Do you know a snifter from a stange? Check out the different kinds of beer glasses

Do you know a snifter from a stange? Check out the different kinds of beer glasses

So it's Friday night, you've survived a tough week at work, and you want to kick back and have a beer to unwind.

You dig around your fridge and find a premium lager. You pour the nicely-chilled beer into a plain old glass. A few minutes later, the beer feels lukewarm and all the bubbles seem to have disappeared.

Want to learn how to keep your beer nice and cool and enhance the enjoyment of that tasty brew? It's all in the glass and here's why it matters.

Did you know there are different types of glasses for different beers?

We certainly didn't. 

When AsiaOne spoke to Mr Daniel Goh, owner of Good Beer Company and Smith Street Taps, he was quick to add that glassware is important for any kind of beverage. However, much like how we don't use a 'special glass' for water, he said that casual drinkers looking to merely forget their troubles don't need to be too particular about their beer glasses. 

Thickness matters

However, for beer connoisseurs or those looking to savour the rich aromas and nuances of a brew, Mr Goh, 41, said that the shape and thickness of the glass affects the experience. 

A thick glass ensures that the temperature of the beer remains at its optimum level. Also, beer glasses with a stem or handle help prevent heat transfer from your hand. Another way to ensure your brew stays nice and cool - chill your beer glasses beforehand.

Shape too

The shape of the glass also matters, as it helps to enhance the flavour and aroma.

For example, a glass you'd serve lager in, such as a pilsner glass, helps not only to keep your beer cool, but its height and small mouth also ensure a nice "beer head", or foam, at the top of the glass, said Mr Goh.

Tulip glasses, which Mr Goh said are a bit of a new trend here, have long been used by Belgians for their really strong beers. They are also ideal for beers best served at a slightly warmer temperature of around 18 deg C.

One thing you probably don't know? 60 to 70 per cent of what one tastes comes from the aroma of the beer, said Mr Goh.

"Tulip glasses concentrate all the aromas right at the top of the glass. So when the bubbles (in the beer) explode, the flavours are pushed to the top," he explained.

Don't fret if you don't have the right glass - wine glass will do too

So with all the different kinds of beer glasses out there, what kind should you use?

Most of us are not going to have speciality beer glasses sitting around at home. 

Mr Goh had this expert tip: Just grab a wine glass and use that for your beer.  

Yes, a wine glass.

According to Mr Goh, it does the job pretty well because of its wide bottom, which helps release the flavours, and has a stem to prevent heat transference from your hand when you pick up the glass.

However, unlike wine-drinking where the glass has to be completely dry, give your wine glass a quick rinse before filling it up with your favourite brew. Wetting the glass first helps the beer flow smoothly into the glass, he said.

First time beer drinkers, we have you covered

If you're planning to head down to Beerfest Asia 2016, which is happening from June 16 to 19 at the Marina Promenade, and it's your first time, don't worry.

With over 500 beers from more than 35 exhibitors on offer, making a choice can be overwhelming. Mr Goh had this tip: Consider the food you're planning to have your beer with, to help you decide.

For instance, if you're going to have a heavy meal, a light beer is probably the best option. 

Despite being a beer expert, Mr Goh is no beer snob. If he's chilling on a beach in Bali, he has no qualms about downing commercial beers and will happily order a Bintang.

Indeed, when asked what his favourite beer is, Mr Goh quipped: "A free one." 

AsiaOne is the official online media partner for Beerfest Asia 2016, and is giving away VIP tickets to the event this June. You could either join our 'tar' beer contest, or take a quiz to stand a chance to win these tickets.

(AsiaOne advocates responsible drinking).

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