Beer Glass Types and Uses Complete Guide

It may seem surprising, but beer glass types can change how long your beer stays cool, how much aroma you can smell, and even how fizzy your pint feels.

If you like your beer as much we do ours, then you’ll agree there’s something special about that sip of a perfectly poured pint — the combination of the cool condensation on the glass, the foamy head, the aroma of hops and malt and that burst of flavour as soon as the beer hits your tongue. 

But have you ever noticed how much difference the glass itself makes?

The truth is, great beer deserves the right glass. The right shaped glass doesn’t just look the part — but it actually affects how a beer tastes, smells, and even feels.

Ready to learn more? Grab a pint and settle in!

Why beer Glass Shape Matters

It probably seems like a small detail, but the shape of your glass plays a big part in your drinking experience. It can change how long your beer stays cool, how much aroma you can smell, and even how fizzy your pint feels.

 “For beers stronger in ABV, designed to be sipped rather than quaffed, there are a huge array of various stemware more akin to wine glasses. The designs can be very technical — aimed at maintaining the beer’s temperature and condition.” — Richard, Co-Founder of Fonthill Brewing Co.

So, while there’s a science behind beer glass design, there’s also a lot of tradition. And for most of us who enjoy beer by the pint, the classics never go out of style.

Beer Glass Types: The Classics

When it comes to classic British pints, there are three old favourites worth knowing: The tankard, the nonic, and the shaker. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

The Nonic Pint

The familiar workhorse of British pubs. With its slight bulge near the top, it’s easy to grip and helps maintain a foamy head.

The Nonic is perfect for bitters, pale ales, and almost all lagers.

The Shaker

Straight-sided, simple, and versatile. It’s a bit wider at the top, making it great for easy drinking and a steady pour. We use shakers most often at The George.

The Tankard

The traditional dimpled pint with a handle — nostalgic, weighty, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for a rich ale or mild.

“In the end, it really comes down to personal choice. The only thing to bear in mind is — if you like your beer fizzy, get glasses with a ‘head start’. These are ‘nucleated’, with a textured pattern on the inside that helps stop the beer going flat before you’ve finished.” — Richard

That little rough patch at the bottom? It’s not a flaw — it’s a feature, put there to keep your beer fizzy!

Stemmed Glasses for Stronger Beers

Some beers are meant to be savoured rather than swigged. Belgian-style ales, barley wines, imperial stouts — these stronger brews benefit from glasses that capture their complex aromas and flavours.

That’s where stemmed glassware comes in. Shaped to hold the head and release aromas slowly, they’re designed for tasting rather than thirst-quenching. Proof that even beer has its fine-dining moments!

The Tulip

Curved at the base and flared at the rim, the tulip glass is designed to trap aromas while maintaining a foamy head. That flared lip helps direct the beer’s scent right to your nose with every sip. You’ll often see this shape used for IPAs, saisons, and Belgian ales — anything hop-forward or aromatic benefits from the tulip’s design.

The Snifter

You might recognise the snifter from brandy or cognac — that’s exactly the idea. It’s made for strong, high-ABV beers like barley wines or imperial stouts. It’s got a wide bowl and narrow rim that allows you to swirl the beer, gently releasing the rich aromas of roasted malt, chocolate, or rich, dark fruit. Think of it as a slow-sipping, fireside kind of glass.

The Goblet

Broad, bowl-like, and often beautifully etched, goblets (or chalices) are made for Belgian strong ales, tripels, and dubbels. The wide opening encourages a big head and lets you take hearty sips that show off the beer’s effervescence and malt sweetness. They’re also usually thicker glass, helping maintain temperature longer — ideal for beers served slightly warmer than lagers or IPAs.

The Teku Glass

The Teku glass is the modern brewer’s favourite. Designed by an Italian beer expert and a sensory glassware maker, it’s a hybrid between a tulip and a wine glass. It’s got a sharp taper that concentrates aroma, while the long stem keeps your hand from warming the beer too quickly. It’s made for tasting and appreciating beer in detail, the same way you would with fine wine.

How to Get the Best Out of Your Beer at Home

Better yet… let us do it for you. 

Pop in to watch how our team at The George pour the perfect pint, every single time.

Try Something New at The George

From crisp lagers to smooth bitters, we stock our bar in Tunbridge Wells with beers that deserve to be served just right, including the full range of beers from Fonthill Brewing Co. These beers are brewed right here on-site and poured fresh from keg or cask.

So, what do you fancy? A seasonal pale ale, a warming stout, or a fresh, Green Hop special? You’ll find it all here in our pub in Tunbridge Wells, always served in the glass that brings out its best.

Ready for Your Next Perfect Pint?

Beer glass shape isn’t just a detail — it’s part of what makes drinking beer such a pleasure.  

So next time you pick up your pint, take a moment to notice how it looks, smells and tastes.

Oh, and most of all… enjoy!