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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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- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- 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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Navigating Beer Etiquette: How to Politely Address Glassware Issues
Experiencing the perfect brew can sometimes be compromised by something as seemingly trivial as the choice of glass. Recently, I found myself in a situation that many beer aficionados might relate to. During a dinner outing, I ordered a hefeweizen, eagerly anticipating its unique aromas and flavors. However, when my drink arrived, it was served in a standard pilsner glass, which significantly detracted from the experience.
This may seem like a minor oversight, but the shape of the glass plays a crucial role in enhancing the tasting experience. A proper hefeweizen glass is designed to concentrate the beer’s aromas and promote optimal head formation, both of which are essential for appreciating the full depth of flavor. Unfortunately, I was seated at a table with colleagues who likely shared the misconception that all beer glasses are created equal. The last thing I wanted was to come off as fussy for rejecting a seemingly fine drink over glassware choice, so I opted to drink it as served, all the while wishing it could have been enjoyed as intended.
As the evening progressed, I noticed that the bar was indeed stocked with the correct wheat beer glasses, indicating that the server simply chose convenience over form. This made me wonder: Is there a courteous way to address such situations without making your dining companions uncomfortable or appearing overly particular?
After reflecting on this dilemma, I’ve gathered some thoughts on how to tactfully navigate similar circumstances in the future:
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Choose the Right Moment: Timing is everything. If you notice the glassware issue when your drink arrives, consider taking a moment to appreciate the rest of the table before approaching the server.
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Express Appreciation: Start by thanking the server for their service. A simple expression of gratitude can set a positive tone. For instance, “Thank you for bringing my drink! I really appreciate it.”
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Make a Gentle Suggestion: Rather than outright refusing the drink, suggest the appropriate glass type in a casual manner. You might say, “I’ve noticed that hefeweizens taste even better in the traditional wheat glass. Would it be possible to have it in that glass instead?” This approach keeps the conversation light and friendly.
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Stay Calm and Positive: If the server seems taken aback, reassure them that it’s purely a preference on your part, and people often have their own tastes and rituals.
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