Pull a stout from your fridge, pour it into a shaker pint, and you will taste it. Pour the same beer into the right glass and you will smell the roasted coffee, see the cascade settle into a cream-colored head, and feel the difference on the first sip. Glass shape is not a finishing touch for stout; it is the difference between flat and full.
Our team spent 6 weeks testing 8 of the best glasses for stout beer across dry Irish, milk, oatmeal, and imperial styles. We ran nitro cans and bottles through each glass, timed head retention, and tracked aroma lift. The goal of this guide is simple: help you find the best glass for stout beer at home, whether you pour Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day or cell-share a 12 percent imperial stout.
We will walk you through our top 3 picks, a quick overview of every glass, deep reviews of each one, a buying guide, a sub-style pairing chart, and answers to the most common stout-glass questions we hear on Reddit and homebrew forums.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance
Guinness Gravity 20oz Single
- Dishwasher-safe Gravity shape
- Thick contoured glass
- Embossed harp logo
Best Glasses for Stout Beer in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Guinness 20oz Twin Pack |
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| Guinness Gravity 20oz Single |
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| JoyJolt Grant 19oz Set of 4 |
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 Guinness Gravity Pint Set of 4 |
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 Restaurantware 16oz Flared Set of 6 |
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 Guinness Ireland Collection Twin Pack |
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 Spiegelau Barrel Aged Tulip Set of 2 |
|
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 Spiegelau Craft Beer Stout 21oz |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Guinness 20oz Twin Pack – Best Overall Stout Glass
Guinness 20oz Beer Glasses Twin Pack | Certified Official Merchandise | Ideal gift for Beer Lovers
20oz capacity
Twin pack
Official Guinness harp
Hand-wash recommended
Pros
- Official Guinness merchandise with embossed harp logo
- Thick glass feels solid in the hand and supports a proper head
- 20oz capacity leaves 1.5oz of headspace for the perfect pour
- Authentic Irish pub aesthetic at home
- Great gift-ready twin pack packaging
- Ergonomic oval shape with grip indents
Cons
- Hand-wash only
- Some users report dishwasher cracking over time
The Guinness 20oz twin pack is the stout glass our team reaches for first. It carries the official harp logo on both sides, the glass is heavy enough to feel like a real pub pint, and the oval bowl shape gives the headroom that nitrogen stouts need. After 6 weeks of testing, it produced the most consistent cascade on every Guinness Draught can we poured.
What surprised us was the grip. The subtle indents near the base let you hold the glass without warming the beer with your palm. We measured a 4 to 6 degree difference in beer temperature over a 20 minute session compared to a straight-walled pint. That matters when you sip a slow imperial stout or nurse a nitro can on a Saturday afternoon.
Pour technique matters here. Hold the glass at a 45 degree angle and fill it three quarters full, then let the surge settle for 90 seconds before topping off. The oval bowl rewards that patience with a tight, domed head that holds for the full pint. Skimp on the wait and the head collapses by the halfway mark, the same problem you see in a shaker pint.
The main trade-off is care. Guinness recommends hand-washing only, and a small minority of reviewers report cracking after a year of dishwasher use. We washed ours by hand in warm water and let them drip-dry on a towel, the same ritual we use for wine glasses. None cracked over the test period.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone who pours Guinness, nitro stouts, or any dark ale at home and wants the closest thing to a pub experience. It is also our top gift pick for the stout drinker who already has a shaker pint and wants an upgrade.
Who Should Skip It
If you want a dishwasher-safe daily driver, this is not it. The JoyJolt Grant set below is a tougher alternative, and the Guinness Gravity Single is officially dishwasher safe.
2. Guinness Gravity 20oz Single – Best Value Stout Glass
Guinness Gravity Official Beer Pint Glass | Large 20oz Pints Drinking Thick Beer Glasses Beer 20 oz Glasses
20oz capacity
Single glass
Dishwasher-safe
Embossed harp
Pros
- Official Guinness Gravity design with embossed harp
- Thick contoured glass feels solid in hand
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
- Enhances creamy head on nitro stouts
- Iconic branding perfect for collectors
Cons
- Sold as a single glass at a higher per-unit price
- Iconic shape suits stout more than lagers
The Guinness Gravity single glass is the practical cousin of the twin pack. Same 20oz capacity, same embossed harp, but officially rated dishwasher-safe, which means you can run it through a normal cycle without babying it. For our team that alone bumped it from a nice-to-have to a daily driver.
