Samuel Adams Unveils New Glass
One small step for Sam Adams, one giant leap for America
Credit: Samuel Adams
Given my laziness in posting this, I was able to mull the development of the new Sam Adams beer glass a bit. Major media outlets unveiled the glass with much fanfare, and Boston Beer Co. stated that it “is the first glass specifically designed to showcase the beer as the brewers intended”.
This is where I respond, “I’m not impressed.” It’s like they have a corporate Messianic complex.
For those of us who really love beer, we’ve been drinking out of special glasses for a really long time. Fly over to Europe or just go to one of the better local beer bars, and you’ll see glasses of every imaginable shape and size that’s specifically suited for each beer. In fact, I’ve had bartenders at Bukowski Tavern apologize for not being able to pour beers in their specific glasses before, as all the available ones had been in use.
Somehow, the USA has settled with sticking to the boring pint glass while sucking down gallons of Budweiser, and in this process, we’ve managed to forget not only about craft beer but also the entire culture surrounding beer. It’s not just the glass, but it’s also the history, the people, the traditions, the fun.
Now, I’m not knocking Sam Adams. In fact, I’m excited that there’s a new glass about which other people are getting excited. Instead, this is a commentary on the sad state of beer in America, and the introduction of a revolutionary glass, which has been the norm elsewhere, is only indicative of how much more we must travel. There’s still a long way to go for beer here. It still just doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
By the way, it’s $30 for a pack of 4 glasses.
