Beer glasses:

ALTGLAS:

A cylindrical shape which neither raises nor flattens the head. Thin glass aids a sense of freshness when holding. Used for amber beers.

BALLOON:

Narrows towards the top so as to raise the head. Ideal for full-bodied beers that can be drunk at any time of day.

BRITISH MUG:

Thick glassed to maintain cellar storage temperature, smooth to highlight the lack of effervescence. Ideal for ales.

GERMAN STEIN:

The king of beer fests. Thick glassed to maintain the beer’s low temperature without inhibiting the natural formation of a head. The glass is cut to highlight the beer’s effervescence.

STEMMED BEER GLASS:

This shape, which narrows towards the top, “raises” the head, whilst stopping it from overflowing.

TULIP GLASS:

The flared top impedes the formation of an excessive head and encourages appreciation of the beer’s aroma. Perfect for aromatic beers.

PINT GLASS:

Medium thickness glass, a shape that bulges slightly at the centre and narrows at the top.

PILSNER GLASS:

Like the previous kind, but with a wider top to limit the amount of head.

CHALICE:

A more or less perfectly hemispherical shape.

FLUTE:

A perfect shape for drinking dry beers.

KÖLSCHGLAS:

Cylindrical, slim and small. Ideal for tasting real ales.

NONIC GLASS:

Pint glass with a sudden widening below the top edge.

BEER BOOT (BIERSTIEFELN):

A beer glass that requires care when drinking; indeed, its shape can prove tricky for beginners. However, it is ideal for any kind of beer. It’s used in initiation ceremonies among students in Germany.

WEIZENBECKER:

Standard half-litre quantity. The widening at the top helps to hold the frothy head of Weizen and Weissbier beers.