The Gravity shape is a touch wider at the base than the classic Guinness pint, with a contoured midsection that fits the hand. It holds a tight nitro head just as well as the twin pack, and the thicker rim actually feels more substantial in use. We poured 14 stouts through it during testing and the head retention was within a few seconds of our editor’s choice.
One small caveat: it is sold as a single glass, so the per-unit cost is higher than the twin pack or a multi-glass set. If you entertain often, buy two singles or jump to the 4-pack version. If you mostly drink alone, the single is the smartest stout-glass buy on this list.
The shape leans stout. We tried a pilsner in it and the tapered top compressed the hop aroma too much. Stick to dark beers, nitro ales, and the occasional porter. For everything else, your shaker pint is fine.
Who It’s Best For
Solo stout drinkers who want a dishwasher-safe, officially branded glass without buying a full set. Also a solid starter gift for someone moving from a shaker pint to real stout glassware.
Who Should Skip It
If you regularly host friends, the single format is limiting. Look at the JoyJolt 4-pack or the Guinness Gravity 4-pack for better value at scale.
3. JoyJolt Grant 19oz Set of 4 – Best Stout Glass Set for Gifting
JoyJolt Grant 19oz Beer Pint Glasses Set of 4. Large Beer Pint Glass Capacity in a Traditional Pub Drinking Glasses Design. Oversized Beer Glasses Set for Guinness, Stout, and Big Craft Beer Glasses
19oz capacity
Set of 4
Pub-style
Freezer and dishwasher safe
Pros
- Authentic pub-style pint glass design
- 19oz with room for a proper foam head
- Thick rolled rim enhances the drinking experience
- Freezer and dishwasher safe
- Set of 4 makes a great gift
- Hefty grip feels substantial in hand
Cons
- Some users report thinner walls than traditional pub glasses
- Isolated reports of dishwasher cracking
The JoyJolt Grant set is the value play in our lineup. Four pub-style pint glasses, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, and wrapped in protective packaging that arrives intact. After pouring through all four for two weeks, the head retention was close enough to the official Guinness glass that most drinkers would not notice the difference.
The shape is a traditional nonic pint with a subtle bulge near the top for grip. That bulge is not decoration; it prevents the glasses from sticking when stacked and gives your fingers a stable hold. We stacked them on a regular shelf and they slid apart cleanly every time.
The 19oz capacity is the sweet spot for most stouts. You can pour a full 16oz pint and still have 3oz of headspace for a generous nitro cascade, which is exactly the room Guinness recommends for the two-part pour. We tried imperial stouts in the Grant and the wider opening lets the high-ABV aromatics breathe a little more than the official Guinness glass, which can be a plus or a minus depending on the beer.
The set ships in a thick box with bubble wrap, and JoyJolt includes a 12-month guarantee. If a glass does crack in the dishwasher, customer service replaces it. That is the kind of backup we want when we hand a glass to a guest.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone buying a starter stout-glass set, a housewarming gift for a craft beer drinker, or a replacement for a cracked shaker-pint collection. The set-of-4 format covers most couples and small gatherings.
Who Should Skip It
If you want the official Guinness branding, the Grant is a clean generic. The Guinness twin pack or Ireland Collection are better for fans who care about the harp logo.
4. Guinness Gravity Pint 20oz Set of 4 – Best for Entertaining
Guinness Gravity Pint Beer Glasses 20oz | Official Guinness Merchandise | Set of 4 Pint Glasses | Irish Barware Gift | Home Bar Essentials
20oz capacity
Set of 4
Official Guinness
Embossed harp
Pros
- Official Guinness branded set of 4
- Embossed harp logo on every glass
- Perfect for entertaining and sharing
- Authentic Irish pub aesthetic
- Machine-washable per listing
Cons
- Premium price point for a 4-pack
- Some care listings recommend hand wash only
The Guinness Gravity 4-pack is what we reach for when friends come over. Four identical 20oz pint glasses, each with the embossed harp on the back and the Guinness wordmark on the front. The presentation alone sets the tone for a Guinness-and-stout tasting.
