | | Best for Sharing With a Group | |
10 | Serami German-Style Extra Large Beer Steins ｜ | | Best Thick Glasses for Handling Drops |
Best Overall Pint Glass for Many Types of Beer
Pros:
- Stackable design
- Etched nucleation point for added carbonation
- Bowl shape enhances flavor and aroma
Cons:
- Some customers feel the high price is not justified
This 16-ounce pint glass features a large bowl and a flared lip. These features enhance the aromas and flavor of your favorite beer. The size and design of this glass make it perfect to hold any beer, and the stackable design makes it easy for storage. Another great feature is the etched nucleation point, which refreshes the head with carbonation.
Some buyers feel the glass is overpriced; they believe the price is not justified. On another note, the majority love that this beer glass is sturdy, stackable, and dishwasher-safe. They also share that it supports a frothy head and enhances the sensory experience.
Best for Beer Tasting
Pros:
- Curved design for easy handling
- Great for enjoying beer flights with friends or can be given as a gift
- Enhances drinking experience with a flared rim
- Comes in six-piece set for sharing or testing different types
Cons:
- Buyers wish the glasses were thicker and heavier
These tasting glasses are a perfect way to enjoy many different types of beer. Their clarity makes them ideal to display various types of beer, and their size makes them perfect for beer flights. They can also make a great gift for the beer lover in your life.
Some reviews point out that the glasses are a bit lightweight; they wish they were more durable. But, a majority of reviewers love the design of these glasses. They point out that the glasses are the perfect size for beer flights and tastings.
Best for Wheat Beers
Pros:
- Nucleation points assist in carbonation
- Durable and thick glass
- Design enhances drinking experience for wheat beers
Cons:
- Some reviews point out that the glasses are smaller than anticipated
These pilsner glasses are tall have a wide opening, just like a Weizen. The glasses work best for wheat beers, like wheat ales or Weizenbocks. The laser-etched bottom facilitates the release of bubbles, and the opening helps keep the foam head of the beer.
A few buyers wish that the glasses were slightly bigger; they did not meet their expectations for size. Reviewers comment that they're well-crafted, not too heavy, and easy to clean. Many reviewers also note that the glasses feel sturdy.
Best for Dark Beers
Pros:
- The design promotes fragrance and taste
- Pairs well with dark beers
- Durable design and thick glass
Cons:
- Some reviewers think the glasses are too bulky
With a bulbous body and a subtly flared rim, these tulip glasses help concentrate the head and enhance the rich profile of strong brews like stouts and IPAs. Since the stem is short, you can easily swirl the glass to magnify the fragrance of the beer. They also come with cork-style coasters.
A few buyers note the glasses were larger than anticipated. But, many reviewers praise these tulip glasses for their durable construction. They say that they're comfortable to hold and really do promote the flavor and aroma of dark beers.
Best for Handling Various Temperatures
Pros:
- Borosilicate glass resists temperature and scratches
- Designed to fit perfectly in your hand
- Can shape helps retain the aroma
Cons:
- A few reviewers thought the glasses cracked easily
These unique can-shaped glasses hold up to 20 ounces of beer. The borosilicate glass resists scratches and warping, too. It's highly resistant to thermal shock as well, so it won't crack easily if exposed to sudden changes in temperature. You can safely put this glass in the refrigerator or dishwasher.
A number of buyers wish the glasses would be shatterproof; they have issues with accidentally cracking the glasses. Overall, many happy buyers share that the size of the glasses is just right, making them comfortable to hold. Many others love the large capacity, saying it can hold a can of beer with room to spare.
Best for Keeping Your Beer Chilled
- Double-walled construction to keep your beer cold
- Lightweight design
- Works well with a variety of beers
- Some reviewers think the handle is too small
This mug is constructed with two walls of glass to help your beer stay cold for a long time. It also offers a unique look, as it looks like your drink is floating in the glass. Plus, it holds up to 13.3 ounces of beer, which is more than enough for a standard can.
A few buyers complain that the handle is rather small. However, the majority love that it isn't too heavy, unlike other glass mugs. They also report that the double-walled structure prevents the glass from sweating.
Best Glass for Gift Giving
Pros:
- Fully customizable laser etching
- Great for enjoying light beers
- Designed to enhance the beer's aroma
Cons:
- A few buyers have issues with the clarity of the etching
This pilsner glass would make the perfect gift because it is fully customizable. You can create the ideal beer glass for someone, or you can personalize it for yourself. It can hold 32 ounces and the shape makes it perfect for aromatic light beers.
Some reviewers express issues with the etching not being as legible as they wanted. However, most reviewers claim they love the design of the glass. They feel the etching compliments the design. And they also point out that the glass is very durable.
Best for Capturing a Beer's Aroma
Pros:
- Tulip shape to enhance aromatics
- Nucleation points assist in carbonation
- Long stem for easy handling
Cons:
- Buyers felt the glass is too fragile
This teku glass has a tulip shape design that concentrates the beer's aroma and helps retain the head longer. The flared lip helps channel the aroma to your nose. Another great feature is the five nucleation points etched into this glass; they assist in releasing bubbles to help refresh the head.
According to a few buyers, this teku glass is fragile. They recommend not putting it in the dishwasher but instead washing it by hand using a soft sponge. On another note, the majority agree that this glass enhances their drinking experience by concentrating the beer's aroma.
Best for Sharing With a Group
Pros:
- Holds up to 20 ounces of beer
- Stackable for easy storage
- Curved design makes them easy to handle
Cons:
- Buyers wish the glasses were thicker
These English pint glasses can hold up to 20 ounces of beer! They boast a curved design so the glass fits perfectly in your hand. Because they are stackable and dishwasher-safe, these glasses are perfect for social events.
A few reviewers wish the cups were thicker and therefore more resistant to breaking, However, other reviews applaud the design of the glass and say that it feels great to hold.
Best Thick Glasses for Handling Drops
Pros:
- Thick glass is able to resist drops
- Able to hold large volumes of beer
- Sturdy base helps prevent tipping or spilling
Cons:
- Some buyers found the mugs a bit heavy
These beer mugs can hold up to 34 ounces of beer! Since they are made of thick glass, they're durable and weigh about three pounds each. Due to their durable design, these mugs can handle being dropped or bumped. The thick glass also helps insulate your beer and keep it cold.
A few reviewers thought the beer mugs are too heavy for them. But, many buyers are happy with the solid construction of these beer mugs, Reviewers also love that the mugs can hold a lot of beer.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing our buying guide, Manabu also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about beer and beer glasses.
What's the best way to pour beer? Is there a method to create a good head?
Manabu says, "I recommend pouring your beer in three steps, making it foam as you pour. For your first pour, fill roughly half your glass. When the bubbles calm down a bit, pour a second time into your glass, except this time stop at around just short of an inch below the rim.
Finally, gently pour the remaining beer into your glass near the edge, making sure you don't break up too much of the foam. This method will ensure that your beer stays nice and frothy!"
How does glass thickness affect a beer's flavor?
"Thicker glasses are better insulated," Manabu explains. "But on the other hand, thicker glasses don't give you as delicate of a mouthfeel as thinner ones."
Does no beer lacing on a glass mean it's low-quality?
Manabu says, "Beer's worst enemy is oil. If you can't do beer lacing or bubbles stick to the side of the glass, it means there are traces of oil. If this is happening and you're able to, I recommend washing your glasses in hot water with a surfactant, then air-drying them upside-down. You don't need to wipe it off; just let it air-dry completely. This should have an effect on foaming ability."
More Must-Haves for Beer Lovers
Enhance your beer drinking experience with these products, or give them as the perfect gift!
Buying Guide Reviewed by Craft Beer Brewer Manabu Sato
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Beer Glasses
No. 1: Pub 'N' Co｜Ultimate Pint Glass
No. 2: Luminarc｜
No. 3: Du Vino｜Beer Glass
No. 4: EcoDesign-US｜Beer Glass
No. 5: Bavel ｜Large Beer Glasses
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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