How to Drink Craft Beer

Craft beer is much more than just a drink. Every bottle or can represents the passion and craftsmanship of the brewer, from carefully selected malts and hops to unique yeast strains and special ingredients such as fruit, spices or barrel ageing.

To fully appreciate those flavours, how you serve and drink craft beer is just as important as the beer itself.

The right beer glass, the correct serving temperature and proper pouring technique can completely transform your tasting experience.

Whether you're enjoying a fresh IPA, a rich imperial stout or a complex tripel, this guide will help you get the very best from every glass.

In This Guide

• Why the right beer glass matters
• Which glass suits each beer style
• The ideal serving temperature for craft beer
• How to pour craft beer properly
• How to taste craft beer
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Frequently asked questions

Why Does Craft Beer Taste Better from a Glass?

Many people drink craft beer straight from the bottle or can. While convenient, it means you're missing a large part of the beer's aroma, and aroma plays a huge role in flavour.

In fact, much of what we perceive as taste actually comes from smell. A proper beer glass allows aromas to develop and directs them towards your nose, creating a richer drinking experience.

Using the right glass also offers several other advantages:

• Enhances aromas
• Creates a better head
• Improves mouthfeel
• Preserves carbonation
• Makes it easier to appreciate colour and clarity
• Improves the overall drinking experience

For these reasons, breweries almost always recommend serving their beers in a suitable glass.

Which Glass Should You Use for Craft Beer?

Not every craft beer is best served in the same type of glass. The shape influences aroma, carbonation, head retention and flavour perception. Check out our selection of proper glassware.

Teku Glass

The Teku glass has become one of the most popular choices among craft beer enthusiasts and breweries worldwide.

Perfect for:

• IPA
• New England IPA (NEIPA)
• Double IPA
• Triple IPA
• Fruited Sour
• Wild Ale
• Saison

Its elegant bowl and narrow rim concentrate aromas, making it an excellent all-round craft beer glass.

Tulip Glass

Best suited for:

• Belgian Blonde
• Dubbel
• Tripel
• Quadrupel
• Belgian Strong Ale

The rounded bowl captures aromas while the slightly narrowed rim directs them towards your nose.

Wheat Beer Glass

Ideal for:

• Hefeweizen
• Wheat Beer
• Belgian Witbier

Its tall shape supports a thick, long-lasting head while highlighting fruity and spicy aromas.

Stout Glass

Perfect for:

• Porter
• Stout
• Imperial Stout
• Barrel Aged Stout

The design enhances roasted flavours such as coffee, chocolate, caramel and vanilla.

Pint Glass

A classic choice for:

• American IPA
• Pale Ale
• Amber Ale

Simple, versatile and comfortable to drink from.

Tip: If you only own one beer glass, choose a Teku or tulip glass. They perform exceptionally well with almost every craft beer style.

What Is the Ideal Serving Temperature for Craft Beer?

Serving temperature has a significant impact on flavour.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is serving every beer ice cold. While this works well for some lighter styles, it masks many of the complex aromas found in craft beer.

Generally speaking:

• Lighter beers should be served cooler.
• Stronger, darker beers should be served slightly warmer.

Recommended Serving Temperatures

A simple rule of thumb:

The stronger and more complex the beer, the warmer it should be served.

If you've just taken a heavy stout or barley wine out of the fridge, let it warm up for 10 to 20 minutes before drinking.

You'll notice significantly more aroma and flavour.

How to Pour Craft Beer Properly

Pouring isn't just about appearance—it affects aroma, carbonation and head retention.

Follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Use a Clean Glass

Always use a clean, grease-free glass. Even small traces of detergent or grease can ruin the head.

Many beer lovers briefly rinse their glass with cold water before pouring.

Step 2: Hold the Glass at a 45° Angle

Tilt the glass slightly and start pouring gently along the inside.

Step 3: Pour Slowly

Avoid pouring too quickly. A slow pour helps maintain carbonation and creates a stable head.

Step 4: Straighten the Glass

When the glass is about two-thirds full, slowly move it upright.

Step 5: Create the Perfect Head

Finish pouring into the centre of the glass.

Aim for a head of approximately 1–1.5 inches (2–3 cm).

Why Is Beer Foam Important?

Many people believe too much foam is a bad thing.

In reality, a good head is essential.

Beer foam:

• Protects the beer from oxidation
• Releases and preserves aromas
• Improves mouthfeel
• Enhances presentation
• Helps maintain carbonation

A proper head is part of the perfect craft beer experience.

How to Taste Craft Beer Like a Pro

Craft beer deserves your full attention.

Professional beer judges generally follow five simple steps.

1. Look

Observe the colour, clarity and head.

Ask yourself:

• Is it clear or hazy?
• What colour is it?
• How well does the foam last?

2. Smell

Take a moment before your first sip.

Common aromas include:

• Citrus
• Tropical fruit
• Pine
• Floral notes
• Stone fruit
• Caramel
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Vanilla
• Spices
• Red berries
• Oak

Many of these aromas become more noticeable as the beer warms slightly.

3. Take a Small Sip

Let the beer coat your tongue rather than swallowing immediately.

Notice how the flavours develop.

4. Feel the Mouthfeel

Think about the texture.

Is it:

• Light
• Crisp
• Creamy
• Full-bodied
• Smooth
• Dry

Mouthfeel is an important part of the overall experience.

5. Enjoy the Finish

The finish, or aftertaste, often reveals the beer's complexity.

A great craft beer leaves a pleasant, balanced impression long after you've taken your sip.

Common Mistakes When Drinking Craft Beer

Even experienced beer lovers sometimes make these mistakes.

❌ Drinking directly from the bottle or can.

❌ Using the wrong glass.

❌ Serving every beer ice cold.

❌ Drinking too quickly.

❌ Ignoring the aroma.

❌ Pouring without creating a proper head.

Small changes can make a surprisingly big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to drink craft beer?

Serve it in a clean glass, at the correct temperature, pour it carefully and take time to smell and taste it.

Should I always pour canned craft beer into a glass?

Yes.

Modern cans preserve beer exceptionally well, but pouring it into a glass allows the aromas to develop fully.

Why does the same beer taste different at home than in a bar?

Temperature, glassware, pouring technique and even freshness can all influence flavour.

What is the most versatile beer glass?

A Teku glass or tulip glass works well for almost every craft beer style.

Get the Most Out of Every Craft Beer

Craft beer is all about discovering new flavours, sharing great moments and appreciating the creativity of independent breweries.

By choosing the right glass, serving your beer at the ideal temperature and pouring it correctly, you'll experience every aroma and flavour exactly as the brewer intended.

Whether you enjoy fresh IPAs, hazy NEIPAs, rich imperial stouts, fruity sours or classic Belgian ales, these simple techniques will make every beer taste even better.

At De Biersalon, you'll discover more than 1,500 craft beers from breweries around the world. We also add around 100 new beers every week, giving you endless opportunities to explore new breweries, beer styles and limited releases.