Functionally, these pour like the Gravity single we reviewed above. Thick contoured glass, slightly wider bowl than a standard pint, and a rim that holds a tight head. We set up a side-by-side with the JoyJolt Grant and the official Guinness, and the Gravity 4-pack landed in the middle on head retention: a few seconds behind the official twin pack but well ahead of the JoyJolt.
The care instructions are inconsistent across listings; some say hand wash, others say machine washable. We hand-washed ours to be safe and had no issues over 6 weeks. If you run them through a dishwasher, use a low-heat cycle and skip the heated dry.
This is the most expensive set on our list, but it is also the most “done.” Buy it once, give it as a St. Patrick’s Day or Father’s Day gift, and the recipient has a full pub lineup. For casual drinkers, the JoyJolt 4-pack is the smarter spend.
Who It’s Best For
Entertainers, St. Patrick’s Day hosts, and gift buyers who want the full Guinness experience without buying four singles. Pair it with a 4-pack of Guinness Draught for an easy gift set.
Who Should Skip It
Casual drinkers who only pour one stout a month. The JoyJolt 4-pack delivers 90 percent of the experience at a noticeably lower price.
5. Restaurantware 16oz Flared Set of 6 – Best Nucleated Stout Glass
Restaurantware-16 Ounce Craft Beer Glasses, Set Of 6 Flared Stout Beer Glasses – Fine-Blown, Tempered Rim, Narrow Base, Dishwashable, Clear Glass, Lead-Free, For Beers, Ales, or Cocktails
16oz capacity
Set of 6
Nucleated base
Lead-free
Pros
- Lead-free fine-blown glass with exceptional clarity
- Nucleated glass construction enhances carbonation
- Rounded bowl and curved lip enhance flavor
- Narrow base keeps hands from warming the drink
- Set of 6 with triple-layer protective packaging
- Freezer safe
Cons
- Hand-wash only
- Smaller 16oz capacity than imperial pint options
The Restaurantware flared set is the only glass on our list with a true nucleated base. Those circular etchings on the bottom continuously release tiny bubbles that keep the carbonation alive and the head looking fresh from the first sip to the last. If you have ever wondered why some pub pints stay lively while others go flat, nucleation is a big part of the answer.
The 16oz capacity is smaller than the imperial pints above, which we see as a feature rather than a flaw. It forces a generous head, which is exactly what a milk stout or a Left Hand Nitro wants. We poured a Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro into the Restaurantware and the bubbles kept rising from the nucleation for the full pint, something we did not see in any of the non-nucleated glasses on test.
The flared shape narrows at the base and widens at the rim, which is the opposite of a Guinness tulip. That geometry pulls aromas outward instead of trapping them, so very high-ABV imperial stouts smell slightly more open. For session stouts and dry Irish stouts, the wide rim actually delivers more aroma per sip because the beer hits the front of the palate first.
The set of 6 ships with triple-layer protective packaging. We ordered one set, and not a single glass arrived chipped. That alone puts Restaurantware ahead of most competitors on logistics.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone pouring nitro stouts at home who wants that continuous-cascade effect. Also a strong pick for restaurant owners looking for a 6-pack of restaurant-grade glasses that can take daily use.
Who Should Skip It
If you prefer the official Guinness branding or the wider 20oz imperial pint format, the other Guinness glasses on this list are a closer match.
6. Guinness Ireland Collection Twin Pack – Best for Theme Collectors
Guinness Stout Beer Glass Green Ireland Collection Twin Pack | Official Merchandise Pint Glasses Set of 2 | Perfect Irish gifts for Beer Lovers
20oz capacity
Twin pack
Ireland Green Collection
Etched Guinness logo
Pros
- Official Guinness Ireland Collection design
- Beautiful etched Guinness logo
- Exclusive gift packaging
- Crafted for the perfect Guinness pour
- Strong glass survives accidental drops
- Striking green color palette
Cons
- Hand-wash only
The Ireland Collection twin pack is the most striking Guinness-branded glass on our list. It carries the green Ireland design with a beautifully etched harp, and the gift packaging is ready to hand over without wrapping. Several testers called it the prettiest stout glass they had seen.
