Question: Can the beer glass affect the beer?

Many years ago I purchased some tall slender beer glasses because I'd heard somewhere that the shape of the glass affected your experience drinking it. I used them regularly but can't say I was overly cognizant of any difference.

Then about 2 years ago I bought some lager glasses from Sam Adams for the same reason. They're pleasant to hold and lovely heavy duty glassware, but meh I don't taste any difference.

Is it all woo?

The only effect I can think of is that a tall narrow glass will maintain the carbonation better, much as a tall flute keeps your champagne fizzy. On the other hand, my beer generally doesn't survive long enough to get flat. So yes, it's all woo.

I think the explanation for the lager glasses was that the little "bowl" at the top allowed the escaping gas, from the bubbles, to collect in the nose area while you're drinking.

But, I suspect it's BS.

I enjoy my different beer glasses.
To me it's about how well the carbonation is kept or how well the scent permeates the senses.

It may be woo, but for me it's enjoyable woo. I especially treasure my Waterford wietzen glasses.

The only measurable effect I have ever noticed though is that glasses hand washed will produce a bigger head than glasses done in the machine.

Jenni, you are absolutely right about the difference in the head depending on how the glasses are cleaned.
It is the very small dust particles on the inside of the glass that allows for the release of the bubbles. With a perfectly clean glass, even champagne will produce no bubbles at all. Weird, huh?

I only drink beer from a glass at restaurants. At home,. it comes straight out of the bottle. I haven't found the shape of the bottle to make any difference.