The importance of glassware to beer sensory: the shape and character of a glass are of fundamental importance and will greatly change the character and the experience a beer drinker has!
Glassware features and their affect on beer sensory:
- Thickness of the glass affects beer temperature. The Rim of the glass provides a psychological impression: thick=rustic; thin=elegant.
- Shape of the glass impacts consumer perceptions from a visual perspective impacting proper head retention.
- The glassware mouth opening influences aroma release, head retention and affects sensory perception on the tongue and lips.
- The stem of the glassware provides another psychological impression of elegant vs. rustic.
| Style |
Glass Features |
Sensory Benefits |
Shaker, Pint, Tumbler
|
Fairly thick glass, stackable, sturdy |
Easy to drink out of, keeps beer cold with foam head retention |
Imperial Pint
|
Medium walled glass with large mouth |
Easy to drink out of with good Foam head retention |
Pilsner
|
Medium walled glass, tall, slender, tapered, often with a foot |
Showcases sparkling effervescence, color, and clarity and maintains a foam head |
Weisen
|
Thin walled glass, tall, slender, tapered with a larger mouth |
Showcases color, sparkling effervescence and encourages a large foam head which traps aroma |
Tulip
|
Stemmed, think walled with flared mouth opening |
Captures and enhances volatiles while supporting a large foam head, hand can warm the beer |
Benefits of Proper Glassware:
- Improves the image of the brand leading to more satisfied customers
- Improves the sensory experience for the consumer leading to return visits
- Reinforces the beer credentials of the account leading to repeat customers
- Beer clean glassware help insure a good sensory experience leading to improved sales