Glassware: Snifter

The snifter glass is one I commonly associated with nice whisky and brandy until I became interested in beer.  Now the snifter glass is my go to glass for many of the barrel-aged beers I enjoy drinking.  Most stem ware is designed to minimize heat transfer, but not in the case of the snifter. When drinking from a snifter you should hold the glass with the stem protruding between your fingers and the glass resting in your palm.  The heat transfer will warm the beer and cause the beer to release more aromas.  The inward turn of the glass concentrates the aromas to hit your nose.

Snifters are appropriate for beers over 8% ABV, Imperial IPAs, Barleywines, and Russian Imperial Stout.

Tags: Glassware