7 Beer Glass Types Explained (So You Don’t Keep Using the Wrong One)
Let’s be honest—most of us have poured an IPA into a red solo cup and called it a day. And while that’s perfectly fine at a college tailgate or camping trip where the floor is the trash can, there’s something about drinking your beer out of the right glass that makes it taste... well, better.
Beer isn't wine, and thank Balz for that. But just like wine snobs swirl and sniff, beer drinkers have their own tools of the trade. And those tools? They're shaped like boobs, boots, barrels, and everything in between.
So if you’ve ever wondered why your stout falls flat in a pint glass, or why your fancy Belgian triples taste like wet socks, you might be guilty of committing glassware treason.
Let’s straighten it out. Here are seven beer glass types that aren’t just for show, and why using the right one matters more than you think.
1. Pint Glass (Shaker & Nonic)
You’ve seen it. You’ve definitely used it. The classic American shaker pint is what bars throw your lager into when they don’t know what else to use. It’s a straight-up, no-frills, working-class hero of the glassware world.
The nonic pint (the British cousin) adds a sexy bulge near the top—because even glasses deserve curves. That little ridge prevents chipping, helps with grip, and makes stacking easier.
Great for:
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Lagers
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Pale ales
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IPAs
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English ales
Why it matters:
They’re durable, cheap, and versatile, but not exactly built for aroma or head retention. Still, they do the job, and they’re the best all-rounder for casual sipping.
Try it with:
Our Prairie Oyster or the Calm Lydia Pint Glass for a sassy twist on tradition.
2.
Stein Mug
Heavy, chunky, and built like your uncle after too many sausages. Stein mugs are the Bavarian bodybuilders of beerware.
Great for:
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Märzen
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Dunkels
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Lagers
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Porters (if you’re feeling rebellious)
Why it matters:
Thick walls keep your beer cold longer, and the handle keeps your hand heat far away from the booze. And let’s face it: it feels good to clunk a stein down like you mean it.
Speaking of clunk…
Have you seen our After Dark Logo Stein Mug? It’s big, bold, and strong enough to double as a home-defense tool.
3.
Tulip Glass
Now we’re getting fancy. Tulip glasses are for those beers that deserve a little foreplay. The flared lip traps aroma, and the bulbous body cradles those boozy Belgian brews like a well-kept secret.
Great for:
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Belgian ales
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Dubbels
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Tripels
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Barleywines
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Imperial IPAs
Why it matters:
The tulip isn’t just eye candy. That curvy design enhances aroma, retains head, and gives your strong beers the respect they deserve.
Pro tip:
You’ll feel like a classy degenerate swirling your 9% triple while wearing one of these.
4.
Snifter
Not just for brandy and cigars. Beer snifters are perfect for beers you want to sip and swirl while pretending you know what “mouthfeel” means.
Great for:
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Strong ales
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Imperial stouts
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Barleywines
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Anything over 8% ABV
Why it matters:
That narrow top locks in aroma, and the round base lets your palm gently warm the beer, perfect for slow sipping and deep regrets.
Feeling seductive?
Pair your snifter session with facts worth bragging about in our blog: 50 Fun Facts About Beer You’ll Want To Brag About At The Bar
5.
Weizen Glass
Long, lean, and shaped like a leg day survivor. The Weizen glass is all about showing off those hazy, bubbly wheat beers.
Great for:
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Hefeweizens
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Dunkelweizens
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Belgian Whites
Why it matters:
The tall shape locks in carbonation and gives your beer room to foam up like a shampoo commercial. It’s also designed to cradle that signature banana-clove aroma that defines wheat beers.
Food pairing tip:
Hefeweizen + barbecue = sexual tension. Match it with our BBQ Apparel That Brings the Heat.
6.
Goblet / Chalice
Heavy, ornate, and just screaming, “I’m better than you.” Chalices and goblets are for beers you worship more than your ex’s approval.
Great for:
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Belgian strong ales
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Tripels
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Quads
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Christmas ales (because nothing says Christmas like 11% ABV)
Why it matters:
Thick walls and wide mouths let those big Belgian brews breathe. The wide bowl lets you sip like a medieval king, preferably while judging others.
Tip:
Works best while wearing our funny beer shirts.
7. Specialty Pint Glasses (Cochrane Balz Style)
Okay, we had to save the best for last. At Cochrane Balz Brewing & Cider Co., we don’t just sell pint glasses—we serve attitude, jokes, and just the right amount of inappropriateness.
Our favorites include:
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After Dark Pint Glass: Sleek and dark—perfect for your more “mature” pours.
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Prairie Oyster Pint Glass: Because we all need a little protein in our life.
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Calm Lydia Pint Glass: A tribute to the most confusing emotions you’ll ever drink with.
Our glassware isn't just for drinking—it's for making statements. Slightly sexual, wildly immature, and fully functional.
You’ll find the full lineup in our Pint Glass Collection.
Why Glassware Actually Affects Your Beer
This isn’t just some beer snob nonsense. The right glass can seriously change how you experience your brew. Here’s what it controls:
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Aroma retention
Aroma makes up 80% of your beer’s flavor. Tulips, snifters, and goblets trap those complex smells right under your nose. -
Carbonation & head
Some beers need a thick, foamy head. Others don’t. Shape impacts how your beer holds bubbles and foam. -
Temperature & grip
Mugs keep things cold longer. Snifters warm 'em up. Pint glasses? Somewhere in between. -
Volume & flow
Some glasses control pour rate to enhance sips. Others are made to slam. Know the difference unless you want a surprise mouthful of foam.
Need help matching the right shirt to your pint?
Hit up our T-Shirt Collection and bring some cheek to your cheeky pour.
Don't Screw Up Your Pour
Drinking beer is an art. And while there’s zero shame in chugging a lager out of a water bottle on a hike (hey, we’re not judging), there’s a reason beer glass types exist.
They’re designed to bring out the best in what’s inside.
So if you’re going to spend money on a great beer—or rock a shirt that literally says Cochrane Balz on it—don’t let your glassware let you down.
Try our hilariously inappropriate pint glasses, show off your new favorite funny beer shirt, and sip smarter. Your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
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Because life's too short for bad pours, bad jokes, or boring shirts.
