To rinse or not to rinse?

When in a group and not specifically a tasting, I'm with the swirl-a-bit-of-the-next-beer faction. If I'm having a second beer by myself, I'm probably 50-50 that versus just getting a new glass altogether. Definitely a fresh glass if I'm trying to studiously take notes (say, a new beer or something demanding some research). If I'm organizing a tasting for a small group, it'll all be new glassware, at least for the first few pours until the mood relaxes, then it's everyone's choice.

I recall that the rinse-with-wine thing comes from knowledgeable people telling me that a bit of water will have a surprising impact on on taste and smell. A water rinse might precede a wine rinse but not on its own, or so I've been told. I'm not sure most beer is quite so sensitive.

Interestingly (although that's often code for 'boringly,'), bartenders here (Belgium) are pretty doctrinaire about which types of beer are served in a wet glass, and which in a dry one, to improve head retention.

 

My experience has been pouring a Pilsner style beer into an unwashed glass that just held a Strong Dark Belgium will affect the Pilsner. My experience has also been half way through the second glass I don't care.

 

I have never used soap on my beer glasses. Just rinse.

 

Simply use a new glass, it's one of life's little luxuries.

 

Agree with that, until around beer 7 or 8 when OCD tendencies start to dissipate...

 

OCD, I like that perspective. That's the excuse I'll use next time someone calls me a cranky old bastard.

 

Is the second beer you are getting in the fridge? Do you keep your glasses in the freezer? If the answer to both is yes, then I change glasses each time

 

At home, different glass or good wash and dry. At friend's, rinse and onto the next one.

 

Mostly im patio session drinking. I don't want X amount of glasses dirty each day. I usually have a pitcher of water for consumption and rinsing, and usually only rinse between vastly different styles. If I am ramping up from a helles lager, to a amber, to a IPA, then a stout. I guess by that 4th beer, My mind doesnt care. No rinse on those sampling events.

Just like with anything. Context. if It's one strict beer at 5pm, then another at 7, that is vastly different, sure, a different glass. If its a nice sampling session, I don't think the loved ones would appreciate 20 shaker pints out.. I even tell my guests. Keep it to 2 glasses please.

 

Always rinse

 

Same beer, no. Different beer new glass. In a pinch you rinse the glass give it a shake, no drying needed.

 

Always rinse the glass between beers so as not to alter the flavor of the next beer. Ideally, all fresh glasses would be best, IMO

 

Just a tiny bit, it goes a long way.

 

A rinse followed by a few good shakes when I am drinking different beers out of the same glass in one sitting is usually what I do.

Eric

 

Depends.

If I'm going from a beer I'm very familiar with to a beer I've never had before (different style or no) I'll use a new "beer clean" glass that's as close to appropriate for the style as possible.

If I'm going from SNPA to Anchor Steam I'll give the glass a quick rinse.

If I'm going from my 5th SNPA to Anchor Steam....well, ya know

 

As an occasional beer judge I would say the most difficult thing is to approach each new beer with a fresh palate. This simply can't happen , I drink water and eat crackers but even so it's not that easy.
If you are seriously going to take notes when drinking it really should be the only beer in a session.
Palate fatigue is a massively greater factor than having the remnants of the previous beer in the glass which has been diluted almost to extinction by the fresh beer.

 

Fill - drink - rinse - repeat.

 

Always rinse and let dry if it's a new beer that I'm reviewing. If it's a casual drink and similar beer then if I'm lazy and don't mind I may not rinse it. I usually always rinse but there have been a few times where it didn't matter.

 

rinse but with the beer you're going to drink next.

 

For pilsner beers I allways rinse the glasses with cold water, inside and outside (the clean dry glasses as well).
The more heavy special beers I start with a dry glass. No need to rinse when having another. Could not do any harm either I think.