Guide To Different Types Of Beer & Lager Glasses

Whether you’re a fan of traditional real ale, hoppy craft beer or a crisp ice-cold lager, the type of glass you drink your favorite beer from can have a big impact on how you enjoy the aromas and flavors of this precious golden liquid. Discover the different types of beer and lager glasses in our guide below.

Craft Brew Pilsner glass
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What are the different types of beer glasses?

There are many different shapes and sizes when it comes to beer glasses, and each one serves a different purpose.

Craft Brew IPA Glass

IPA Glass

The unique bell shape of the IPA glass is designed to let you delight in the flavors and aromas of an India Pale Ale. The slight taper at the top of the glass preserves the rich, pillowy head while allowing you to enjoy the unique combination of hops chosen by your favorite brewers.

Craft Beer Pilsner Glass

Pilsner Glass

A pilsner glass is typically narrow at the bottom and wide at the top. This tapered design is used to concentrate the carbon dioxide towards the top of the glass, meaning it’s a perfect shape for highly-carbonated beers such as pilsners, lagers and wheat beers. The wide opening at the top also helps to form a thick foamy head, trapping delicious hoppy aromas and yeast esters for a delicious aromatic experience.

Craft Beer Mug

Beer Mug

A more traditional beer glass design, the mug is created with a handle so that your hands don’t warm up the cold beer inside. Perfect for toasting during beer-fueled celebrations, these glasses are best used to serve German and English lagers and ales.

Elegance Lager Glass

Lager Glass

A lager glass is designed to be tall and curved towards the top (much like a pilsner glass) in order to take advantage of the higher carbonation typically found in lagers (you want to make the most of that extra fizz). The curved design also allows for a beautiful foamy white head to form at the top of the lager, and will help it stay until the last drop is drunk.

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How do you clean and care for beer glasses?

When it comes to caring for your beer glasses, there are a few things you can do to make sure your glasses are “beer clean”. A beer clean glass will help head retention, and will also help enhance the flavors and aromas of your beer. Follow these steps to ensure professional beer serving standards at home:

  • Hand wash your glassware – Dishwashers can leave an invisible film and can damage your glasses.
  • Have a dedicated brush or sponge – Buy a wash brush you only use for your beer glasses, and don’t use one that is used for all of your other dishes.
  • Don’t use dishwashing soap – Soap contains oils, which cling to the glass and kill head retention. Use baking soda sprinkled inside the glass, give it a light scrub and then rinse with cold water for a “beer clean” glass.
  • Air dry your glassware – Dry glasses upside down on a tray.
  • Rinse your glass with cold water before pouring a beer – Any dust will be washed away, and it cools the glass down a few degrees to help you pour the perfect drink.