What’s in a glass?

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Does the draught glass matter?

You walk into your local watering hole and ask for your usual; an ice-cold draught. The place is packed as the rugby is just about to start. A few of your buddies’ line up next to you as they all order the same thing. You let them take the first draughts as you wait patiently to get in on the action. But when your turn comes the bartender slides you your beer in a different glass. You think nothing of it and walk back down to your seat in front of the TV. That first sip is good, but is it the same? Did a different glass really make a difference, or is it all in your head?

Today we’ll tackle the age-old question of why different draughts come in different glasses, and whether they impact on taste or other qualities of the beer.

The short answer is yes. There is a reason why different types of beers are poured in specific glasses, and if poured into different glasses, it may taste different.

Hansa Pilsener:

The Glass:

Hansa draughts are served in a Pilsner styled glass. it is used for lighter, fluffier beers. The glasses are tall and narrow at the bottom and taper out towards the top.

Hansa Pilsener draught glass images

Why?

The slender glass helps show the glistening gold colour of the beer as well as the carbonation of the beer. The broad top gives just enough area to create and maintain the perfect beer head.

Castle and Castle Lite:

The Glass:

Castle and Castle Lite are served in a Weizen glass. This is often confused with a Pilsner style but has one main difference, that the Weizen glasses have more curvature to them, especially at the top of the glass.

Castle and Castle Lite draught glass images

Why?

The curved lip at the top of the glass helps trap and encourage a thick foam head.

Castle Milk Stout:

The Glass:

Castle Milk Stout is served in a contoured version of a pint styled glass. This is more of a rounded glass with a wider bottom and slight tapering as the glass goes towards the top.

Castle Milk Stout  draught glass images

Why?

The slightly contoured wide base of the glass helps preserve the aromas unique to stouts. It also helps release the creamy scent of the stout while the wide top of the glass helps to keep the head.

The art of brewing is a science. Making every draught just right takes skill and dedication. Why not put our research to the test?

For a fun activity, next time you are out, ask the bartender to pour each of your friends’ draughts into a different glass to see how every beer changes.