The best glasses for craft beer buying guide
Do you have an excellent craft beer but are drinking it from the wrong glass? It’s like listening to music with poor headphones: the content is good, but the experience is halved. The right glass enhances aromas, maintains the foam, and delivers the beer to the palate correctly. Here is the ultimate guide to choosing and buying the best glasses for craft beer.
👉 Buy beer glasses now on Maltese — shipping in 24-48h →
Why the glass makes the difference
It’s not snobbery: it’s chemistry and physics. The glass shape determines:
- Aroma concentration — a narrow opening channels the scents toward the nose
- Foam formation and retention — foam is an aromatic barrier, not just aesthetic
- Temperature — stemmed glasses prevent the hand from warming the beer
- Carbonation — tall and narrow glasses keep bubbles longer
- Taste perception — the shape directs the liquid to different areas of the palate
Glasses available on Maltese: complete guide
Willi Becher — the German classic
The Willi Becher is the quintessential German beer glass: slightly tapered upwards, sturdy, practical. Perfect for Lager, Pils, Helles, and everyday beers. The shape holds the foam well and is comfortable to hold.
Ideal for: Pilsner, Lager, Helles, Kellerbier, Zwickelbier
👉 EDIT Bicchiere Willi Becher 40cl →
Tumbler — versatile and modern
The Tumbler is a cylindrical, wide glass without a stem. Versatile for many styles, it is ideal for beers that do not require intense aromatic concentration. Great for everyday use and for those who prefer a sturdy glass.
Ideal for: Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Lager, aperitif beers
👉 Bicchiere Birra Tumbler 66cl →
Lawrence — the modern tulip
The Lawrence by EDIT is a contemporary tulip glass: the flared shape concentrates aromas and keeps the foam compact. Perfect for aromatic and hoppy beers.
Ideal for: IPA, NEIPA, Pale Ale, Saison, Belgian beers
Bodega — the universal goblet
The Bodega by EDIT is a wide and versatile goblet, inspired by wine glasses. The wide bowl promotes oxygenation and releases complex aromas. Great for Belgian beers and contemplative beers.
Ideal for: Dubbel, Tripel, Quadrupel, Saison, strong beers
Sonora — the tasting glass
The Sonora by Birranova is a professional tasting glass with an elongated tulip shape. It concentrates aromas and allows a full evaluation of color, foam, and aromatic profile.
Ideal for: tastings, IPA, Sour, complex craft beers
👉 Birranova Sonora Glass 30cl →
Dupont Coppa — for Belgian Saisons
The Dupont Coppa is the official glass of the legendary Saison Dupont. The wide goblet shape highlights the spicy and fruity aromas typical of Saison and rustic Belgian beers.
Ideal for: Saison, Farmhouse Ale, Belgian craft beers
Saison Dupont Glass — the official goblet
The official Saison Dupont glass is a collector's item for every Belgian beer enthusiast. Elegant shape, perfect to enhance wheat beers and Saison.
Chimay Goblet — for the Trappist beers
The Chimay Glass is the official glass of the famous Belgian Trappist brewery. Its wide goblet shape enhances the aromatic complexity of Trappist beers and Belgian Strong Ales.
Ideal for: Chimay, Orval, Westmalle, Rochefort, Dubbel, Tripel, Quadrupel
Duvel Glass — the iconic goblet
The Duvel glass is one of the most recognizable goblets in the world. Its wide tulip shape is designed to maintain abundant foam and concentrate the fruity and spicy aromas typical of Belgian Strong Golden Ales.
Ideal for: Duvel, Belgian Strong Ale, Golden Ale, Tripel
Lupulus Glass — for hoppy beers
The Lupulus glass is specifically designed for hoppy beers. Its shape enhances hop aromas and keeps the foam compact.
Ideal for: IPA, DIPA, Pale Ale, hoppy beers
Which glass to choose: quick guide
- Do you mainly drink IPA and Pale Ale? → Lawrence or Lupulus
- Love Belgian and Trappist beers? → Coppa Chimay, Duvel or Bodega
- Prefer Lager and Pils? → Willi Becher
- Want a universal tasting glass? → Sonora
- Are you a fan of Saison? → Coppa Dupont or Saison Dupont
- Looking for something versatile for everyday use? → Tumbler
How to care for beer glasses
Wash with unscented neutral detergent, rinse thoroughly, and air dry upside down. Avoid dishwasher rinse aid: it leaves residues that destroy the foam and alter the aromas.
Buy beer glasses on Maltese
All glasses are available on Maltese with 24-48h shipping throughout Italy, secure packaging for glass. Also perfect as a gift for craft beer enthusiasts.
