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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
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- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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The Art of Polite Refusal: Navigating Glassware Etiquette at Dining Events
When dining out, especially in a social setting with colleagues, it can be quite a challenge to navigate the intricacies of etiquette—especially concerning something as seemingly trivial as the glassware your drink is served in. As a craft beer enthusiast, I recently faced this dilemma during a dinner where I ordered a hefeweizen, a wheat beer known for its unique taste and aroma that is best appreciated in a specially designed glass.
Upon receiving my drink, I realized it was served in a standard pilsner glass rather than the traditional wheat beer glass. While some may think this is a minor detail, the shape and design of the glass genuinely play a significant role in enhancing the beer’s flavors and aromas. The hefeweizen glass is crafted to concentrate its delicious scents and facilitate proper head formation, thereby elevating the drinking experience.
However, I was seated with coworkers who might not understand the nuances of beer presentation. In that moment, I didn’t want to come across as overly critical or picky by asking for a different glass. After all, who wants to be the one person at the table who seemingly nitpicks over something small? So instead, I steeled my resolve, sipped my beer, and tried to ignore the fact that I’d be enjoying it more if served properly.
To add to my frustration, I later noticed that appropriate wheat beer glasses were readily available behind the bar—it appeared that my server had simply opted for convenience over authenticity.
This experience led me to wonder: Is there a polite way to request a drink in its proper glassware without making the atmosphere uncomfortable for everyone present?
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are a few tips to consider for tactfully addressing glassware concerns:
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Start with Appreciation: When the server brings your drink, express your gratitude first. A simple “Thank you!” sets a positive tone.
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Make it About the Beer: Instead of saying, “This should be in a different glass,” try framing it as part of the beer’s experience. For example, “I love hefeweizens, and they really shine in their special glass. Would it be possible to have mine in one?”
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Be Mindful of Timing: If you’re in a large gathering or the dinner atmosphere feels tense, it might be wise to wait until the server is not busy or to consider addressing it when