Beer Glass Varieties in Australia
From the schooner glass to the yard glass, there are almost as
many types of beer glasses as there are types of beer. Some glasses
are produced by beer makers, and over the years have become
collectors' items, while others, like the decorative German beer
stein, are based on centuries of tradition. More commonly, beer
glasses are designed to pour the regulatory amount of beer
according to the laws of service, while also being easy to clean
and stack, but harder to break.
In Australia, the beer glass varies both in size and name from
state to state. In fact, a visitor to South Australia from any
other state would probably get a shock after ordering what they
thought was a 425ml schooner, only to have the equivalent of a
285ml middy (also known as a pot, half pint, ten ounce or handle in
other states) served up. In each state, the size of beer glasses is
governed by state regulations, and differs accordingly.
An expansion in the types of pubs and bars found in Australia
has begun to change how beers are served and in which types of
glasses.
Belgian - Flute
The Belgian Beer bars are a great example of this. Belgian
Lambic and fruit beers are served in flutes similar to champagne
flutes, while ales can be served up in thistle or tulip shaped
glasses made from thinner glass.
Other glasses have grown in popularity also.
Bavaria - Weizen Glass
The weizen glass for wheat beer from Bavaria, are long, elegant
glasses that start from a narrow base, widening at the mouth, much
like a small vase. Pilsner glasses are also similar in shape, but
are slightly broader at the base, narrowing one-third from the
base, and then widening at the mouth. These types of beer glasses
offer a pleasant beer-drinking experience, often being made from
thinner glass than the traditional pub variety.
Irish - Pint and Half Pint
The rise of the Irish-style pub in Australia has also seen an
increase in the use of pint and half-pint glasses in varying types,
from the more traditional British dimple style pint jug, to the
conical or nonic print glasses made from thinner glass.
British - Pint Glasses
In general, British pint glasses tend to have a wider mouth than
European styles, and this is based on tradition as much as the type
of beer served within them. British ales are top fermented and use
a different variety of yeast than lagers, which are better suited
to the colder climates of Bavaria, Germany and other parts of
Europe. Lagers are bottom fermented and need to be stored in a cold
area (such as caves) in order to develop in the right way.
Over the centuries, beer glasses have been developed to improve
the flavour of beer, as well as its head, carbonation and look. Why
not take a leaf from the experts' books, and try pouring your
favourite beer into its ideal glass. We're sure you'll appreciate
the difference the perfect glass can make.