Beer Glasses Part One: Goblets, Chalices, Oversize Wine Glass, Flutes, Snifter and Tulip Glasses

Before getting into the beer industry I wasThe Flute glass is the preferred serving vessel for
probably much like many other drinkers, I thoughtBelgian lambics and fruit beers. They aid in
that you just drank beer out of what ever glassdisplaying carbonation, sparkling colour and soft
was available and that different beer glasseslacing distinct to these beer styles. Key difference
were more of a marketing ploy. However, afterbetween the Flute Glass and Champaign glass is
appreciating various beers in different beerthe length of the stem - Flute Glasses often have
glasses for a while now I thought I would writea shorter stem.
something about them. This first article reviewsFlute Glass Advantages: Showcases carbonation.
six different beer glasses – all of which areReleases aromas quickly, allowing a more intense
stemmed, much like a wine glass.initial aroma.
CHALICE  / GOBLETSuitable for: European Pilsners, German Lagers,
Chalices or Goblets are large and bowl shapedGerman Ales, Lambics
with the only real difference between the twoSNIFTER
being the glass thickness. Typcially, Goblets areWhile typically used for brandy and cognac, the
more delicate and thin while Chalices are thick andSnifter is ideal for serving strong ales. The glass
heavy. Further to this some Chalices are etchedhas a wide bowled body and is stemmed. Again
on the bottom to provide a beading orsimilar to Goblets the aroma is not restricted
carbonation point, creating a stream of bubbleshowever snifters are easier to swirl.
for maintaining a nice head.Snifter Advantage: Captures and enhances aroma.
Chalice / Goblet Advantages: Designed to maintainSuitable for: European Ales, Lambics, IPA
head and ideal for wide mouthed sips. Beer aromaTULIP
is not trapped in and therefore easily detected byThe Tulip glass helps trap aroma and maintain
the drinker.head, creating a visual and olfactory sensation.
Suitable for: Belgian styled AlesThe glass has a bulbous mid section with the top
OVERSIZED WINE GLASSflaring out to form a lip which aids in head
While some might find it weird to use anretention. The Tulip beer glass is often considered
oversized wine glass for drinking beer they areto be the great all rounder for ales.
actually perfectly suited for serving Belgian Ales.Tulip Advantage: Traps and enhances volatiles,
Much like a Goblet or Chalice the size of the glasswhile provoking and supporting large foamy heads.
assists in the creation and releasing of the aroma.Suitable for: EuropeanAles, Lambics, IPA
Oversized Wine Glass Advantage: GoodSo as you can tell there is a reason for selecting
replacement for a Tulip or Goblet glass.a different beer glass dependant on the beer -
Suitable for: European and Belgian Ales, IPAand this is just among stemmed beer glasses!
FLUTE GLASS