Does Glassware Impact How Your Drink Tastes?

Ever marvelled at why wine, beer or cocktail glasses are shaped the way they are? Is there an intent behind their distinctive design?

The answer is ‘Yes’!

Picking the correct glassware makes you look cool and elevates your drinking experience. The role of cocktail and wine glasses are to serve the drink at the correct temperature and enhance its aroma. Renowned Bar Consultant, Mixologist and Author, Shatbhi Basu says, “Apart from just being visually appealing, the way in which it represents the ideology of the cocktail, reflects its textures and colour. The finesse of the glass itself shines bright and uplifts the whole drinking experience.”

Beer connoisseurs should lay proper emphasis while selecting the right glass for their treasured draught. The classic pint glass is the top pick for beer, lest a brew like a Belgian wit (white beer brewed with un-malted wheat) or a citrusy beer like IPA (Indian Pale Ale) captures your fancy. Goblets or snifters would be ideal for these.

Be wine-wise

Different types of glasses are used for different wines. The tulip glass’ slight, curved bulge confines just enough oxygen for richer sparkling wines to release appropriate taste profiles. Simultaneously, the wine’s nuances and intricacies are held by the slim lips which direct swigs instantly to the apex of the tongue. According to expert Mixologist Eric Lobo, “Wine and champagne glasses keep your beverage’s natural fizzes also guarantees its flavours linger on your palate, active and crisp. After all, flat bubbly would be no fun.”

For Merlot and sauvignon blanc, stemless wine glasses are safer due to their less spill-prone feature. A copious bowl, taller stem and a moderate taper at the rim is ideal for red wines as it foils the robust tannins from assaulting your hooter with every sip. To thwart too much aeration from quelling any delicate flavours in white wine and rosé, a smaller and lighter glassware is recommended. Tall, slender and straight stemware like tulips or flutes must be opted for sparkling wine.

Aromas and taste

Speaking on the shape of the glass dictating how aromas are concentrated and released, Shatbhi expounds, “This is especially true when you want to do a focussed nosing and tasting to discover nuances in a drink whether wine, beer, whisky or cocktail. The big bowl with a tapering mouth for wines will let you swirl the wine without spilling, allowing oxygen to enter and bring out the aromas which you can capture as they rise to the top.”

Check what is served at your favourite nightspot, or are good to stock up for your personal bar at home.

Old-fashioned glass

Also known as rocks glass, whisky or lowball is the traditional one for ice-laden cocktails a la bourbon and whisky. Short and stocky design lends itself for an effortless grasp. The sturdy base retains the chill whereas the spirit’s aroma can be absorbed due to its wide rim.

Highball glass

Tall and narrow, it is apt for mixed beverages which has soda or any other carbonated drink. As the fizzes spiral to the top of the glass, by virtue of its height, every sip generates a revitalising effervescence.

Margarita glass

This legendary cocktail glass sports a perceptible contour. Characterised by a large, rounded bowl with a wide rim, is intended to make the redolence of the libation conspicuous. This type of glass is used for Margaritas and daiquiris.

Martini glass

Apart from their unique shape to preserve the drink’s clarity and avoid ice from diluting the essence, Martini glasses tantamount to refinement and poise. The long stem prevents the warmth of the hand from affecting the temperature of the chilled drink.

Zombie glass

The lean, slender form implements the presentation of vibrant, layered drinks and its voluminous shape embraces cocktails with multiple layers.

Tiki mug

A tiki drink is a generously garnished vivid, fruity rum-based cocktail. It is served in a handcrafted mug with whimsical designs and is known to enhance the flavours, amplify the aroma without the ceramic mug leaching toxins.

Copper mugs

Copper ropes in the superior flavour profile of cocktails like the Moscow Mule and mint juleps, as it absorbs and transfers temperature, helping the drink to remain icy cold.

Hurricane glass

If fruity, tropical cocktails like Pina coladas, Singapore slings are your thing, go for it. The flare at the top of the tulip-shaped glass promises to drive the aromas up to your olfactory nerves. Besides, the ample space for exotic garnishes notches up the visual quotient.

Coupe

Champagne saucers is another name for this stemware, and is also used for cocktails served up (ice-free).

Nick & Nora

Also called the “Little Martini”, it’s favoured by craft cocktail mixologists. With a snugger, inverted bowl, it’s shaped for serving smaller, ice-free cocktails.

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