Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a "biergarten glass?"

A: A "biergarten glass" is a beer glass manufactured for use by biergartens, pubs, and restaurants. It is designed for a particular brewery and is in a style appropriate to the style of beer it will contain. It may be imprinted with a brewery logo but definitely will be imprinted with a "fill Mark." They are also referred to as "brewery glasses."

Q: What is a "fill mark?"

A: A "biergarten glass" will have a "fill mark" on it to indicate that the glass must (by law) be filled to that mark with beer; the remainder of the glass contains the head. Sets of glasses normally sold to consumers do not have a fill mark since that are not designed for commercial use. Most collectors want the commercial grade of glass with the fill mark.

Q: Why do the Europeans have so many different styles of glasses?

A: The style of the glass is designed to enhance the enjoyment of the beer: not only the taste, but the smell and the appearance as well. In Europe, many styles of beer are commonplace, as opposed to the United States, where the American Pilsner predominates.

Q: In the United States, beer is normally served in a plain, common beer glass. What is different in Europe?

A: In many countries of Europe, a glass with a brewery logo on it can only be served when containing beer from that brewery. An observer in a biergarten knows not only the style of beer that you are drinking by the glass you are served, but if a brewery logo is on the glass, he or she will know what brand of beer you are drinking.

Q: I want glasses from a particular brewery. Does Straubs' have them for me? Or can you get them for me?

A: First, for Straubs' to have stock from a particular brewery, there must be an agreement between the brewery and the glass manufacturer allowing the sale of overruns, etc. to a third party. Many breweries do not allow their glasses to be sold to a third party. Secondly, any glasses approved for sale to a third party becomes a very limited commodity and usually is sold to whoever has an order open with the manufacturer. We do place open orders and in many cases, we have no idea what glasses will arrive in an order. That is one reason our inventory is constantly changing. HOWEVER, in other limited cases, we are able to place specific orders (usually glasses from the larger breweries.) So the bottom line answer to your question is "sometimes." Send us an e-mail with your requests and we will try to get what you want. (Although it may take a while.)

Q: I already have many of the glasses in your collections. May I order a custom set?

A: Yes. Refer to our newly-introduced Collector's Corner where we list our current inventory on a monthly basis. You may place a custom order for $8.00 per glass. Obviously, shipping and handling charges dictate that you should order in quantity to keep the unit cost down.

Q: Why do people drink from steins?

A: First, a stein will keep the beer colder, longer than in a glass. Secondly, it serves the same function it was designed for over four hundred years ago...it keeps the bugs out of your beer. These two reasons make them especially popular in the summer months. Lastly, an attractive stein serves as a decorative piece in any surroundings.

Q: Why doesn't Straubs' carry a larger selection of steins?

A: Because the higher cost of maintaining a large inventory must be passed on to the consumer. By keeping our selection small, we are able to sell quality German steins at very reasonable prices.

Q: Can I get a stein that I saw somewhere else?

A: Probably. We have access to all the German stein makers and we can probably get you just what you want and at a much better price. E-mail us the information and we will quote you a price.

Q: I would like to buy someone a stein but I have no idea what the person might like. Do you have any suggestions.

A: I'm glad you asked that...we always have suggestions. A stein is a very personal object that usually reflects the owners likes/dislikes and personality. There are steins that are tied to various sports, hobbies, wildlife; some are serious, some are humorous. Many steins are of a Germanic heritage, appropriate for someone of German ancestry. Some are replicas of steins produced over one hundred years ago; especially sought after are the regimental steins and occupational steins. Surprisingly, there are many steins associated with the U. S. Civil War. There is such a variety of steins on the market, that we are sure you can find one that matches the personality or interest of the recipient. And if you find it elsewhere, e-mail us a request for a quote. We'll bet you can get it cheaper from us.

Q: How do I place an order.

A: Our favorite question. You may purchase via our Secure Server Shopping Cart system. OR, you may call our toll-free 800 number to order by credit card. OR, You may print out our order form and mail it to us with a check or money order or credit card information. Lastly, you may e-mail an order to us but PLEASE use the 800 number to send the credit card information.

Glass Terminology

Glasses named after their shape:

Glasses named for the style of beer they are intended to hold:

It should be understood that many new styles of glasses, or hybrids, have evolved over the years and there is not always agreement over what style name should be applied to a particular glass.