The 7 Best Beer Glasses for IPAs, Stouts, and More

What To Look For in Beer Glasses

Shape

“If you have a favorite beer brand, I recommend having the glass or style of glass that the brewery pours your favorite beer in around the home,” says Max Bakker, Master Cicerone at Anheuser-Busch. “Other essential glasses to have at home to elevate your beer experiences include stemmed chalice/tulip glasses and a few proper imperial nonic-style pint glasses.” 

Mack dually notes that glassware with smaller openings are more conducive to taking tinier sips, which also affects the where the beer lands on your tongue. “[Where the beer lands on your tongue] can channel the aroma into your nose between each sip differently,” Mack explains, citing that bulb-shaped glasses collect, and therefore showcase, aromas in a distinct way. “You'll get a little whiff every time you take a sip, which will ultimately affect your perception of the beer,” he says. For very vibrant ales (think Belgian ales with ample floral and fruit-forward notes), this can be very impactful in rendering the consumer to savor the liquid rather than chugging it down. 

Size

Most bars serve a pint in a standard, 20-ounce glass, but notice the variety of sizing on this list. Depending on the alcohol percentage and the style of a beer, you will want to serve each beer in a corresponding glass. “You wouldn't serve someone whiskey in a coffee mug or pint glass, or wine in a 20-ounce stein, because it’s dangerous and irresponsible,” Mack explains, equally noting that doing so doesn’t do any positive service to the beverage at hand. 

Mack also states that if worried about efficiency, simply continue refilling the glass rather than overserving up front—and that beers presented in smaller glasses are served as such for a specific reason. “[As a consumer,] don’t assume that you’re being cheated because you’re getting a smaller pour—any beer that’s on the higher-ABV side is going to have an aromatic element to it that's worthwhile, so smaller glasses with larger, bulbous shapes that collect aromas are important,” he says. Consider what beers you prefer sipping and pick a glass size accordingly.

Maintenance

“Beer glasses are kind of like house plants—sometimes they are hard to keep alive,” Bakker says. “I recommend looking for glasses that you will be able to clean and maintain. Stemmed glasses and glasses with intricate artwork on them are nice, but always require hand washing versus ease of the dishwasher. Thinner, lighter glasses require a softer touch when cleaning, drying, and storing.”

“To ensure that your glass is 'beer clean,' use a lanolin-free dish soap and air dry your glasses on a rack versus using a towel," he says. "You will know if you have a beer-clean glass by the looks of your pour.” If you’re not one to want to wash and polish a glass after a late night of sipping, consider a dishwasher-safe option.

FAQs

Why does beer taste better in a glass?

“Beer glasses are designed to promote the visual aesthetics of beer (foam, color, and clarity) and to enhance the beer’s flavor (aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and aftertaste),” Bakker says. “While there are many different types of beer glasses to choose from, a glassware’s cleanliness will make a bigger difference in your enjoyment than the type of glass used.”

How many ounces are in a beer glass?

“I recommend an 8- to 10-ounce, stemmed, chalice-type tulip glass for high-ABV beer,” Bakker says. “Like spirits, beer with a high ABV is best consumed in smaller portions and in glassware designed to capture and maximize the aroma of the product.” For standard-proof beers, a regular, larger glass is completely serviceable.

Can you freeze beer glasses?

Freezing your glasses is a dangerous game. Yes, your glasses will be icy cold, but the glasses will also pick up the scents of things in your freezer, meaning your IPA may have subtle notes of frozen pizza. Unless you have a beer fridge with shelves set aside for glasses, consider just chilling your beer.

How do I pour a beer?

“Give your glass a rinse with some clean cool water before pouring,” Bakker says. “Tilt your glass at a 45-degree angle and pour until about two-thirds full. Then, pour straight down the middle with force to develop the perfect collar of foam. You should see a nice collar of foam composed of small, tight bubbles, and there should be no bubbles adhering to the sides of the glass.”

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This article was written by Joshua M. Bernstein, a journalist specializing in beer, spirits, food, and travel. Bernstein is also the author of five books: "Brewed Awakening," "The Complete Beer Course," "Complete IPA," "Homebrew World," and "Drink Better Beer."

This article was updated by Kate Dingwall, who has spent more than six years writing about wine and spirits and the last decade as a working sommelier. Her work appears in a variety of national outlets, both print and digital. She’s the niece of an award-winning Belgian brewer and is always kind enough to help test his new brews. For this roundup, she interviewed master cicerone Max Bakker of Anheuser-Busch.

Vicki Denig is a wine, spirits, and travel journalist based between New York and Paris, additionally updated this roundup with new selections and an interview with Zach Mack. Her writing regularly appears in major industry publications, including Liquor.com, WineSearcher, Decanter, and beyond. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine. When not writing, Vicki enjoys indoor cycling classes and scoping out dogs to pet in her local parks.