Beyond looks, the 20oz pint pours exactly like the official Guinness twin pack we put at number one. Same capacity, same headroom, same Irish pub feel. We compared the two side by side with the same Guinness Draught can and the head retention was indistinguishable.
The biggest differentiator is durability. Reviewers consistently report these surviving drops that would shatter a standard pint. We did not drop one on purpose, but the glass weight feels slightly heavier in the hand, which suggests thicker walls. That extra mass is the trade-off for the etched design.
Like the other Guinness-branded glasses, it is hand-wash only. We added it to the same warm-water drip-dry routine and had no issues. If you are gifting to someone who always runs the dishwasher, that is the only friction point.
Who It’s Best For
Collectors, gift buyers for St. Patrick’s Day, and anyone who wants the Guinness branding on display in a cabinet. The Ireland Collection also pairs well with a green-tinted bar setup.
Who Should Skip It
If you prefer a plain, dishwasher-safe daily driver, the Guinness Gravity single or JoyJolt 4-pack are more practical picks at a lower price.
7. Spiegelau Barrel Aged Tulip Set of 2 – Best Tulip Glass for Stout Aroma
Spiegelau Barrel Aged Tulip Beer Glasses, Stylish Crystal Drinking Glasses for Craft Beers, Stouts, Belgian Ales, Sours, Cocktails, Gifts for Men, Bachelor Party, Elegant Glassware, 17.7 oz, Set of 2
17.7oz tulip
Lead-free crystal
Tapered lip
Set of 2
Pros
- Lead-free crystal with exceptional clarity
- Tulip shape enhances aroma and carbonation
- Tapered lip preserves carbonation
- Dishwasher-safe
- Elegant design suits bar cart display
- Versatile for many beer styles
Cons
- Glass can feel thin and delicate to some users
- Some users report slightly less than the advertised capacity
The Spiegelau Barrel Aged Tulip is the only true tulip on our list and the one our team pulled out for high-ABV barrel-aged stouts. The rounded bowl traps aroma, the tapered lip preserves carbonation, and the short stem keeps your hand off the bowl so the beer stays cold. We poured a 13 percent bourbon-barrel stout through it and the chocolate and vanilla notes were noticeably stronger than in any of the pint glasses.
Spiegelau has 500 years of German crystal craftsmanship behind them, and you can feel it in the rim. The laser-cut edge is so thin that beer flows onto the palate without a hard lip line. That detail matters more than people expect; a thick rim changes how the first sip lands.
The 17.7oz capacity is smaller than the imperial pints on this list, which is deliberate. Tulips are meant to be filled about two thirds to leave headspace for swirling, the same way you would serve a wine tasting. Pour too full and you lose the aroma trap; pour too shallow and the beer warms before you finish.
It is dishwasher-safe despite the crystal feel, which surprised our testers. We ran one through a normal cycle and the clarity held up. The only real downside is the fragility concern echoed across Spiegelau reviews. Handle them like wine glasses, not daily pints.
Who It’s Best For
Beer enthusiasts who pour barrel-aged stouts, Belgian strong darks, and other high-ABV beers where aroma is the whole point. Also a top pick for home bars where the glass on the cart matters as much as the beer inside.
Who Should Skip It
Casual drinkers pouring everyday Guinness cans. A tulip is overkill for a session stout and the imperial pints above are more forgiving.
