Why Does Glass Shape Matter?

Editor Perfect Pint Blog Post a Comment

We can all agree that the visuals of a nitro beverage are as important as the smooth and creamy texture of these drinks! The visuals draw the attention first before you ever take a sip of a luxurious nitro brew! So you have to ensure your presentation is top notch with nitro beverages. It depends on the type of beverage, its consistency, color and of course the glassware you use. We will explore a few of the glassware here.

Controlling The Flow of Bubbles
- While the nitro bubbles are flowing, a drink retains its signature creaminess. Nitrogen bubbles are tiny and delicate so small disruptions can cause the gas to dissipate much quicker. Certain shapes of glasses (which we will mention later) cause the bubbles to become trapped during the pour, minimizing the size and fullness of the head of foam.
Displays Frothy head
- The foam head is a visually appealing and iconic element of the nitro experience, which guarantees a creamy mouthfeel with every sip. For nitro cold brew and beers, a strong head traps aromatic compounds, enhancing the unique and exciting flavors of craft beers and premium coffee beans. Proper glassware will hold and maintain a strong head of foam at the top of your beverage.
Cascading Effect
- The dramatic cascade of nitro bubbles is what entices customers to try nitro beverages. Ideally, with proper inline infusion a proper waterfall of tiny nitro bubbles should last at least a couple of minutes. In certain beverages, a strong cascade can bring out new colors in certain beers and coffees that would otherwise lay dormant. Proper glassware will promote a longer and more visually stunning cascade

Classic US Pint Glass:

A simple classic, the pint glass can be found in nearly every restaurant or bar.

1. Pros:
  1. Wide mouth and vertical sides promote a thick layer of foam
  2. Vertical sides that taper down towards the bottom slow the dispersion of bubbles
  3. The height of the glass highlights the cascading effect
  4. These glasses are incredibly common and sturdy
2. Cons:
  1. The wide mouth causes the frothy head to dissipate more quickly leading to decreased aroma retention
  2. These glasses are incredibly common and are not as visually stunning. If you are looking for something less common, try a nonic pint glass!

Classic Pilsner Glass:

Another classic glass in the beer space, this glass works perfectly for any nitro beverage and is especially adept at showcasing aromatic drinks such as nitro teas and complex cold brews.

1. Pros:
  1. This glass is tall and slender creating a longer and more visually appealing cascade effect
  2. The top of this glass tapers in, leading to a longer-lasting head and sustained aromas
  3. The thick base of the glass reduces the heat transfer from your hands, preventing your cold brew from becoming a warm brew
2. Cons:
  1. Less durable than other types of glasses and more difficult to stack

Tom Collins Glass

The tallest glass in our selection, this glass is especially great for showcasing layered cocktails and highlighting colorful nitro beverages.

1. Pros:
  1. The tall and narrow shape of this glass promotes a long-lasting and breathtaking cascade
  2. The narrow diameter allows for a thicker layer of foam to develop for a sustained period of time.
2. Cons:
  1. The most fragile of the glasses on this list.
  2. Harder to stack and store than other options.
  3. Less visually appealing than other glasses, so a beautiful beverage is even more important.

Best overall: The Pilsner Glass

Glass Characteristics To Avoid:

Curved Sides: Curved sides shorten the duration of the cascade making your drinks less visually stunning
A Round Bottom: A round bottom causes nitro bubbles to concentrate at the bottom of your glass and dissipate much quicker
Wide Surface Are: A glass with a large diameter, especially at the top of the glass promotes a weaker head and quicker foam deflation

In Conclusion:

Presentation is especially important if you are trying to position your cafe or bar as a luxury establishment. The iconic presentation of nitro infused beverages is what truly excites and attracts new clientele. While the serving glass isn’t the most important part of any nitro coffee or beer, the right glass will highlight and promote the stunning visual elements that are inherent to nitro beverages. Regardless of the serving glass, the most important element for a breathtaking presentation is ensuring proper infusion. Our wide array of nitro infusion systems allow any business to start serving aesthetically pleasing nitro beverages with stunning cascades and frothy heads.