Does glassware make a difference when drinking craft beer?

This was a very enthusiastic reply that didn't directly answer my question, but suddenly I think I understand everything I need to know about Kolsch glasses.

Generally, the glasses with a long tube such as the Kolsch or the Pilsner tend to reward the drinker at the end of the beer with extra malty aromatics that weren't present when the glass was full.

 

Many inhabitants of Köln don't seem to be worrying about it

 

Perhaps they should?

Of course, that would mean they would need to defy the unwritten laws of tradition. Not happening.

 

i think so

read this if you havent already...

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/101/glassware/

 

For the Kolsch glasses I think that how they are served tends to play a part in the design. From what I was told, the bars will cram as many glasses on a tray that they can, and the server will walk around with it allowing people to help themselves. And shotgun may be the right word, because the small size allows you to drink it fast before it gets warm; and after that, well, you can just grab another. Tall, thin, built for speed- what's not to love .

 

To add to this, an English pint o' Ale (or is it just Guinness)? must be filled to the "plimsoll line" with any head/froth standing above it. I probably place more emphasis on looks than many, even tho' I have no problem with straight out of the can/bottle or a Dixie Cup. Beer is like a woman. You can either put a bag over it's head or you can gaze absolutely astounded into the primordial beauty that is God's gift to us.

 

Get a tulip and cover all your bases, or a boot no one will ever question you when they see you drinking from a boot.

 

Plus they look sexy as hell, what's not to love about a beer that looks great in a certain glass!

Same with those alts

 

Not all tulips are created equal. I have some tulips that are a bit different from the Duvel tulip and there is a noticeable difference in aroma intensity. Get the big Duvel tulip. They make a 500ml and a 330ml. Go big or go home.

 

that's one sexy glass....

 

Tulips are cool for alot of stuff, but they really don't work for Pilsners for me. I like boots too, but I find that too many people try to stick their stinky feet in 'em.

 

Thin rim for the win!

 

A behavioral economist, Dan Ariely, has done blind taste tests with respect to glass shape impact on flavor. His results suggest there is no correlation between glass shape and taste.

Personally, I think he's over thinking it. Part of drinking a beer is the experience, so I buy the distinct glass ware. And I enjoy my beers. Dan needs to get out of his MIT office, walk across the street to Cambridge Brewery and learn to actually enjoy a beer. Get the glass. Have some fun.

 

I use a tulip for everything. The stem prevents condensation from forming on the bottom, saving my table.

 

Well @herrburgess is probably the expert here on this one BUT just to pipe in with what (I think) I know...there are 11 glasses per Kranz (the tray - Kranz means "wreath" literally). Customers don't help themselves, rather the waiters will walk around and replace any empty glass with a full fresh glass so long as you don't have your coaster on top of your glass to indicate you're finished drinking. They mark your coaster each time they give you a beer and tally it up when you're done drinking for the night (see below photo of my 2nd alt of the evening). However, as far as I know, you are correct about the size - keeps 'em cold and fresh! Now as far as why they are that specific shape, I don't know except...

...tend to agree.

 

I don't think it's necessary for each style to have its own special kind of glass, but I do think glassware plays a significant role, even if the effect is a placebo.

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a snifter.

 

Thanks for the info. It's been a few years since my friend and I talked about that trip, so I'm sure I got some of the details mixed up. But it still seems like the shape is more conducive to carrying on a Kranz like that. This one has an inner ring, too:

 

Depends on your nose, brain, and appearance. I don't need a teku glass, I can spend beer glass money on beer. My nose can't tell the difference and I'm also not trying to convince myself that it matters. The glass itself means nothing to me personally.

 

I wonder where that is from, I can't quite make it out. Here (not my photo) is one that looks more like what I remember:

 

Best way to tell is tp pour the same beer into two different glasses, side by side. See if you can tell a difference in smell and taste. You be the judge.