Winter Brews: The Perfect Beer Glass for a Stout

  

It’s that time of the year for rich, hearty beer – as the cold weather sets in, beverages of the wholesome sort are trending. While we dine on holiday eats, what better to pair them with than a malty, chocolate-y stout? Stouts are made with barley and a variety of dark malts, giving the beer its distinctive appearance and flavor. This particular type of beer has an endless list of varieties such as chocolate, coffee, milk, oatmeal, imperial, etc., all of which possess a tantalizing aroma and taste.

As craft beer continues to rise in popularity, it has become more apparent to beer drinkers that the glass in which their beverage is served in makes all the difference in flavor and aroma. So what glass is the best to use for a dark, rich stout?

Glassware companies have taken advantage of the craft beer trend to create beautiful, functional pieces to enhance the drinking experience. One example is the Spiegelau Stout glass. This beer glass was designed in collaboration with Left Hand Brewing Co of Colorado and Rogue Ales of Oregon with the goal of enjoying stout beer to its fullest extent.

The unique shape accentuates the roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate flavor notes and aromas, and provides an angle to maintain the head of the beer with each sip.

Other glassware styles used for serving stouts are Nonick pint glasses and Snifter glasses, such as the Belgian Beer glass by Libbey Inc. Though typically used for brandy or cognac, the snifter glass enhances the volatiles of flavor and aroma of the beer.

If beer is your primary focus, taking a deeper look at the variety of beer glasses may be the next step for your establishment. Specialty glasses will not only enhance the flavors and aromas of the beer, but will add to the presentation of the beverage and branding of your bar or taproom.

-G. Stegall