I read an interesting post over at Musings Over a Pint. In it David contemplates the movement toward expensive, style-specific glassware for beer consumption:
My feelings on proper glassware are well-documented. I insist on drinking beer from a glass whenever possible. But, we all know glassware can get expensive. There are almost as many varieties of glasses as there are styles of beer. I remember when the Boston Beer Company released their specialty beer glasses, and many drinkers, myself included, balked at the price. Now, the Spiegelau glass makers of Germany have released their ‘Beer Classics’ line, in a sense taking things up a notch:
Throughout the world, there is a fast growing range of different beers just waiting to be discovered. In order to get most out of the characteristics of beer (appearance, aroma, taste, finish) it is essential to choose the right glass. To cover all these aspects, we at Spiegelau used our expertise and 500 years experience in making crystal to develop three elegant, especially thin blown beer glasses matching the world‘s most common beer styles.I certainly agree with those first two sentences. The new glass designs include a 14 oz. stemmed glass recommended for Belgian-style beers and pilsners, a 16 oz. footed glass for general lagers and ales, and a 17.5 oz glass for wheat beers. These glasses come in sets of two in a unique tube package. And, they sell for about $15.00 per glass. That’s a lot of beer that could be had for the money one would spend to acquire a set of two in each style. How much is too much? Fine glassware for wines is not uncommon, and we often lament that beer doesn’t seem to merit same respect that wine receives. I am sure this is very nice glassware and I certainly wouldn’t mind adding these to my assemblage. Though I wonder if the apparent trend towards pricey beer glasses is the sort of equality we hoped for. However, if high-end glassware causes folks to sit up and take notice, then I’m all for it.
A color brochure for the new glass line can be found here.
(Via Musings Over a Pint.)
My own thoughts tend to follow David here. While no one would like to choose between paying for glassware and paying for the beer to put in it (since the former is pointless without the latter), drinking a beer from “the right glass” can and does impact the taste. A chalice or tulip full of murky amber Belgian trippel is almost a totally different beer than a tumbler or—gasp—a bottle of the same brew.
Local (and not so local) places like Novare Res, Great Lost Bear, and Ebenezer’s recognize this fact. That is why you will see rows and rows of barware hanging at each, and rows and rows of customers waiting to order. The beer at these three, and others like them, is generally better (and more expensive) than some other Friday night haunts, and so is the tasting experience. It’s not the whole equation, but it’s an important part.
So, what is a budding beer connoisseur on a budget to do? $15/glass crystal is not really practical, but there are cheaper alternatives to be had. First and foremost, realize that you only need a few different types of glasses to enhance your home sampling. Start with a good web beer guide, such as the one offered by BeerAdvocate.com. Find your favorite two or three types of beer, and pick up a few appropriate glasses. A pair of tulips or chalices if you like Belgian ales (the tulips are generally more versatile), a couple proper tumblers for you hopheads out there, or a set of nice tall Weizen glasses for wheat beer fans, and you’re on your way.
After acquiring your glasses, do a side-by-side comparison of your favorite beer in its new glass, in a straight-sided American pint glass, and out of the bottle. Invite some friends over and get their thoughts, too. A nice glass won’t turn a Bud Light into a great lager, but it can open your senses to some of the nuances of your latest trappist gem which you may have been missing. Cheers!
