Holmegaard x Mikkeller

Foam head, pouring angle, and the right glass. Here’s how to serve your beer.

Good news for beer enthusiasts: Holmegaard and Mikkeller have teamed up to create three beer glasses that perfectly balance classic design virtues with modern quirkiness. Here’s Mikkel Bjergsø’s guide to the perfect pour. Cheers!

Pink bowl, Holmegaard Archives Provence, Holmegaard

It's time to serve more of our beer in the right glasses. Of course, there are times when you're on the go, and a bottle or can just makes more sense. But if you're at home or somewhere that allows it, you should definitely pop the cap and pour those golden drops into a suitable glass, says Mikkel Bjergsø, the man behind the beer brand of (almost) the same name. After all, very few people are satisfied drinking red wine out of a water glass. Unfortunately, many are more laissez-faire when it comes to beer, which downgrades its many qualities:

"I always believe you should try to get the full experience out of your beer – and you do that best when you serve it in a glass – the right glass, that is. Both you and your beer deserve that."

Engage all your senses

If you're part of the crowd that just pops open a can and drinks without thinking about taste, aroma, appearance, etc., this might be an eye-opener and inspiration for enhancing your beer experience. When Mikkel Bjergsø pours a beer, it's for the complete experience. He hopes that with this series created in collaboration with one of Denmark's greats in Danish craftsmanship, Holmegaard, he can inspire people to enjoy beer from glasses:

"Sometimes it's too cold, other times too warm, and then a beer just doesn’t taste as it should. The goal is to convey the brewer's thoughts and ideas, giving the beer the best conditions, and it's about engaging your senses."

In Holmegaard’s newly launched series, you’ll find an IPA glass, a pint glass, and a universal glass. Each has its function and purpose for a good beer experience. Drinking from a can, for example, is like using a more closed container that doesn’t release aroma particles and carbon dioxide the same way. Everyone has experienced taking a sip from a lukewarm can and getting a mouthful of foam. This doesn’t happen when you drink from a glass. Here, you sense the beer’s appearance and aroma.

Design philosophy

Holmegaard stands for tradition and a classic approach, while Mikkeller’s design universe is known for its quirkiness and modern expression. This series of beer glasses brings the best of both worlds: the curved shapes are inspired by Mikkeller's famous illustrations, Henry and Sally, while the glasses are stylish, simple, and serve a clear purpose.

IPA GLASS

Suitable for: Hoppy beers like IPA, including double IPA, triple IPA, and Pale Ale.
The narrow base and slightly wider top allow the beer's aromas to be released quickly and easily, bringing out the hop aromas and flavor nuances clearly.
Pouring angle: 45 degrees, then adjust to your personal preference.
Foam height: Two centimeters.
Serving temperature: If your IPA is at refrigerator temperature, you can let it warm up to 8 degrees.

PINT GLASS

Suitable for: A classic lager or pilsner, which typically has lower complexity compared to other beers. The wide opening helps release more aromas, which can be necessary for the full beer experience. The glass size is also designed considering that the alcohol content in a pilsner is usually moderate, allowing for larger sips.
Pouring angle: 45 degrees, then adjust to your personal preference.
Foam height: A pilsner can have a decent foam head, as it settles quickly. Aim for about three centimeters.
Serving temperature: 6 degrees (refrigerator cold).

UNIVERSAL GLASS

Suitable for: A heavy beer, like stout, which you would normally serve at a slightly higher temperature than lighter beers. The stem of the glass allows you to use your grip to temper the beer, achieving the optimal temperature more easily.
Pouring angle: 45 degrees, then adjust to your personal preference.
Foam height: Heavier beers suit a lower foam height due to their complex aromas. Aim for one centimeter.
Optimal serving temperature: The stronger the beer, the higher the temperature you want to serve it at, as it enhances its complexity. For a beer with 8% alcohol, serve it at 9-10 degrees. For stouts with 10%, serve at around 12 degrees.

Holmegaard is part of Rosendahl.com

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