The Best Beer Glasses

Buying Guide for Beer Glasses

Why buy beer glasses?

Beer glasses are designed to bring out the best in your brew. A good glass will ensure that the aroma bouquet is properly supported. Likewise, many of these glasses can be frozen, guaranteeing that you’re not left sipping a room-temperature ale.

What should you consider when shopping for the best beer glasses?

• Freezing Capability: There’s no beer like cold beer, right? It’s pretty much the only way to drink it. So if you want it to stay that way, opt for a glass that can be frozen.
• Size: Some beer glasses are larger than average, so if you don’t like returning to the fridge constantly, it might be a good option for you.
• Humor: If you’re pouring your beer into a glass, why not make it an amusing glass? Some offer a shape just like a can so that there’s no missing out on the feel of the can. Others come equipped with jokes or other funny puns. If humor is your thing, find a glass that makes you smile.
• Style: Craft beer glasses tend to offer the same size but are shaped differently, allowing different aromas and flavors to form as they are swirled around the glass. Make sure the glass you choose will work for your favorite brew.

What are the proper steps for pouring beer into a glass?

First, you will want to hold your glass at a 45-degree angle and then pour your can of beer steadily into the side of the glass. Slowly turn your glass up once your beer reaches the halfway point of the glass. There’s no hard and fast rule, but typically you’ll want to finish your pour with about a half to one inch head (the white foam layer) at the top. This also depends on the type of beer you pour and the type of glass you use.

Our Picks for the Best Beer Glasses

Pros: This beer glass comes with a handy silicone grip. It’s ideal for anything from IPAs to pilsners, stouts, and even cider and will seem to make your drink taste even better. The walls on the glass are insulated plastic and filled with proprietary cooling gel. Only two hours in the freezer can help keep your drink at the perfect chilled temperature. Free of BPA, the plastic offers sturdy construction with a no-sweat design that is great for indoor and outdoor use.

Cons: Although incredibly functional, you only get two in a set which can make this a pricey pick for some. Also, insulated glasses like this usually aren’t dishwasher-safe.

Bottom Line: Put an end to fears of warm beer with these insulated beer glasses. Freeze ahead of time, so you’re favorite brew won’t have to suffer.

 

Pros: Coming with eight 16-ounce glasses and eight stainless steel straws, this set is great as a gift or for small get-togethers. Offering a classic design, these glasses are easy to hold with their thick handles without feeling heavy. The sturdy base gives them a classic look with a round and tall appearance that looks great in the kitchen or bar area.

Cons: These glasses have a habit of cracking easily, especially if you store them in the freezer.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking to quickly build a beer glass collection, this eight-piece set of glasses is the perfect pick. They are a reliable choice that can hold any frothy beverage of your liking.

 

Pros: If you drink more than one kind of beer, you’ll appreciate this set. You’ll get a total of six different types of beer glasses, including pilsner, English pub, Belgian ale, stout/porter, wheat beer, and craft pub glass. All of these glasses are made to be dishwasher safe and to complement the specific beer style that they’re designed to accommodate.

Cons: The quality is not the same as with competitor brands, and they may be too thick and bulky for some.

Bottom Line: When you want to mimic a beer pour and experience similar to the pub, these classic pint glasses are designed to bring out the best in your drink.

 

Pros: Ales are popular in the U.S., meaning that the pilsner glass is a solid choice if you want to upgrade your beer glass collection. This set comes with four pilsner pint glasses that can accommodate up to 15.5 ounces. Plus, you’ll like that these are designed for foam. So, in theory, you can opt for a 12-ounce pour with room for head. To top it off, these glasses are freezer and dishwasher-safe.

Cons: The sizes of these glasses may seem smaller than expected. 

Bottom Line: Take your IPAs to the next level with this set of pilsner glasses. Whether at a party or in the comfort of your own home,  these glasses will give you the same feel as if your brew was poured from the tap.

 

Pros: This set offers four essential glasses for any craft beer lover—four glasses designed to enhance each sip of beer. The kit comes equipped with an IPA, Tulip, Lager, and Hefe glass that is each German-made, lead-free crystal barware with a modern design. They’re easy to clean in the dishwasher and make a great gift for any beer drinker looking to enhance their connoisseurship.

Cons: While beautiful in design, the glass is extremely thin and fragile.

Bottom Line: Drinking beer should be an experience, and this fun set of four craft beer glasses is the perfect way to get into the spirit of sampling beer.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re simply cracking open a cold one or you want a more elevated beer experience, a good set of beer glasses can help you enjoy your favorite suds. From preserving the aroma and flavor to keeping them cold, make sure you have beer glasses in your arsenal.