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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 Glassware: A Polite Guide to Declining the Wrong Glass Without Awkwardness
When dining out, especially in the company of colleagues or friends, it’s all too easy to find ourselves in a situation where we are served beer in the wrong glassware. Take, for instance, my recent experience at a local restaurant, where I ordered a refreshing hefeweizen, only to have it served in a standard pilsner glass.
While this may seem like a minor issue, glassware plays a significant role in enhancing the taste and aroma of many beers. The unique shape of a hefeweizen glass is specifically designed to concentrate the beer’s aromatic qualities while ensuring a lovely head formation. As someone who appreciates the nuances of beer, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma.
Surrounded by colleagues who might not recognize the difference between beer glasses, I was concerned about coming off as overly finicky. Did I really want to be “that person” who sends back a perfectly good beer simply because it wasn’t served in the ideal vessel? Ultimately, I chose to drink it as it was, suppressing thoughts of how much better it might have been in the proper glass.
To add to my frustration, I later spotted the restaurant’s collection of wheat beer glasses prominently placed behind the bar. It was clear that the server opted for convenience instead of delivering what I had actually ordered.
This leaves many of us wondering: is there a diplomatic way to address the issue of receiving beer in the wrong glass? Here are a few suggestions for politely navigating this common dilemma:
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Express Enthusiasm: When ordering, express excitement about your choice. You might say, “I can’t wait to enjoy the hefeweizen; it’s best in a proper wheat glass. I hope it comes out in the right one!” This sets expectations without coming off as demanding.
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Inquire Casually: If the beer arrives in the wrong glass, consider saying something like, “I’ve noticed that hefeweizens really shine in their dedicated glasses. Would it be possible to switch it out?” This makes it seem more like a question rather than a complaint.
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Lead with Understanding: Acknowledge the server’s choices by adding a statement such as, “I totally understand that it can be busy, but I’d love to experience it as it’s meant to be enjoyed.”
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Avoid Guilt