Glassware: Goblets (#1 in a series)*

*Special thanks to the wise men at Beer Advocate for the source material.

If you're anything like me, you've often wondered "How can I maximize my beer drinking experience?" Part of it, obviously, is consuming quality beer–like, say, M&B beers. Another element that is often overlooked is your choice of drinking vessel; certain beer styles are best experienced in certain glasses. We will identify the various styles of glassware available (there are more than you'd think!), discuss why they're particularly suited to a particular beer style, list the relevant styles and (where possible) provide a link to an affordable example of the glass in question. Ready? Here we go, starting with…

GOBLETS/CHALICES

Goblets are longer and more delicate, while chalices are sturdier, thicker. Either way, you look cool drinking out of one. By scoring the inside bottom of the glass, a CO2 nucleation point (i.e. a point where bubbles begin to form) is created, resulting in a stream of bubbles and perfect head retention.

Which beer styles are suited to this style of glassware?

• Belgian IPA
• Belgian Strong Dark Ale
• Berliner Weissbier
• Dubbel 
• Tripel
• Quadrupel (Quad)

Where can I find one?

Consider the Miguel All-Purpose Goblet from Crate and Barrel (pictured here). At $6.95, it's sturdy and masculine without being obnoxious. Made in Mexico from recycled glass, each one is unique–like beer itself.

Enjoy! Next time we'll talk about Tulip Glasses, so try and contain yourselves.