The Beer Chalice is a stocky, stemmed beer glass with a wide mouth and thick walls. They’re often decorated with an ornate stem, gold or silver rim, and some type of etching in the base of the bowl. These beer glasses are stable, sturdy glasses which are ideally suited for “sipping” beers.
Chalices are similar to beer goblets but different enough to get their own category. Goblets are typically taller, thin walled, and thin stemmed. They’re also less likely to have some of the decorative features common in goblets. Things like gold plated rims, etching, or embossing on the stem and bowl.
Benefits of a Beer Chalice
With its ornate design the beer chalice has obvious visual appeal. It’s thick walls provide some extra insulation and the thick stem helps make it more stable than other stemmed glasses. The wide mouth and etching (when applicable) also help with head retention.
The wide mouth makes it easier to take larger sips of whatever you’re drinking.
Other Notes
Some people consider beer chalices and beer goblets to be interchangeable. Personally I think there’s enough of a difference to keep them separate. It’s also fair to say that there are several glasses out there that kind of fall in the middle. Leffe’s goblet is kind of like a chalice and Westmalle’s chalice is kind of like a goblet. There’s a lot of overlap between glassware and style so it’s not the end of the world.
There are also a few outliers. Stella Artois, for example, calls it’s glass a chalice despite it being more like a tall tulip pokal. Duvel’s glass is also occasionally called a chalice. That’s basically marketing and branding though … which is totally OK.
What Beer Goes with a Beer Chalice
Beer Chalices are typically reserved for Belgian and French Ales. Specifically Dubbels, Tripels, and Quadrupels (Quads). It’s also popular for Belgian Strong Dark Ales.
This beer glass also works well with higher ABV highly carbonated beers.
Where can I buy a Beer Chalice
Most well stocked liquor stores will have occasionally have Chimay or Westmalle gift boxes which include a few beers and a chalice, especially around the holidays. The Chimay set I see regularly includes three beers (a dubbel, tripel and quad) along with the glass so it’s a great opportunity to try a few new beers as well.
You can also buy Chimay Beer Chalices and Westmalle Chalices through Amazon. If you’re looking for a beer chalice that’s not branded libbey offers a “Hoffman House Goblet” which fits the bill. Expect to pay around $20- $25 per glass.
The best deal, in my opinion, is to watch for the gift sets at your local liquor store. You may even be able to order them there directly.
