294749 Thu Nov 06 12:46:49 -0800 2003 9 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1617693 The other day I was at a bar in Boston, Bukowski's, that has tons of different beers and usually serves each one in an appropriate glass. I got a Rapscallion Ale (can't remember which one) from the local Concord Brewing Co. It came in a glass the shape of a brandy snifter, and the head on this thing was huge. It was more than 1/3 head. I asked if that was a normal size pour, and they assured me that it was. They also assured me that I was getting exactly the same amount as I would get in a filled pint glass, which I just cannot believe. There couldn't have been that much beer in that glass. My question is, what type of beer/ale is poured in this way, with such a huge amount of head? And at what point in the head/ale ratio should I start to feel ripped off? (btw: the beer was good, but expensive) Thu Nov 06 12:46:49 -0800 2003 0 johnnym 1 1617696 Did it look like this? Image: http://www.concordbrew.com/Premier-Bottle-and-Glass-L.jpg Thu Nov 06 13:14:04 -0800 2003 1617693 0 Aaron D 2 1617698 you know what, it sure did. But what I'm wondering is, what other beers am I going to run into that will put me in this position? Because frankly, even if that is the appropriate serving technique, I'd rather have a full glass of something else. Thu Nov 06 13:24:04 -0800 2003 1617696 0 johnnym 3 1617700 You could ask the bartender, or you could specify the type of glass you'd like. Thu Nov 06 13:28:02 -0800 2003 1617698 0 AlanH 3 1617712 You DID get a full glass of beer. I would almost guarantee that the glass you were served held the full 12 oz. beer. Belgian glasses similar to the one you were served look like they might hold less, but it's all just perception. They are bigger around in the middle, so the overall glass tends to look smaller than a pint glass which actually contains a great amount of thick glass at the base and typically thicker glass in the walls. That being said, there are some beer styles that are traditionally served in smaller glasses depending on the strength. Many strong ales and barleywines come in 10 or even 7-8 oz. bottles. Then again, the alcohol content of these are often equal to or even higher than a "normal" 16 oz. pint of beer! Thu Nov 06 14:02:00 -0800 2003 1617698 0 tbear 4 1617713 Additionally, some bottles are different sizes and served in different glasses. Pauliner (sp?) comes in the big 24oz glass (I think) at Bukowski's. I should know, I had 4-5 of them there last night. Thu Nov 06 14:23:30 -0800 2003 1617712 0 Dax 3 1617739 " I'd rather have a full glass of something else. " If quantity is more important than quality, you can't go wrong with 22 oz drafts of Old Milwaukee :) Thu Nov 06 19:03:33 -0800 2003 1617698 0 ron c 1 1617709 That brandy snifter/balloon shaped beer glass probably holds about 24 ounces... most typical "pint" glasses rarely hold a pint/16 ounces... usually most hold 14-15 ounces... I just measured one of my ale balloon glasses and several typical "pint" glass to make sure. Most of the stronger ales such as Barleywines and Belgian ales taste much better when poured with a big head, so the glasses tend to be much larger than the so called "pint" glass. Thu Nov 06 13:58:15 -0800 2003 1617693 0 The Rogue 2 1617753 Interesting experiment to conduct in a bar that uses the typical "pint" glass for draft beer. Order a beer, note that they usually pour it with 1/2 inch to an inch of foam. After drinking it, order a 12 oz. bottle of beer but keep the glass. Pour the bottle into the glass with a normal head. Compare the result to the "pint" you were served. You'll be amazed. Thu Nov 06 21:23:04 -0800 2003 1617709 0 Guy 1 1618128 As mentioned below, many Belgian ales are served in glasses that look more like a wine glass or brandy snifter. Each beer will frequently have a specific glass that it is meant to be poured in. I have been to beer bars in Belgium where, upon ordering a particular ale, I was told that all of 'their' glasses were out, and I'd have to wait, or order something else. When I pointed out to the barman that he had plenty of glassware, he responded that he didn't have the right glass for the beer that I ordered, and refused to serve it in the wrong glass! That said, this style of ale is strong to very strong (somtimes upwards of 10%abv), and frequently made with special yeasts which add to the aromatic profile of the beer. When poured properly (ie: with a large head), the foam will release the aromas as it collapses much more effectively in this shape of glass than in a straight-sided pint glass - just like wine aromas are imroved by glass shape. Hope that helps. Sun Nov 09 22:00:06 -0800 2003 1617693 0 Deweyman