Historians claim the first beer ever brew occurred in ancient China around 7,000 B.C.E. (Before Common Era). In other words, not long after human beings developed methods for reliably obtaining food, shelter, and water, they focused on creating beer.
In the intervening centuries, cultures throughout time have enjoyed beer, and the modern beverage is exponentially more refined than the original product. Today, beer drinkers worldwide can experience an unprecedented selection of beer varieties and flavors. Beer enthusiasts, in particular, go to great lengths to maximize the enjoyment of their favorite beverage. One critical part of the beer-drinking process is the glass in which the brew is poured.
The taste of a beer is heavily dependent on its smell, and beer glasses play an essential role in enhancing a beer’s aroma. Therefore, a beer glass specifically designed for certain types or even specific brands of beer significantly enhances both the flavor of a beer and the overall experience of consuming it.
Our Top Picks
Choosing the best beer glasses doesn’t have to be intimidating. These top picks are all excellent choices based on volume, intended use, and aesthetic quality. Read on to discover some of the best options for enhancing the home bar with a new set of beer glasses.
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This set of beer glasses from Le’raze is an excellent option for any occasion. With a capacity of 17 ounces—an ounce more than a standard pint—these glasses are ideal for beer or any other beverage. They measure 6¼ inches tall with a 3½-inch opening. A weighted sham at the bottom makes these well-balanced glasses extra sturdy.
Featuring classic styling, the glasses are just as suitable for a dinner party as for a night sharing beers with friends. The set includes 10 glasses—enough for most applications—and boasts perfectly smooth rims and edges. An extra bonus: they are dishwasher safe.
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With the look of glass, these 18-ounce plastic beer glasses are an affordable and durable addition to any home bar. Fermented Reality B Cups incorporates several favorable features in the design of the glasses. A tulip lip captures foam for a healthy head, and the wide top exposes more surface area to the air for maximum aroma.
These glasses are 100 percent dishwasher safe for hygienic reuse. Because they are made of plastic, they are especially well suited to outdoor applications like camping or poolside since they won’t shatter if dropped. The plastic is both BPA- and BPS-free.
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This set of 16-ounce craft beer glasses from Brimley is specifically designed to provide a smooth and aromatic beer-drinking experience. These glasses measure 8.4 inches tall by 3 inches in diameter at the mouth. The hourglass design fits comfortably in hand, and the weighted bottom ensures stability.
Where these glasses shine is in the laser-etched spiral nucleation on the bottom. The rough surface collects bubbles until they become large enough to float to the surface. The result is a beer with a well-developed head and enhanced flavor and aroma.
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JoyJolt designed these glasses to serve heavier stouts with maximum enjoyment. Measuring 5¾ inches tall by 3¼ inches at the mouth, the dishwasher-safe beer glasses hold up to 19 ounces. Since the glass is thick and contains no bubbles or imperfections, storing them in a freezer for chilling is no problem.
The thick-rolled glass helps insulate the beer and also feels sturdy and substantial in hand. Modeled on English pub glasses, the rounded section at the top holds a more considerable amount of foam—optimal for stouts and other beers with thick heads. The extra space at the top of the glass retains the hop oils, spices, and flavor elements, providing the drinker with a richer and more aromatic experience.
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These traditional tall glasses from JoyJolt provide the feeling of the bar at home. Measuring 7¼ inches by 2¾ inches, they are suitable for both a 12-ounce pour with a generous head or a topped-off 15½-ounce glass. The glasses are dishwasher safe and contain no imperfections or bubbles, making it possible to safely chill them in a freezer.
Lovers of pilsners and IPAs will benefit from a tapered shape that encourages a long pour ideal for developing a thick head. These glasses unlock the full potential of the aromas and flavors of American lagers, hefeweizens, pilsners, and blonde ales.
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These tulip glasses, also known as Belgian glasses, from Spiegelau are the most curiously shaped option on the list. While they work well with most beers, they are best suited for double IPAs, sours, Belgian ales, and barrel-aged beers. These stemmed glasses are made from lead-free crystal and are blemish-free; they’re also dishwasher safe for up to 1,500 cycles.
The bulbous body and flared lip promote the aroma and flavor of the beer while leaving room for a full head. The stem allows for easy swirling, which further releases the scent and makes these glasses particularly suited to tasting.
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The strong traditional styling of these German-inspired glass steins from Bormioli Rocco makes them a solid addition to any bar set. Crafted by Italian glass blowers, these glasses hold up to 17¼ ounces of beer or any other beverage.
The ergonomic handle keeps the hand away from cold temperatures and offers an alternative aesthetic to many other types of beer glasses. The weighted bottom is ornately etched for a unique appearance and provides a sturdy base for the glasses. These heavy-duty glasses are also dishwasher safe for ease of cleaning.
