The tulip beer glass is similar in stature to the snifter but rather than ending at a taper, it flares out at the mouth. The flaring at the top of the glass can be relatively mild or rather pronounced depending on the glass maker. Below you’ll see a variety of different tulip glasses. They’re all tulip glasses but they’re slight variations are worth examining.
You may notice that the term “tulip” is also used to describe other types of glassware. Glasses like the tulip pint glass and Stella Artois’ Tulip Chalice either end mid bulb or round back in slightly.
Benefits of the Tulip Beer Glass
You’ll usually be using the tulip glass for beers which pour with thick foamy heads or lots of effervescent bubbles. The bulbous body and tapered neck of the tulip beer glass helps to support this head and capture volatiles in and around the glass’s mouth.
When you’re drinking from this glass you’ll be able to pick up on some of the beer’s more subtle characters which might otherwise be overwhelmed in a glass with a larger mouth.
What Beer Goes with Tulip Beer Glasses?
The tulip glass is also occasionally called a “Belgian Ale Glass” which can give you a clue where to start. This glass will handle most Belgian ales including Darks, Pales and Strongs.
The glass also goes well with double and imperial IPAs. Because it focuses subtler characteristics, it’s great for picking out hoppy or floral notes over some of the alcohol bite that comes with the finish. The same is true for wild ales and farmhouse ales.
A modified, or tweaked, version of the tulip beer glass is the thistle glass. If you don’t have one of these the tulip will serve well for Scotch Ales as well.
In all, the tulip glass is pretty versatile! There are some that even argue it may be the only glass you need in your collection … but where’s the fun in that?
Where can I buy a Tulip Beer Glass?
Libbey has a great starter set called the “Libbey Craft Brew Sampler Clear Beer Glass Set.” This set includes a “Belgian Ale Glass” which is essentially a taller version of the tulip glass. This set runs about $30 on Amazon but can be found for around $20 in places like Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
La Chouffe, Duvel, and Tripel Karmeliet often have gift sets around the holidays which contain tulip glasses as well.
There are also sets of four Tulip Beer Glasses available on Amazon for around $15.
