This script is from the second season of Beer Notes, which you can listen to at beernotes.org.
On last week’s episode of Beer Notes, we discussed why the traditional shaker pint glass found in most breweries and bars across the U.S. isn’t the ideal. This week on Beer Notes, we will introduce you to some of the best glasses that will help you appreciate all the aromas and flavors of your craft beer.
First, the ‘Nonic’ Pint or British Pub Glass: These look a lot like the traditional, straight-walled pint glass, but they have a bulge near the top. The advantages of this glass are mostly for the restaurant or bar. The bulge allows for a better grip, less sticking between glasses and support for the rim. These glasses are stackable, like their traditional counterparts. Head is retained in the bulge to better protect your beer from oxidation and you can enjoy just about any kind of beer from this glass, but it’s designed for volume.
The Spiegelau glass or IPA glass is a recent addition to craft beer culture. Created by Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head, this ingenious invention accommodates any and all IPAs, and does it well. It features ridges around its stem that aerate beer as you drink it. The result is a constant release of aromatics. The tapered bowl and slender shape force those aromatics directly toward your nose. They also may be etched to assist in the consistent release of carbonation. As IPAs are my favorite beer, this is by far my favorite glass. It looks cool, feels cool and enhances the entire experience of drinking your favorite craft draft.
The Snifter: Brandy and cognac drinkers will be no stranger to the snifter. It’s short, fat and wide bowled with a concave rim. The volume varies for these unique vessels, but they typically hold less than a normal pour since they are made for distinctly strong or sweet beers that aren’t sessionable. As with brandy, this is a glass made for swirling. Its bulbous shape traps and enhances aromatics. These are perfectly aligned with sipping and fully tasting what you’re drinking since a large percentage of flavor actually comes from your sense of smell. Barleywines, double or Imperial stouts, double or Imperial IPAs or strong ales work here.
Variety is the spice of life and glass variety will improve your craft beer experience. For Beer Notes, this is Anne Neely.
