Spiegelau glassware... seems really fragile?

[land3r]

After reading a few positive things, I ordered the Spiegelau 4-glass assorted set (Tulip, Wheat, IPA, Stout).
Upon receiving them I found that they feel REALLY thin - like, scary thin. I went to Amazon to look at feedback, and a LOT of people - even those giving high ratings - seem to be noting the fragile nature, even breaking them during relatively gentle hand-cleaning/drying.

Anyone here have experience with these?

Any recommendations for "tougher" glasses? Never really had good beer glasses & generally just using wine glasses. Seems... not as fun

TIA

 

[smcinco]

It's a trade-off. The thinner the glass the better the experience. Just need to replace them periodically. I would keep them and adjust. Just my $0.02. Life is too short for crappy glassware.

 

[VTMongoose]

I think Spiegelau glasses are overrated and agree they are far too thin. I have a huge collection of glassware and in terms of all-purpose glassware for beer drinking, there are a few that easily make my top 10:

• Any 0.5L straight-walled dimple mug for lagers (example) - these are bomb proof.
• https://www.amazon.com/Duvel-Belgian-Chalice-Glass-Style/dp/B0070D3NEA - Duvel glass, good for Belgians and IPA's - check ebay - pretty durable.
• https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-Adams-Perfect-Glass-Glasses/dp/B004FA8HRY - Samuel Adams perfect pint, large size - This is my favorite overall glass for everything but Belgian styles and it's extremely durable and diswasher-safe. The two pack on Amazon is a good deal.
• https://www.amazon.com/Luigi-Bormioli-Birrateque-Craft-Glasses/dp/B0187C9PFI - the least durable on this list but still way heavier/better than Spieglau, really presents just about any style well.
• https://www.amazon.com/Libbey-Craft-Brews-Belgian-4-Piece/dp/B007SVEE6U - ye olde reliable tulip - don't buy these from Amazon, get a branded glass on ebay or locally - very abundant, very durable, dishwasher-safe.
• Any Sahm 0.5L glass for wheat beers - super durable (example - these are easy to find on ebay/Facebook marketplace cheap - don't buy from Amazon)

 

[kev211]

Not to be rude, but Spiegelau are all crystal and from what I can tell arent any thinner than my non-Spiegelau crystal wine glasses. I got suckered into buying my first Spiegelau IPA glass shortly after joining the HBT community and I think I have only broken 3 or 4 since then (most of them more recently since having kids, who tend to throw crap, but thats another story).

As far as sturdy, I would say any standard brewery style pint glass or stemmed tulip would probably be your best bet.

If you're looking for super strong, maybe the Yeti, Rtic, etc Stainless pint glass?

 

[MaxStout]

Get some decent pint glasses and stemware. Libbey is fine, and reasonably priced.

Any perception that high-end, esoteric glassware will make your beer better is likely due to confirmation bias.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

I found that they feel REALLY thin - like, scary thin

If you can return them, return them.

If you can't return them, try to enjoy them (and the beer that they hold). Over time, if you get past the "scary thin" aspect and get enjoyment out of the glasses, replace them. Otherwise move along.

Anyone here have experience with these?

Yes.

I found they last a long time if they don't bump into things.

Use them for the 1st pour. If there's a 2nd pour, switch to a more durable glass.

Any recommendations for "tougher" glasses?

The "Samuel Smith" glasses with etching on the bottom (to help release carbonation) are fun. With the right pour from an average carbonated bottle, one can create wonderful heads.

 

[Yesfan]

I agree with @MaxStout . You don't have to spend a lot on good glassware. The Libby stuff is good for the money.

I have this glass as my go to Be Hoppy glass It was $12 when I bought it back in 2017. I liked the etched bottom for nucleation. That glass, a Tulip glass from one of my local breweries, and the "Mine" nonic style glass that Northern Brewer used to sell (they need to bring that back) are my three main go to glasses.

Most of my collection is your standard shaker style pint glasses with various brewery logos on them, which are far from being high end glassware. Personally I would rather go down Memory Ln with one of those glasses than break out the high end glass for that extra waft of hops, but that's just me.

 

[CascadesBrewer]

My single Spiegelau "Barrel Aged Beer" glass is one of my favorites for Belgian beers. It was a bit expensive to purchase several. Yes, it is very thin and feels a bit fragile. For my preferences, many of the Spiegelau are just too large. I seldom want to pour 16 to 22 oz of beer. The Barrel Aged Beer glass is a good size for a 0.3L or 12 oz glass with room for head. I also don't care for the shape of some of the other Spiegelau glasses.

On a related note, I got a pair of Teku glasses from Tree House. They are okay, but another glass that seems to be a bit overhyped. They are also a bit hard to clean.

My most used beer glasses are a set of 12 oz tulip glasses. I got them from a brewery (a collab with my local club) but they look a lot like the Libby tulip glasses. They just barely fit a full 12 oz bottle of beer, so not enough headspace for a highly carbonated beer, but they work great for a 10 oz pour from my taps.

Aside from that, I use quite a few glasses from breweries. Like many, I have a bunch of shaker glasses I don't use much. If I like the beer and if I saw a glass that I like I get a pair (though I have plenty these days). I have some in the 8 to 10 oz range that I really like for pours of homebrew.

 

[jrock3535]

Why spend a lot of money on the super thin Spiegelau glasses that won't make your beer taste any better when you can go to your local craft brewey and purchase one of ther offerings. You're supporting a local small business and if you visit enough you'll end up with a new collection and a variety of glasses for the different styles that you brew. Be warned, collecting glasses can be an obsession.