Do any of you drink from the ceramic German steins that have the cone-shaped pewter lids? I have two, one was my father's, and one I got as an Xmas gift. I think they look neat, but are kind of awkward for drinking. Are these really used in Germany, or are they more of a decorative item? Thanks!
My understanding is that they are decorative at this point, but the lid came about during the plague to keep flies and other bugs out of your beer. That could just be a complete bullshit story though.
I don't doubt it. In Spain the tapas got that name because they used to put them on top of the glasses so bugs wouldn't go inside. Same principle.
