Machine Made vs. Hand Blown Craft Beer Glassware

Don't know as if I've ever used hand blown glass for beer. In general, I tend to prefer thin-walled glassware over thick.

 

I had two hand blown DFH glasses back in the day I loved. Excellent to drink from. They both broke while being washed gently. I am sure that isn't a common thing for hand blown, but it seems enough of a risk that I don't think I would seek one out ever again.

Interested to see the benefits for hand blown that folks post in this thread

 

If a glass is the same size and shape, I can't see their being any physical difference in the experience between machine made and hand blown. I can see there being a psychological difference, though. I have a host of tulip glasses. I prefer some to others, based mostly on nothing except this one I imagine as more fancy and that one I imagine more utilitarian. I had a Duvel tulip that was my favorite and it broke. I was upset about it and eventually got another. Now I feel like I can really enjoy a good beer again. I have a few other glasses that are nearly identical, but it wasn't the same. The difference is purely psychological, but it's real to me.

 

I enjoy both and use them interchangeably based on style of beer and my particular mood for the evening....but prefer hand blown if I had to choose. Simon Pearce is my personal favorite brand of hand blown glasses— they are heavy and thick but the style and designs are refined and elegant. They are made in NewEngland by artisan glass makers — folks that are getting paid decent wage/benefits and and contributing to the fabric and economics of the local communities where they live. Maybe not exactly the same — but similer to the folks that are working at the local breweries that I love to frequent. They aren’t cheap — and many folks scoff at spending $50 or $75 on a single glass — but I’m spending that much for beer for any given week...and again - - the people making them aren’t in a sweat shop somewhere far far away. Local. Artisan. Refined. Elegant — I like the symbiotic sense I get between my hand blown glass and the beer I drink.

 

Simon Pearce glassware is near or at the top of my list as well, both for quality of work and what it brings to the experience. The glassware also evokes a strong sense of history and the importance of glass blowing as it has shaped the way we live today.

For some years they had a restaurant/workshop/retail shop in SE PA alongside the Brandywine. It was a real treat to take out of town guests there for both lunch alongside the river and for the chance to watch the on-site artisans go about their work. (And naturally as an excuse to do a bit of shopping in their glassware shop.)

 

I'm curious what hand blown beer glasses people would recommend, or have in mind with this discussion.


Personally, I've only used machine made glassware. There is a difference between thick and thin walled machine made glasses, with my preference leaning towards the latter. I find myself not using those glasses very often due to their easier breakage. Pros and cons of daily consumption.

 

https://www.simonpearce.com/shop/glassware/beer-glasses

 

The difference is about 20 bucks

 

The only real advantage to buying a hand-blown glass that I could see is if I was able to get a glass custom made to my own specifications. I could see springing for one at a craft fair or something to help support a local artisan, but $75 seems like a lot of money to spend for an off-the-shelf design that is no more functional than a glass made by a machine. Good fodder for a wedding registry, but that's about it.

 

Whoa. Very cool - I love some of the shapes. Have seen some of those in BA posts - definitely adding to my Xmas wish list. Thx for the link. Cheers.

 

I've got to say that this mug is pretty fucking cool:



Not sure if it's $76 ($66 + s&h) cool, though.

 

I refuse to form an attachment with anything that can be broken by a three year old.

 

I've gotten pretty pissed when people have broken glasses that I've stolen . . . err . . . procured . . . from local pubs. I can't imagine my level of angst when they broke something that was $75.

 

They are all very nice pieces but I can't see dropping that kind of bucks on glassware. I'm more concerned with what's going into the glass at that point. I do think it's hilarious that they named themselves pretentious!

 

At least you know they believe in truth in advertising and can laugh at themselves.

 

Exactly! Hill Farmstead (NOT the best brewery in the world) could learn a thing or two from them.

 

I don’t get it...but I don’t get $300 gym shoes either!
And I just spent $40 on a mandolin pick so I’m no longer allowed to have an opinion in this kind of stuff.
Worth is 100% subjective. Those glasses look fucking sweet.

 

I think this funny, as well. I refuse to pay a lot for my sneakers, but I have no issue dropping $100+ every week when the wife and I go out for dinner and drinks and pay thousands to go on vacation to basically do the same thing in other cities. Priorities.