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 Etiquette: How to Politely Refuse a Brew in the Wrong Glassware
Dining out often involves delightful surprises, from the food to the company we share. However, there are moments when the experience could be enhanced with just a minor adjustment—in this case, the glassware. Recently, I found myself in a situation that many craft beer enthusiasts might relate to, and I was left pondering the best way to address it while keeping the atmosphere light and enjoyable.
I had ordered a hefeweizen, looking forward to the signature flavors and aromas that this wheat beer typically offers. To my surprise, the server presented it in a standard pilsner glass instead of the iconic vessel designed to showcase the unique characteristics of a hefeweizen. While this may seem trivial, the glass plays a crucial role in how a beer’s aroma and taste are experienced—its shape helps concentrate the aromas and facilitates the development of the perfect head.
Amidst a table full of colleagues, I hesitated. Would it be proper to send the beer back for something more suitable? I knew my coworkers likely viewed all beer glasses as interchangeable, and I didn’t want to come off as overly discerning or difficult. Reluctantly, I opted to drink it as it was, aware that my enjoyment was somewhat diminished due to the inappropriate glassware.
To my surprise, I later spotted the correct wheat beer glasses behind the bar, indicating they were readily available—yet the server had chosen convenience over the ideal presentation. This experience left me wondering: how do you politely address a situation like this without seeming fussy?
If you find yourself in a similar predicament, here are a few tips for tactfully requesting the appropriate glassware without disrupting the dinner ambiance:
-
Express Enthusiasm: When the server approaches, express excitement about the beer you’ve ordered. A simple, “I can’t wait to try this hefeweizen; it’s one of my favorites!” sets a positive tone.
-
Inquire Casually: Politely ask if a specific glass is available. You could say, “I know it’s a bit specific, but is it possible to have this in a hefeweizen glass? I really enjoy how it enhances the flavors.”
-
Be Understanding: Acknowledge that mistakes can happen. For example, you might add, “I completely understand that sometimes it’s easier to grab what’s closest; it happens to all of us!”
4