Beer mug

1. Introduction to the Beer Mug

In the European Union, beer consumption in 2024 was approximately 27 liters of beer per capita per year. The record for consumption is in France, with an average of 33 liters of beer per capita per year. The low price of beer and its availability in every bar, restaurant, and delivery make it a cultural product. Beer trends show that the global market will experience annual growth of 4% through 2030. To enjoy your beer, you use a beer glass or, as in Germany during Oktoberfest, a beer mug. But do you really know how to choose and where to buy your beer mug?

1.1. What is a beer mug?

A beer mug is a container used for drinking beer. It differs from a traditional beer glass in that it has thicker glass and a capacity that ranges from 0.25 liters to 1 liter for the largest. Traditional beer mugs also have a handle.

1.2. Importance of a good mug for enjoying your beer

The shape of beer mugs is not random. Thicker glass provides better insulation for your beer, so it will stay fresh longer than in a traditional beer glass. Similarly, there are tulip-shaped glasses for beer. These are containers with a curved belly and a narrower top, the neck, than a traditional glass. This beer mug shape allows the aromas to develop in the belly of the glass, and then, as they rise, they are concentrated in the neck of the glass. Thus, when the drinker drinks, all the aromas of their beer will be concentrated in their nose, allowing for a good analysis of their beer.

1.3. History and development of beer mugs

We have to go back to the time in Europe when water could be contaminated. To alleviate this insecurity, the inhabitants drank beer in large quantities. To drink this beer, they used whatever materials were available, resulting in tankards made of wood, steel, or even pewter. Then, around the 16th century, German authorities developed the use of steel lids on beer tankards to prevent contamination during the plague.

Over the centuries, materials changed and ceramics evolved. This is how beer glasses came to be with a wider variety of shapes. Beer mugs with more elaborate illustrations are still found in Germany than in other countries. These vintage mugs are still used regularly, especially during Oktoberfest.

Materials continued to evolve, leading to the development of glass, which, due to its low cost, became more popular and took over from other types of mugs. Today, you can find glass beer mugs everywhere: at bars, for delivery, etc.

1.4. Why choose a beer mug?

When it comes to enjoying pints of lager, amber, and IPA beers, a beer mug is a must. A beer mug can offer a different experience than a traditional glass. Indeed, the beer mug is often associated with festive occasions like Oktoberfest.

These mugs, whether made of metal, glass, or vintage wood, add a touch of authenticity to your tasting experience and often make it more enjoyable than in a classic glass. The same is true for whiskey and cocktail glasses , which, with their vintage shape, offer a better tasting experience. In addition, the price of these mugs is often lower. At events such as weddings, trade fairs, or even sporting events, the beer mug is widely represented. It seduces with its distinctive design, which is often more elegant than a simple glass, bringing a touch of originality to the tasting experience.

Delivery of these steins is often fast and inexpensive, allowing you to receive original steins directly to your home that would otherwise only be available online.

A study from the University of Bristol suggests that the shape of the glass influences how quickly you drink. A beer served in a small or narrow glass will be drunk more quickly than one served in a wider glass.

2. Types of Mugs and Consumption Contexts

2.1. Comparison of the best mugs:

1. The German tankard with a lid
   Typical of Bavaria, this German tankard with a lid is usually made of steel or ceramic. It has a unique feature: the metal lid, which protects your drink from insects. These are highly sought-after collector's glasses. If you'd like to purchase some, they're available in our online store with delivery. This model is durable and easy to maintain, as it's dishwasher-safe. However, Limonadier recommends handwashing to increase the lifespan of your glasses.
2. The ceramic mug
   The most popular and widespread model in Europe. This product is made of stoneware, earthenware, or porcelain. These materials keep your beer fresh, unlike glasses. This type of product is highly decorated; it's not uncommon to come across one in a beer bar. The wall is durable but will not withstand impacts. That's why we recommend handwashing to avoid knocks on the dishwasher wall.
3. The glass mug
   This model, available for delivery at a low price, needs no introduction. Less vintage but more practical because the glass wall is durable. It can be easily personalized. And best of all, the mug is dishwasher safe.

