Beer Glasses - Why are they important?

If you've been wondering why your beers have little or no head, the solution could be as simple and easy as this - Try a different glass!

You may not realise, but the shape, material and thickness of your glass can have an effect on your beer and more importantly, it's head. Thicker glasses will warm slower, therefore will improve the persistence of the foam. Any marks or etches in the bottom of the glass also play an important part by agitating the bubbles and sending them to the surface which releases more aromas. Some companies have been known to purposely etch marks into their glasses to create this effect!

The head not only looks good but also contains a lot of the delicious hop and spice aromas that make a beer so irresistible, so by pouring your beer into the right glass, you are not only maintaining the froth, but also letting all those great aromas mingle with the CO2 bubbles and concentrate the flavour of your beer.

So what about shape? Well, snifter and tulip shaped glasses are ideal for capturing the aromas because of their narrow brim and wider base and are also great for maintaining a good head. The tall pilsner glass is popular for proper head and lighter beers as they accentuate the colour and clarity of the beer. Steins, mugs and pint glasses hold more volume and are more sturdy but are poor when it comes to head and clarity.

And last but certainly not least, in fact probably most important of all - Always make sure your glasses are clean! Oil or grease residues from the kitchen can severely effect the head of your beer, and bad odours on the glass can turn even the most dedicated beer drinker away.