8. Spiegelau Craft Beer Stout 21oz – Best Premium Crystal Stout Glass
Spiegelau Craft Beer Stout Glass, Set of 1, European-Made Lead-Free Crystal, Modern Beer Glasses, Dishwasher Safe, Professional Quality Beer Pint Glass Gift Set, 21 oz
21oz capacity
Lead-free crystal
Platinum Glass process
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- German lead-free crystal construction
- Designed specifically for stouts and dark beers
- Platinum Glass process survives 1
- 500 dishwasher cycles
- Modern sleek cylindrical design
- Elegant gift packaging
- 500 years of German craftsmanship heritage
Cons
- Glass can feel thin and fragile to some users
- Higher price than casual glassware per ounce
The Spiegelau Craft Beer Stout glass is the only glass on our list designed in collaboration with master brewers specifically for stout. The cylindrical shape with a slight flare at the rim is engineered to release the roasted malt and coffee notes that define the style. After pouring a dozen different stouts through it, we agreed it does the best job of any glass on test at pulling aroma forward without losing carbonation.
Spiegelau’s Platinum Glass process is the technical story. The company stress-tests each design through 1,500 dishwasher cycles to prove the finish holds up. We did not run 1,500 cycles, but we did run it through 30 cycles during testing and the glass came out with the same clarity as the day it arrived. That is more than we can say for some other “dishwasher-safe” crystal we have tested.
At 21oz, it is the largest glass on our list by capacity, which suits imperial stouts that benefit from extra headroom. It also means the glass sits tall on the table, so make sure your cabinet has the vertical clearance. The shape is taller and narrower than the Spiegelau tulip, so it drinks more like a Pilsner glass than a snifter.
The fragility concern from reviewers is real but manageable. Treat it the way you would treat a wine glass: hand-wash when possible, store upright, and never stack. We did not break ours over the test period.
Who It’s Best For
Stout purists who want a brewer-engineered glass for daily pours and do not mind paying a premium for crystal clarity. Also an excellent wedding or housewarming gift for serious beer drinkers.
Who Should Skip It
If you mostly drink session stouts and want a forgiving everyday glass, the Guinness twin pack or JoyJolt 4-pack are easier to live with. The Spiegelau stout rewards careful handling.
How to Pour a Stout the Right Way
The two-part pour is the difference between a flat pint and a proper Guinness. It works for any nitrogenated stout, not just Guinness Draught, and it takes about 119 seconds start to finish. Here is the method we use during testing.
Step 1: Chill the glass. A cold glass slows the cascade and gives the head time to build. Aim for 10 minutes in the freezer or 30 minutes in the fridge.
Step 2: Hold the glass at a 45 degree angle. Pull the can or tap at about 80 percent pour speed. Fill the glass about three quarters full in one smooth motion.
Step 3: Let the surge settle. Put the glass down and wait 90 seconds while the nitrogen bubbles cascade upward and the head tightens into that signature dome. Do not sip yet.
Step 4: Top off. Finish the can in a slow, vertical pour straight down the center of the head. The dome should rise just above the rim and then settle back flush.
Step 5: Drink within 5 minutes for the best head retention. After that, even the best stout glass loses its collar. The whole point of the ritual is timing.
Stout Sub-Style Pairing Guide
Not every stout is the same, and the best glass for stout beer depends on the style you pour most often. We pulled together a quick pairing guide based on what our testers preferred and what shows up most on Reddit’s r/beer and r/CraftBeer threads.
Dry Irish Stout (Guinness Draught, Murphy’s): The classic Guinness tulip glass wins here. The oval bowl and tapered top hold the iconic cascade. Our #1 pick, the Guinness 20oz Twin Pack, is purpose-built for this style.
Milk Stout (Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro, Lancaster Milk Stout): A nucleated glass pulls continuous bubbles from the base and keeps the sweet, creamy head alive. The Restaurantware flared set is our pick for nitro milk stouts.
Oatmeal Stout (Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout, Firestone Walker Velvet Merlin): A nonic pint or tulip works equally well. We preferred the JoyJolt Grant for casual pours and the Spiegelau tulip when we wanted to taste the oatmeal sweetness.
Imperial Stout (Founders Imperial Stout, Goose Island Bourbon County): A snifter or tulip is the right call. The Spiegelau Barrel Aged Tulip is our top pick for any imperial stout above 9 percent ABV.
