I don’t understand

Do we have any beer sommelier among us? 
We’ve started using pint glasses that I call vases   .  The ones with stems, like big wine glasses.  Mostly because I’ve packed all the normal ones. But what I’m finding very confusing. Is the lager (in this case) taste completely different. Much much nicer. Anyone capable of shedding any light on why? 


I’m also a little annoyed. We’ve had these glasses for about 3 year ( they were left at a holiday cottage, definitely not the style for that property) . I just kept them to look good in my little bar area, collecting dust     . Never considered using them!

Not a clue but I always think that beer/cider/lager and wine taste better from a glass with a stem, not a handle. Don't drink any of it now so can't do a comparison for you!

Guiness HAS to be in a straight glass, but a schooner for Newkie Brown.

Guiness HAS to be in a straight glass, but a schooner for Newkie Brown.

Why ? Traditional, looks, trend, tastes……….why?  How? 


I know it doesn’t take much   but this has really blown my tiny mind     .

I wonder whether the wine glass shape catches the aroma and bubbles so your nose, which can enhance taste, picks up on more nice things in the beer thereby improving the perceived taste.

That’s as good explanation as any.   . Unfortunately it’s floored as Bob has no sense of smell since he had covid. He can taste the difference as well.  
The other thing about these glasses. So much more difficult to pour your beer. 
You know the poncy lager adverts when the cut the top off the beer because it looks like a ice cream or meringue. It’s actually a thing   . We do that now     .

Many years ago I did some work in Guinness Dublin brewery in the area where they developed new beers but also tested Guinness in various shaped glasses including the British tankard with a handle the round ones and the straight ones. There were people specifically employed to do this, and apparently it has a big influence on the taste of the beers. Hence why Guinness is always served in that special straight shape with the tulip top section.