BELGIAN BEER GLASSWARE

BELGIAN BEER GLASSWARE

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When I initially delved into the world of Belgian beer culture in the Summer of 1983, what struck me immediately was the breweries’ inclination towards selecting a distinctive glass shape for their beers. These breweries not only consider the sensory aspects, but also pay attention to how the beer appears in the glass, thereby enhancing its overall appeal and market value.

Presented here are the traditional glass styles that are commonly used for serving classic Belgian beer styles.

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BELGIAN TULIP

The most prevalent and universally embraced glass shape is the stemmed “Belgian Tulip”. Although there are minor variations in this style, all of them incorporate a stem, a rounded and bulbous body, and a flared lip. While some may be slightly narrower and taller than others, they all share the same fundamental shape. The main purpose of the Belgian Tulip glass is to hold a substantial amount of liquid while effectively concentrating the aromas through a foam collar measuring at least 2-3 fingers in height. This foam collar serves to intensify the aromas that emanate from the beer’s diverse flavors, whether they are hoppy, malty, spicy, or bready, among others.

FRENCH JELLY AND GUEUZE GLASSES

The French Jelly glasses, which are traditionally accompanied by Witbiers, and the slightly narrower version paired with Gueuze Lambics, are examples of glass shapes that deviate from the typical tulip design. One distinguishing feature of these glasses is the presence of beveled faceting at the bottom. The Witbier glass typically has chunkier faceting that starts around the middle of the glass, whereas the Gueuze Lambic glass has narrower and more delicate faceting that usually extends only up to one-third of the height from the base, although there are a few exceptions.

ABBEY / TRAPPIST OPEN-MOUTHED CHALICE

The Abbey/Trappist style beers are often associated with the iconic open-mouthed chalice or goblet. Among the most captivating and highly treasured vessels to enjoy these esteemed beers are the beautiful Belgian Trappist glasses.

RASTAL TEKU

In 2006, the Teku glass was brought to life by renowned Italian beer experts Teo Musso and Lorenzo “Kuaska” Dabove. Combining their names to create the glass’s unique moniker, Teo and Kuaska identified a void in the market for a versatile beer glass. Collaborating with Rastal, a reputable German glassmaker, they set out to craft the perfect vessel for beer. Drawing inspiration from wine glasses, they recognized the importance of capturing and preserving beer’s aromas within the glass, as they greatly enhance the drinking experience.

Although Teku glasses may appear similar at first glance, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart from other beer glasses. Available in various sizes for holding different amounts of liquid and featuring varying stem lengths, all Teku glasses share a body shape reminiscent of Bordeaux or Port wine glasses, complete with a delicately flared rim. This design renders Teku glasses ideal for enjoying all styles of Belgian beer.

BELGIAN ALE BURGUNDY BOWL

Our preferred glass shape for savoring the wide range of Belgian beer styles is the “Belgian Ale Burgundy Bowl” Chalice. The reasons behind this choice are as follows: Firstly, its ample rounded body can accommodate a standard 33CL of liquid, along with a generous 2-3 finger-height foam collar, which significantly reduces the likelihood of overflow during a vigorous pour.

This is particularly crucial since numerous Belgian beers possess high carbonation levels, resulting in large heads. By allowing the Burgundy Bowl glass to rest flat on its base (and giving it a quick rinse with cold water prior to pouring), there is virtually no need to tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle. This eliminates the common issue of the dreaded “Belgian Beer Gush,” which often leads to a rapid overflow of the foam. Even the most experienced Belgian beer aficionados have encountered this unfortunate phenomenon (I can personally vouch for it happening to me on numerous occasions)!

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GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• When searching for a specific Belgian beer, it is advisable to look for its dedicated glass, which usually features the brand logo. This ensures that you will be able to enjoy the beer as intended by the Brewmaster. In case the signature glass is unavailable, opting for classic Belgian Tulip or Teku shaped glasses is also a reliable choice. These styles of glassware can be conveniently purchased from various online retailers, with Amazon being a popular option.

• Moreover, if you come across “nucleated” glasses, these boast an etched image on the bottom, creating a rough surface that collects bubbles until they become buoyant enough to rise to the top of the glass. This type of glassware aids in developing a fuller head and enhancing the flavors of the beer. Although the head will gradually dissipate while the beer sits, the etched surface helps to sustain the foam for a longer duration. Additionally, the visually appealing effect of bubbles rapidly ascending to the liquid’s surface is quite mesmerizing.

Santé!
Gordon A. Ponce
CEO – Beer Review Journal