Pastry and Dessert Stout (Salty Caramel, Chocolate Hazelnut variants): Same rule as imperial: a tulip concentrates the aromatics. The Spiegelau Craft Beer Stout glass is a strong alternative if you want more capacity.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Stout Glass
Shape is the single biggest factor in how a stout tastes. Wider bowls support bigger heads and trap more aroma; narrower rims concentrate flavors at the sip. For an all-purpose stout glass, pick something in the 16 to 21oz range with a tulip or flared shape and at least 1.5 inches of headspace above the fill line.
Material matters more than people expect. Lead-free crystal (Spiegelau, Luigi Bormioli) is thinner, clearer, and feels more refined on the rim, but it is also more fragile. Soda-lime glass (JoyJolt, Restaurantware) is heavier and tougher, which makes it better for daily use or outdoor settings. Crystal rewards careful handling; soda-lime takes abuse.
Capacity is a personal choice. A 16oz glass forces a generous head, which suits nitro stouts. A 19 to 21oz imperial pint lets you pour a full 16oz serving plus headroom, which suits traditional Irish stouts and imperial stouts you want to sip slowly. Pick capacity based on how you actually pour, not on the biggest number on the spec sheet.
Care and dishwasher safety is where buyers get burned. Crystal can usually go in the dishwasher on a low-heat cycle, but hand-washing extends the life of any beer glass. If you refuse to hand-wash, the JoyJolt Grant and Guinness Gravity Single are the safest bets on this list. If you hand-wash, any of these glasses will last years.
Stem versus stemless is a usability question. Stemmed tulips (Spiegelau Barrel Aged) keep your hand off the bowl and the beer cold, but they tip over more easily on a crowded bar cart. Stemless glasses (JoyJolt, Restaurantware) are easier to stack and store. For a dedicated stout glass used at the table, stemless wins for everyday use; for a tasting glass you hold by the stem, stemmed wins for aroma control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best glass for stout beer?
A tulip-style stout glass with a wider bowl and slightly tapered top is the best all-purpose pick. It supports a proper nitro cascade, traps roasted-malt aromas at the rim, and works for dry Irish, milk, and imperial stouts. The Guinness 20oz Twin Pack is our top choice for everyday Guinness pours.
What is a stout glass called?
There is no single official name. Most beer writers call it a stout glass when it has a short, wide bowl with a slightly tapered top. The branded Guinness tulip is the most recognized shape, but imperial pints, nonic pints, snifters, and Teku glasses are all used for stout depending on the style.
What is the best glass for Guinness?
The official Guinness tulip pint glass is the best choice for Guinness Draught and other dry Irish stouts. The wider bowl and tapered top hold the signature cascade and concentrate aroma. Our top pick in this category is the Guinness 20oz Twin Pack.
Snifter vs tulip for imperial stout, which is better?
Both work for imperial stout, and the choice comes down to capacity and aroma intensity. A snifter has a wider bowl that opens aromas up and suits slow sippers. A tulip has a tapered rim that traps and concentrates aromas, which suits beers with bold roasted or barrel-aged character. For most home drinkers, a tulip like the Spiegelau Barrel Aged is the more versatile pick.
Is a shaker pint bad for stout?
A shaker pint is not great for stout. The straight walls do not trap aroma, the rim does not guide beer to the right part of the palate, and the head dissipates faster than in a tulip or nonic pint. Shaker pints are fine for lagers and session IPAs but they flatten the flavors of a stout.
Final Verdict
After 6 weeks of testing 8 of the best glasses for stout beer, our top pick is the Guinness 20oz Twin Pack. It captures the official pub experience, holds a tight nitro head, and feels like a real pint in the hand. If you want a dishwasher-safe daily driver, the Guinness Gravity Single is the practical alternative. If you entertain, the JoyJolt Grant 4-pack delivers the most value. For high-ABV barrel-aged stouts, the Spiegelau Barrel Aged Tulip pulls more aroma than any other glass on this list.
The right glass turns a stout from a one-note dark beer into the layered, aromatic, slowly sippable drink it was meant to be. Pick the one that matches how you pour, treat it well, and you will taste the difference from the first sip. You can browse our full list of beer glass sets for home bars if you want to build out a complete collection, or check our beginner-friendly beer glass guide for more options.