In a Glass of their Own

Those in the know, know that the right glassware can make (or break) your go-to refreshing alcoholic beverage. 

For one thing, it’s a bit frustrating to order your favourite beer and have it served in another brand’s glassware—especially if you’re a dedicated ale drinker being served a brew in a continental lager glass, for instance.

And for another, as we enter the summer months, there’s not a single pilsner drinker who will appreciate an under-or over-nucleated pint. So, what are we to make of the world’s unheralded chalices, mugs, tumblers, steins, and goblets? And what role do they play in serving up the perfect pint, time and again?

The Science BitIt’s no secret that the right glass enhances the beer-drinking experience. Just ask our friends at Carlsberg, whose scientific legacy dates back to 1883, when Emil Christian Hansen discovered the yeast strain most lagers derive from today. So, when they tasked us with creating glassware to complement probably the best beer in the world, we set out to craft probably the best glassware in the world—by adopting the following improvements:

1.Tapered top to retain a beautiful crown, not too deep, not too shallow.

2. Unique bowl-shaped base to allow the beer to flow smoothly into the glass, helping to reduce excess foaming.

3. Nucleation point to facilitate the release of carbonation, creating a steady stream of bubbles that helps maintain a well-proportioned crown on the beer.

4. Chunky stem to encourage hands off the body of the glass, which in turn helps keep the brew cooler for longer.

5. An unforgettable, timeless aesthetic to tempt you to ‘liberate’ the glass from the bar… and find its way into your home.*

6. Dishwasher-friendly design, with few sharp angles to trap stubborn hardened foam (because no one likes to drink from a dirty glass).
 

*We don’t condone stealing. Probably.

“The best beverage brands understand that great glassware elevates not only the drinking experience but also the brand’s image.”

Ergonomics & UtilityAs with any structural design, the utility of the product and its ergonomic qualities are also vital to consider. Again, working with Carlsberg (this time with their Carlsberg Export brand), we fine-tuned the grip to match the glass’s profile, even considering details like a resting spot for your pinky finger to help steady the glass effortlessly.

Untapped OpportunityGlassware is also a powerful tool for brand experience. For cider brand Somersby, we used raised surfaces and 3D effects to visually convey ‘real refreshment.’ Clever design and finishing touches can also transform glassware into sought-after limited editions.

Playing with EquityHobgoblin is—in their words—ugly. But that didn’t stop us creating beautiful glassware to celebrate their portfolio of ales. Beauty is subjective, but to honour the equity of this famously unattractive brand, we created the squat, robust Hobgoblet glass. 

The best beverage brands understand that great glassware elevates not only the drinking experience but also the brand’s image. And while we don’t condone stealing, the ultimate compliment for your glassware is when it ‘finds’ its way into customers’ homes.