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06-02-2013, 09:57
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http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-R-8Dqhawk/URIcjX0uIxI/AAAAAAAACRA/m05qW3v2Ezg/s400/beer-glass-range.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-R-8Dqhawk/URIcjX0uIxI/AAAAAAAACRA/m05qW3v2Ezg/s1600/beer-glass-range.jpg)
I’m not a glass geek but I do own a lot of them (too many, to be honest, given that I drink out of the same two or three glasses for most beers). But I am of the opinion that the glass makes a difference to the drink, perhaps not in any perception of the flavour, but in the way we relate to the experience – the many different Belgian beer glasses might not necessarily make their beers taste more delicious, but we definitely enjoy drinking them more in a unique branded glass than in an off-the-shelf mug.




When I drink IPAs, I like an American shaker glass: straight-edged, sturdy, easy to drink from. But now I might need to add another glass to the cupboard because SierraNevada (http://www.sierranevada.com/), Dogfish Head (http://www.dogfish.com/) and Spiegelau (http://www.spiegelau.com/) have created a glass specifically for IPA (http://www.dogfish.com/community/news/press-releases/dogfish-head-sierra-nevada-debut-new-standard-for-ipa-glassware.htm). These are the features:




· Think, round walls to maintains proper temperature longer

· A slender, bowled shape to amplify hop aromas

· Wave-like ridges to aerate beer on its way in and out of the glass

· A wide mouth, allowing drinkers to comfortably nose the beer

· A laser-etched logo on the bottom of the bowl to sustain carbonation and head




http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jrn19gNONg/URIciu90lLI/AAAAAAAACQ8/SmSwl3NxqZo/s320/perfectIPAGlass.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jrn19gNONg/URIciu90lLI/AAAAAAAACQ8/SmSwl3NxqZo/s1600/perfectIPAGlass.jpg)


Spiegelau make glasses of excellent quality with a genuine elegance to them and I find this design oddly-appealing. The top half is like the glass I always drink from – a tulip-shaped bowl which is good for all beers – but the bottom half is completely different and I’m intrigued by how it aerates and what that might give to the beer – I assume it’s the same as a swirl only it helps to kick hop aroma right into your nose. Will it make IPAs more wonderful? Who knows, but I'd definitely like to try a few beers in one to find out.




It’s a glass for home instead of the pub – I can’t see many bars carrying these – but what do you reckon about the design? Do you want one for your glass cupboard or do you favour a different shape and size for an IPA?



The excellent top image is from Castello Cheese (http://castellocheeseusa.com/beer-and-cheese-pairing-guide/).


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