Your cart is currently empty!

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?
Categories
Tags
Social Links
Navigating Glassware Etiquette: How to Politely Decline Beer Served in the Wrong Glass
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the beer you ordered is served in the wrong glass, leaving you torn between enjoying your evening out and adhering to wine and beer etiquette? This happened to me recently during a dinner with colleagues, and I’m sure many of you can relate.
I had ordered a hefeweizen, a delightful wheat beer known for its unique flavors and aromas. However, when my drink arrived, it was presented in a standard pilsner glass instead of the specialized hefeweizen glass designed to enhance the beer’s characteristics. While it may seem like a trivial detail, the shape of the glass plays a crucial role in concentrating aromas and allowing the beer to showcase its head properly.
As I sat at the table with my coworkers—who likely viewed all beer glasses as interchangeable—I felt hesitant about making a fuss. I didn’t want to be perceived as overly particular or that ‘that person’ who sends drinks back. So, I begrudgingly accepted the pilsner glass, reminding myself to focus on the taste rather than the presentation.
To my surprise, I later discovered that the establishment was indeed equipped with the proper glassware tucked away behind the bar. The server simply opted for what was most convenient at the moment.
This experience made me wonder: Is there a courteous way to request a drink in the proper glass without causing any discomfort around the table? If anyone has successfully navigated this dilemma, I would greatly appreciate any tips.
In the end, it’s important to remember that enjoying your meal and drink should be a pleasurable experience. While it’s natural to want to appreciate your beer in its ideal state, finding the right words to express your preference can make all the difference. If you’ve ever encountered a similar situation, how did you manage it? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!