Gift Conclusion : For a birthday, an important date, or a festival like St. Patrick's Day, we recommend a glass tankard. Easy to personalize, it will mark the occasion. For a true beer lover, we recommend a German-style metal tankard. Rarer and harder to find, this model will be a memorable souvenir.

2.2. Customization options

Customizing a tankard is possible, but with certain conditions. Each material reacts differently to engraving. Glass, like wood, supports laser marking very well, which is why a glass or wooden tankard can be personalized using this method. However, a ceramic tankard will not support laser marking. Therefore, it will need to be personalized before being kiln-fired. A steel tankard, on the other hand, will easily support all kinds of engraving.

2.2. Festivals and events: Must-try beer

Popularized with the Oktoberfest festival, the beer mug is present at many festivals. Often this type of mug has a capacity of around 1 liter. Depending on the country, your mug will be made of glass or, if you're in Germany, of metal in a vintage style. Hellfest also now offers beer drinking in a mug.

3. Comparison of the Best Brands and Products

3.1. Analysis of original beer mugs

As in the world of beer in general, beer mugs come in a wide variety of shapes and are often original. At Limonadier, we have many vintage mugs for sale, as well as Viking and medieval beer mugs. We have noticed that the demand for this type of product is growing. Medieval mugs made of wood and steel, Viking mugs made of animal horn, in the shape of a skull/head, or with Nordic engravings are becoming increasingly popular. At Limonadier , we have grouped these products into our collections and offer them for sale on our website, with free delivery.

3.2. Where to buy: Online beer mug delivery

At Limonadier, your online store for glassware and accessories for tasting beer, spirits, wine, champagne, and cocktails, we offer a wide range of German beer mugs and more classic beer steins. Available in various sizes, materials (metal, glass, wood), and to suit all budgets. For your personal tasting or as a gift, all our beer mugs are available for delivery. Some mugs can be personalized starting from a certain quantity, which can be useful for certain occasions. Don't wait any longer and buy your Viking beer mug to enjoy your pint of blonde IPA from the comfort of your own home!

3.3. Encouragement to discover the vast world of mugs

As we've seen throughout this article, a beer mug is much more than just a container. The choice of material—wood, metal, ceramic, steel, etc.—influences not only aesthetics but also everyday use. Shape also plays an important role in tasting, changing the way aromas develop. At Limonadier, we believe that the mug goes beyond a simple beer glass. With the diversity of designs available and the impact it can have on your table setting, we recommend varying the sizes. This will allow you to discover new sensations and fully appreciate each style of beer.

4. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

4.1. What is the capacity of a mug?

A beer mug holds an average of 500 ml. However, this capacity can increase to 1 liter depending on the country or the bar.

4.2. What do you call 5 liters of beer?

A beer keg can hold 5 liters of beer. However, there is no specific name for this format in a bar.

4.3. Which mugs for craft beers?

To properly enjoy a craft beer, you must use a tulip glass. Indeed, craft beers have a wider variety of aromas than commercially available beers. The tulip beer glass is a key glass that will help you properly experience the full range of aromas of your craft beer.

4.4. What is a galopin in drink?

A galopin is a glass with a capacity of 12.5 cl, or a quarter of a pint. This type of glass is used during beer tastings in a bar, where the drinker may be asked to taste a large quantity of beer. To avoid consuming too much, the drinker uses a galopin.

4.5. How to hold a mug?

It's recommended to always hold your mug by the handle. If you place your hand directly on the sides of the glass, your body heat will transfer to the drink, which may increase its temperature. However, a beer that's too warm loses its freshness, aroma, and subtlety of flavor. If your bar doesn't provide a pint with a handle, avoid warming your glass with the palm of your hand as much as possible.

4.6. Why do we say a pint?

The word pint refers to a capacity of 0.5 liters. This measurement is not official, however, as in England a pint is equivalent to 568 ml and in the United States a pint is 473 ml. The word pint comes from the days of taverns, where the word pint referred to a line painted on glasses.