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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 Glassware Etiquette: How to Politely Decline the Wrong Beer Glass
Dining out often comes with the joy of enjoying a perfectly poured beer, but what happens when it’s served in a glass that doesn’t do it justice? Recently, I faced this dilemma during a dinner outing with colleagues. I had ordered a hefeweizen, a beer that’s best enjoyed in its designated glass to truly appreciate its flavor and aroma. However, the server presented it in a standard pilsner glass.
While some may brush this off as trivial, I believe that using the correct glass can significantly enhance the tasting experience. The unique shape of a hefeweizen glass is designed to capture the delicate aromas and support the ideal head formation. As I sat there, I felt a tug of conflict. My coworkers were chatting and enjoying their drinks, probably unaware that the glass could impact the beer’s experience. I didn’t want to come across as overly fussy or interrupt the flow of conversation by sending my drink back.
As I surveyed the bar, I spotted the proper wheat beer glasses, clear evidence that the server had simply chosen convenience over the best presentation. In that moment, I contemplated whether there was a way to address the situation without seeming difficult.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are a few tips to navigate the request politely:
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Approach with Kindness: Start by expressing appreciation for the drink that has been served. A simple “Thank you for bringing this!” sets a positive tone for your request.
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Frame it as a Preference: You might say something like, “I hope you don’t mind, but I have a bit of a preference for my hefeweizen in its proper glass.” This way, it doesn’t come off as criticism but rather a personal choice.
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Use Humor: A light-hearted remark, such as “I’m a bit of a beer snob when it comes to my hefeweizen!” can break any tension and showcase your enthusiasm for the correct glassware.
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Be Direct but Polite: If you choose to address it straight away, a simple “Could you please switch it to a hefeweizen glass? I think it will really make a difference!” conveys your message without coming off as rude.
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Know Your Wine (Or Beer) List: Having a little knowledge about the beers and the glassware can help you explain why