Stölzle Lausitz Craftbeer

Stölzle Lausitz uses lead-free crystal glass, and you notice it immediately when you pick up one of these glasses. It is lighter than ordinary glass, clearer, and the walls can be blown much thinner without compromising strength. That clarity means you can truly see the color of your beer: the amber of a bock, the cloudy gold of a weizen, the deep brown of a stout. And because crystal glass barely retains any taste or odor, with every glass you taste only what is in it. The glasses are also dishwasher-safe, so you don't have to be careful when washing up.

A craft beer glass is neither a beer mug nor a wine glass, but borrows the best from both. The wide bottom gives your beer room to breathe as you pour it, releasing the carbonation and building the head. The slightly tapered rim above it captures the aromas and directs them toward your nose as you drink. You notice it immediately with a well-hopped IPA: those citrus and resin notes come through much more clearly than they do from a straight-sided glass. The head also lasts longer, which not only looks better but also helps keep the beer fresh until the last sip.

This series is widely used in cafés and restaurants with a serious beer selection, which says something about its durability. Commercial glassware goes through thousands of dishwasher cycles and needs to withstand them. At home, that simply means your glasses will last for years, even if they regularly go in the dishwasher. They are not stackable, but they do stand securely thanks to the heavy base. A set of six is enough for an evening with friends, and because the series remains available for reordering, you can simply order more later if one gets broken.

Craft beer glasses are versatile all-rounders for specialty beers. IPAs, pale ales, tripels, dubbels, saisons, stouts, and barley wines all shine in them. For pilsners or lagers, it’s better to choose a narrower glass, as these beers have less aroma to retain. If you pour a 33 cl bottle, you’ll have enough room left for a generous head without it overflowing. Serve specialty beer not ice-cold but at around eight to ten degrees: that’s when the flavors really come alive.