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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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Navigating Glassware Etiquette: How to Politely Request the Right Beer Glass
When dining out, the experience can be enhanced or diminished by the details—like the glass your drink is served in. Recently, I encountered a situation that’s likely familiar to many beer enthusiasts: I ordered a hefeweizen, anticipating the full enjoyment of this unique wheat beer style, only to have it presented in a standard pilsner glass.
While this may seem trivial, the right glassware plays a significant role in the enjoyment of certain beers. The design of a hefeweizen glass is crafted to elevate the tasting experience by concentrating the beer’s aromas and encouraging proper head formation. It’s an integral part of appreciating the full profile of the beer.
However, faced with a group of colleagues who likely do not share the same level of glassware appreciation, I found myself in a dilemma. The last thing I wanted was to become the focal point of discomfort by sending back the beer over what they might perceive as a minor issue. So, I opted to sip my drink as served, while mentally cataloging how much more pleasurable it could have been in its intended glass.
To my surprise, I later noticed that the restaurant had the appropriate hefeweizen glasses tucked away behind the bar—a clear indication that the server simply chose convenience over accuracy. This led me to ponder: Is there a polite way to ask for a specific glassware without coming off as overly picky?
From my experience, here are several strategies to consider when approaching this delicate situation:
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Express Enthusiasm: Frame your request by expressing your excitement about the beer. For instance, you could say, “I’m really looking forward to enjoying this hefeweizen! Would it be possible to serve it in a hefeweizen glass? I find it really enhances the flavor and aroma!”
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Use Humor: A light-hearted approach can often diffuse any tension. You might say something along the lines of, “I know this is a little particular, but I swear the right glass will make this hefeweizen taste heavenly!”
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Ask for Recommendations: You can engage the server in a conversation about the beer by saying, “What’s your favorite way to serve this hefeweizen? I’ve heard the right glass can really bring out the best in it!”
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Be Direct but Courteous: Sometimes, straightforwardness is the best policy. A simple,