What is a Stange Glass?
A Stange Glass is a German Beer Glass that is traditionally used to serve Kolsch-style beers in.
Written by CraftJack | Updated | 3 min read
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Unlike a beer mug or a huge stein, the Stange is one of the smaller types of beer glassware. Additionally, this piece of barware is made of thin glass, which, according to Kegworks, is why it is referred to as the “champagne flute of the beer world”. Not a bad comparison if you ask us.
It’s certainly more elegant than your average pint glass. You know, the kind you get served at the local sports bar during the game. The kind that’s filled an inch or two from the top (because profits) with a cheap macro beer.
Stange is German for pole, apparently.
Where does the Stange originate from?
According to Mandy of BeersWithMandy, the Stange Glass originates from Cologne, Germany (or Koln, if you will). It was designed exclusively for Kolsch Beer,
What does a Stange Glass look like?
The Stange is first and foremost cylindrical. It does not widen at the mouth like a common pint glass. Nor does it have a bulge like the Nonic Pint, though it is usually taller than both. Consider it the Anti-Thistle Glass, due to it’s uniformity and utilitarian design.
That design doesn’t make this clear glass any less special. In fact, we think the Stange presents as refined and sophisticated.
Stange Glass Sizes
In many ways, the Stange looks like a grown up version of the small tasting glasses that you get when you order a flight of beers at a brewery. But you know, old fashioned and far more traditional. It also possesses a different tactile feel, as tasting flight glasses tend to be constructed with thicker glass.
The Stange Glass serving size is meant to be smaller, giving the drinker only ~6 1/2 oz of beer in one pour. However, larger versions have hit the market of late.
- 200 ml / 6.76 fl oz
- 400 ml / 13.52 fl oz (approximately)
What types of Beer should be served in a Stange?
Clearly a German Kolsch is the first beer that comes to mind. After all, the Stange is meant to be a Kolsch Glass. An Altbier would be next on our list.
Fruit beers and lambics come next. This has to do with the management of carbonation, as well as the contained aromatics. Rounding out the list are Bocks and Pilsners.
At the end of the day though, a beer is a beer is a beer. We aren’t old fashioned purists to the point that we will refuse a delicious beer simply because we don’t have the appropriate glass. So drink your Belgian Quad from a Stange or your favorite IPA from a Pilsner Glass if you have to.
Sidenote - We’ve also enjoyed some tasty beach drinks in a Stange. Just saying.
Comparable Glassware
If the Stange is the champagne flute for beer, than the Teku is beer’s wine glass. However, their shapes are different. The Tall Flute might be the most similar in shape and size to the Stange. It too can handle traditional lagers if called upon.
Common barware also has a dirty secret, as the Highball Glass and Collins Glass can seamlessly step in as a stunt double for the Stange. Don’t be surprised if you order a Kolsch at a fancy restaurnt and the bartender serves it to you in a Collins glass with a gold rim. And don’t get mad, the bartender (probably?) doesn’t know that it’s just not quite the correct vessel to be serving said lager in.
Now, if this happens to you at a Euro-forward brewery like Schilling Beer Company in Littleton, New Hampshire, then perhaps you’d have a problem. But they are pros, so it wouldn’t.
PS - A visit to Schilling Beer Company should be on the wish list of anyone who prefers traditional old world styles of beer. Further, the ambiance is top notch.
Who makes Stange Glasses?
Looking for a growler or pitcher? That’s easy. A nice Stange? Not so much.
Since it’s a German-style of beer glass, your options, both online and in-person, will be a bit more limited. Remember to checkout Collins glasses in a pinch.
- Kegworks
- Rastal
Wrapping Up
We’re fans of the Stange Glass, not just because of the smaller pour size, but because they tend to get bunched together and served out of a kranz. For those of you that don’t know what a Kranz is, it’s a beer basket that looks like a carousel of cups all around in a circle, or, wreath.
Anyway, if you need more information on Stange Glasses, reach out and let us know.