IPA Beer Glasses: Top 6 Picks + Everything You Need to Know
If you ask beer drinkers what their favorite beer is, they’ll probably base their decision on its taste or aroma. But have you ever tried asking what their favorite glass is?
Since IPA beers often have more hops than other craft beers, the right glass enhances the beer’s flavors!
- This was discovered by many fans of the hop-forward drink and was one of the factors that led to the increasing popularity of the IPA glass industry
Whether you already have a favorite IPA glass or not, you may be interested in learning more about the type of beer glass that suits you the most. Don’t go anywhere and keep reading!
The Top 5 IPA Beer Glasses
We’ve compiled our top five (5) IPA glass cup picks:
Don’t skip our mini list below if you want to learn more about how these glasses affect a beer’s foam, aroma, and flavor!
With thousands of IPA craft beer styles come various glass styles.
1- Rastal Teku 3.0 Stemmed Beer Glass (Best Overall)
Image Source: Coolmaterial.com
This IPA glass is one of the more popular recommendations by beer enthusiasts worldwide, and for a good reason! [R]
It has a bell-shaped bowl and a long stem similar to a wine glass. This may be a little jarring to some beer drinkers, but the stem is a very practical and efficient feature!
- By holding onto the stem’s length instead of the base of the glass, the beer will stay colder for a longer period
It doesn’t have a rigid base but several nucleation points [R]! It’s slightly smaller than the other glasses and can only hold up to 14.2 ounces of beer.
Pros
- Good at keeping your beer cold
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Functionality
Cons
- It should be washed by hand
- Smaller than the other glasses
2- Spiegelau Craft Beer IPA Glass (Best Value)
Image Source: Riedel.com
Whether you’re new to the world of IPA beer glasses, you’ve probably heard of Spiegelau glasses at least once. [R]
This is because of its shape, functionality, and durability. The Spiegelau IPA glass was made in collaboration with 2 breweries: the Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head.
- With their products and popularity, these breweries can practically be found at the FOREFRONT of the IPA beer glass industry.
It has a bulbous shape, a laser-cut rim, a wide mouth, a short-ridged stem, and nucleation points that can be found at the bottom of the glass. It can also hold up to 19.1 ounces!
According to the information provided by the manufacturer, this type of glass is dishwasher safe and can safely undergo 1,500 wash and dry cycles.
- However, some reviews have stated that glasses can be quite fragile
Pros
- Functionality
- Successfully maintains beer temperature
- Enhances beer flavors
Cons
- Isn’t 100% durable
3- Be Hoppy Ultimate Pint Glass (Best Budget Pick)
Image Source: Cheers.all
This is NOT your standard pint glass. While traditional pint glasses aren’t often the first choice for aromatic beers, this beer glass is the exception. [R]
With its large bowl and narrow top, it easily retains the beer’s aromas, while its flared lip is responsible for transporting the aromas to your nose.
An interesting thing to note is that the bottom of the glass has a hop leaf, which can give you more than 100 nucleation points!
- This means that your beer’s head will stay in the glass for quite some time.
Pros
- Helps with head retention
- Enhances the beer’s aromas and flavors
- Very durable
Cons
- It may not always produce a lot of bubbles
4- Outset Stainless Steel Beer Glass
Image Source: Homewetbar.com
Are you looking for a sturdy beer glass that can keep your beer colder?
The Outset Stainless Steel Beer Glass has double-walled stainless steel, which means you’ll always have a cool glass! [R]
- This glass gives you the luxury of time by ensuring that you won’t have to rush to finish your drink
They also come in pairs and can hold up to 16 ounces! These double IPAs are modeled after traditional glasses, but they don’t have a rigid base or nucleation points.
Pros
- Successfully keeps your IPA cold
- You can have double IPA glasses
- Very durable
Cons
- You need to hand wash this glass
- No ridged base
- No nucleation points
5- Personalized Stainless Steel Beer Mug
If you’re a big fan of customized products, you might be interested in purchasing this IPA glass!
This beer mug is made of premium stainless steel, styled after classic German tankards, ensuring that you’ll always have a cold sip of beer!
