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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
- 57/m: Love beer, but it doesn’t love me as much anymore
- No Stupid Questions Wednesday – ask anything about beer
- 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 Dinner Etiquette: How to Politely Request the Right Glassware for Your Beer
Dining out often comes with its own set of unspoken rules, especially when it comes to enjoying your meal and drink in the best way possible. One common dilemma many find themselves in revolves around the proper glassware for specific types of beverages — particularly when it comes to craft beers like hefeweizen.
Imagine this: you’re out for dinner with colleagues, excited about trying a hefeweizen. As the server approaches your table, you anticipate the refreshing taste of this traditional wheat beer, only to find it presented in a standard pilsner glass. It may seem like a trivial concern, but the shape of the glass plays a crucial role in enhancing the beer’s aroma and head retention. The specific design of a hefeweizen glass is crafted to concentrate the beer’s unique scents, ultimately elevating your drinking experience.
Now, faced with the choice of either saying something or staying quiet, you reluctantly take a sip from the wrong glass, all the while wondering how much more enjoyable it could have been in the appropriate vessel. Meanwhile, your colleagues might not share your passion for the nuances of beer, and you worry about being perceived as overly critical or “that person” who sends back a drink.
So, how can one tactfully address this situation without creating discomfort at the table? Here are some thoughtful strategies to keep in mind:
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Express a Simple Preference: You might say, “I’m a big fan of hefeweizens and the right glass really enhances the experience. Would it be possible to switch this to a hefeweizen glass?” Framing it as a personal preference can make your request feel less demanding.
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Share Your Enthusiasm: Sometimes, sharing your excitement about the beer can diffuse any potential awkwardness. You could add, “I can’t wait to enjoy this, and it tastes even better in the right glass. Could I have it served in one of those wheat beer glasses?” This way, it feels more like sharing a passion rather than criticizing the service.
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Ask for Confirmation: Another approach could be to casually point out, “I believe they typically serve hefeweizens in those specific glasses over there. Would you mind if I had mine in one of those?” This method puts the emphasis on the standard rather than on the server’s choice.
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Be Gracious Regardless: If you choose not to