Glass Glasses: Not Which, But Why?

Love these glasses, but I just can't pull the trigger. I've plenty of great glass, but this is a work of art.

 

For anyone interested in an alternative to glass for situations where an alternative is desirable.... here ya go:

 

This is not a cheap vessel -- but you are correct -- it's a total work of art. Very heavy -- thick hand blown glass -- quality that is essentially unparalleled. Not some cheap piece of shit made in China or Eastern Europe. This is made in F'ing Vermont by American craftsman. I've had lots of positive comments from BAers on these glasses -- then they find out they cost $60-$70 and they are outraged. Same folks dropping hundreds a week on beer. Dude -- get one of these -- you won't regret it..

 

I've noticed that beer poured into plastic "glassware" seems to lose carbonation rather quickly. I'm no scientist, but I'd guess that plastic has a lot of surface irregularities that serve as nucleation points. For me, it's pretty simple: I don't use plastic because I don't like flat beer.

 

Have two "glasses" at home that are identical apart from the fact that one is made of glass, and one of plastic. I have tried the exact same beer (and wine) side-by-side in them multiple times, and cannot tell the difference at all.

That being said, glass feels nicer to hold than plastic.

Now call me strange, but I do swear that it tastes much different out of ceramic...

 

Jack what's your favorite vessel??

 

Solo cups tip over too easily. Not enough weight.

 

I have a number of favorite glasses for various beer styles.

For hoppy beers my preferred beer glass is the Spiegelau IPA glass.

For Belgian Trappist/Abbey Ale I prefer to use Tulip/Chalice glasses.

For Pilsners I prefer my Pilsner glass that was made in Poland.

For other lagers (e.g., Oktoberfest) I prefer my Spiegelau Lager glass.

For moderately hoppy beers and Porters/Stouts I prefer my can shaped glass (don’t laugh, this glass ‘works’).

For your viewing pleasure see some non-photo shopped photographs below.

Cheers!

 

Glass is easier to clean, easier to see if it is clean, easier to see the beer in, and neutral when it comes to smell.

As such, I prefer it. I even poured my Heady into a glass, even though it said not to. Don't like the smell of metal (and I can smell the can), and like to see what I am drinking.

I am done with my party hardy days, so a Solo cup is not an option.

 

Yes, I do....

 

I reject anything that has "redneck charm" and that God awful Red Solo Cup piece of trash diddy by whoever the fuck that country music hooligan was will have forever made me cringe at the sight of said vessel. Thank the Lords of Kobol that he didn't sing about glassware, otherwise I'd have to make like Viking style grog mugs...

 

Good to know.

 

Sure, glass is obviously less resilient than plastic but like others have mentioned, a glass vessel gives a certain feel that just can't be replicated (as far as I know, anyway). A major part of the enjoyment of beer for me is the aesthetic side of things and glass gives the best view by far.

 

I reject pop country in its entirety. Don't know the song you're referring to, but I've no doubt it's pop country. In fact, I'll bet money that, at some point in the song, "red solo cup" gets rhymed with "pickup truck".

Give me Johnny Cash over that kind of tripe any day.

 

George Orwell describing his fictitious ideal pub in 1946: