Wheat Beer & Pilsner Glass

Pilsner Beer Glasses: What You Need to Know

Glasses designed for pilsners and wheat beer have a distinctive shape that's intended to enhance the look, scent, and taste of light, effervescent brews. Found in most traditional pubs, bars, and beer gardens, these glasses add classic detail to the drinking experience that many beer afficionados appreciate. At venues where a variety of beer is sold – particularly seasonal, local, or craft beers – stocking pilsner cups can be a simple way to showcase high-end product and persuade customers to pay a premium price for it.

Common Questions About Pilsner Glasses

What is a pilsner glass?

This type of glass is used frequently for light beers such as pilsners, blonde ales, and IPAs. Designed to show off the scent and appearance of these delicate golden-, amber-, and copper-hued beers, wholesale pilsner glasses feature a slender, tapered shape that flares to a wider top where a foamy head can form. Generally, these glasses have a heavy base to balance out their flared shape and reduce tipping – which is why they're sometimes called footed pilsner glasses.

How does a footed pilsner differ from an American pint?

Pilsner beer glasses differ from pints in a few ways, the first being their shape. Although some pints have slightly curved or flared sides, they maintain a predominantly conical shape and don't have the exaggerated flare iconic to pilsner glassware. Pilsner glasses also are available in many sizes, but they tend to be a bit smaller than pint glass options, and due to their unique shape, sometimes can't be stacked as easily.

How many ounces are in a pilsner glass?

Pilsner beer glasses for sale are available in several capacities, but most traditional models hold 10 to 16 ounces. Smaller glasses, such as those with 6- to 7-ounce capacities, are often used for tasting flights and sampling new brews, and 8- to 9-ounce models frequently are offered as a smaller serving size option for customers wishing to imbibe lightly with their meal. Extra-large pilsner cups, on the other hand, often are called giant beer glasses and can hold as much as 23 ounces of beer.

How do I care for and maintain my glasses?

When deciding how to wash your beer glasses, first determine if the glasses are dishwasher safe. If the manufacturer advises hand washing its glasses, they must be air dried to prevent contamination after cleaning. If you intend to use a dishmachine, consider investing in a specialized glass washer designed to wash hundreds of glasses hourly without causing chips or breakage. Operators washing their barware in a standard warewasher should keep plenty of glass racks on hand to keep the glasses safe during the washing process.

No matter which method you choose, glasses should be washed in water exceeding 180 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure hard-to-remove substances, such as lipstick, don't remain on the glasses after washing. Unsightly reminders of previous users can negatively impact your operation's reputation as well as your customers' experiences.