It has a sculpted handle and a sturdy base and features a customized laser engraving!
Pros
- Keeps your drinks cold
- Enhances the beer’s aromas
- Very durable
Cons
- Not a standard IPA glass
- It can be a little bulky
6- Sugahara Fujiyama Beer Glass
Image Source: Japan-design.imazy.net
Yearning for the authentic Japanese experience? The Sugahara Fujiyama glass was handblown by talented artisans at Sugahara Glassworks and featured a wide base and a narrow top. [R]
Thanks to its truncated cone design, pouring beers into this cup will result in a frothy head reminiscent of Mount Fuji!
The glass also comes in a special solid Paulownia wood box, just like the types that contain traditional Japanese teacups.
- You’ll always carry a piece of Japan around with you if you have this type of glass!
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Impressive design and functionality
Cons
- It can be quite expensive
Factors to Consider When Choosing IPA Beer Glasses
While the different types of beer glasses have unique features, certain aspects are RELEVANT to making a final decision.
Check out our mini-list below to help you decide on which IPA glass to choose!
1- Serving Looks
Whether you’re drinking in a home bar or in a fancy restaurant, the way you drink your beer matters.
While it’s possible to take beers in regular glasses, having other styles adds to the overall effect of the experience.
- While it may be a little more costly to go for an expensive glass, keep in mind that you’re paying for both the functionality AND the aesthetics!
2- Shape of You
Choosing the shape of the glass isn’t just for aesthetic purposes. Did you know that the shapes of glasses affect the foam or “head” that forms after pouring a beer?
If you have a thicker head or a frothy head, they’ll influence the beer’s aroma because they’re responsible for retaining compounds such as hop oil.
- Vase-like glasses successfully contain beer foam, but it may end up on your nose if you move your head too closely
The shape of the glasses can also affect how aromas are amplified. Some beer glasses can come in a unique shape, such as tulips, or they can come in smooth curves or skinny tops.
- For instance, if you’re drinking a hoppy beer, it’s best to drink it from a tulip glass to enhance the fruity and floral aroma!
3- The Beauty in the Strength of an IPA Glass
An IPA beer glass is primarily designed to enhance IPA beers and comes in various shapes and sizes.
Some glasses can almost pass as paper-thin and must be washed carefully, while others can be placed in a dishwasher.
- Make sure to clarify whether or not a specific glass is dishwasher safe before purchasing it!
Refreshing Your Memory
After covering the relevant factors to consider when choosing the best IPA glass, you may need a quick recap on our top picks for IPA glasses.
Check out our top 3 picks for IPA glasses below!
Best Budget Pick: Be Hoppy Ultimate Pint Glass
If you can’t afford some of the more expensive items we listed, the Be Hoppy Ultimate Pint Glass is the best option!
This glass stands apart from other pint glasses because of its ability to retain the beer’s frothiness and its numerous nucleation points.
You DON’T always have to go for the pricier options to get great quality!
Best Value: Spiegelau Craft Beer IPA Glass
If you’re willing to spend more for a glass with great quality, look no further! The Spiegelau IPA glass is skilled at enhancing the flavors of various beers.
It can also hold a lot of beer (up to 19.1 ounces), making it an appealing option for beer fans.
Best Overall: Rastal Teku 3.0 Stemmed Beer Glass
The best IPA glass is the Rastal Teku 3.0 Tulip Beer Glass because of its unique design and functionality!
Various brewers from all over the world have raved about this product because of its ability to enhance every sip of beer.
- You’ll be in safe hands with this glass as a beer drinker!
Bottoms-up
If you’re looking for a way to enhance taste, you can’t go wrong with IPA glasses! The different styles do an excellent job of improving your drinking experience.
As many craft beer experts say, having the best glass is one of the most important components of drinking beer (i.e., India pale ales).
Whether you prefer durability, aesthetics, or functionality, pick the beer glass that’ll last for long.
Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. Self proclaimed coffee addict who’s been home brewing beer (among other things) for 25+ yrs. Also an aspiring pro-brewer and micro-brewery owner!
