A beer without a head is a beer without its full flavour - this is because the head acts as a net, keeping in all the compounds that create the essence of the beer. The narrow opening of the beer bottle prevents the formation of the head, restricting the release of aromas and flavours. Drinking from a glass also lets you enjoy the warm, golden or dark tones of your lagers and ales. Kitchen Warehouse offers a huge range of beer glasses, both beer specific and suitable for all your favourites - find out all about the shapes and peculiarities of our beer glass collection here, then make your purchase online or at a store near you.

The type of glass you pour your beer into will affect how the foamy head is formed and retained during drinking. The head of the beer keeps in the volatile compounds that make up the taste of your favourite brew, including hop oils and spices.

Some beers have glasses designed specifically for their particular qualities while others can be enjoyed in any beer glass.

• Food remains intact
• Seal keeps food fresh
• Individual meals or snacks will not get mixed up

PINT GLASS The traditional pint jug has a dimpled exterior and large handle which retains the temperature of the beer by keeping hands away from the glass.

The size of the pint glass varies between countries - other pint shapes are the conical glass and nonic, where the glass bulges out an inch or two from the top.

TWIN WALL BEER GLASS Provides vacuum insulation to keep your beer icy cold.

TULIP GLASS The bulbous body traps aroma while the flared top forms a lip to help retention of the head.

PILSNER The tall, slender and tapered shape reveals the golden tones of pilsner and light ales while still maintaining a head. Not to be confused with the curved Weizen glass.

Bohemia Pilsner was the world’s original blond lager, produced first in 1842. The invention of readily available glassware to show off the golden clarity as well as refrigeration which meant barrels no longer needed to be kept in caves quickly popularized this beer.

WEIZEN GLASS OR WHEAT BEER GLASS The transition from narrow base to wider top allows time for aromas to be released and a head to form.

White beer or Weissbier in German is translated to Wheat Beer in English and is made with 50% wheat to barley malt. In Belgium it is flavoured with coriander and orange peel.

INDIA PALE ALES (IPA) The narrow base allows slow release of the aromas and flavours which are retained in the bulbous body while the narrowed rim ensures retention of the head.

Brewed from pale malt, India Pale Ales originated around 1840 to export to India as the brewing method allowed the beer to benefit from the sea voyage. Contemporary American IPAs are brewed with distinctively American hops and differ between the West and East coast.

STOUT GLASS The combination of a Guinness pint glass and a goblet has been designed to bring out the flavour complexity and milky consistency of Stout and add life to the head.

Originally called porter, stout is a dark beer with a high alcohol content, or stout porters made from roasted malt or barley and originated in London in the 1720s. It was exported in large quantities to Ireland and was soon being brewed there by Arthur Guinness.