German glassmaker Spiegelau recently collaborated with Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head and Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada to create the first glass specifically designed for drinking Indian Pale Ales.
The glass has three main components. 1.The thinness of the glass helps keep the beer cold. 2.The ridges on the bottom aerate the liquid and reinforces the robust head (which traps the carbonation). 3.Lastly, the aromas are captured by the concave top and act as a “olfactory cannon” aimed at your nose.
My sisiter-in-law called in a few favors and was kind enough to get us a set from the Dogfish Head Brewery this weekend. We poured the same IPA into both a regular pint glass and the Spiegelau in order to do a proper taste test. Taking a sip from one and then the other, there was a clear difference in both the flavor intensity and aroma from the Spiegelau. The beer in the pint glass lacked the crisp flavor and just felt flat by comparison. Bottom line, if you’re a beer lover, specifically one of the IPA persuasion, this glass is a game-changer and a must-have. Available here in May.
$25
The glass makes a bottled IPA really seem like it was poured fresh from a tap. The aroma and flavor are. really brightened up. Great buy.