The tulip glass is built for aroma. The bulbous body traps the scent of a hoppy IPA or a rich stout, the flared lip supports a big head and steers it to your nose, and the stem or waist keeps your hand off the bowl. For flavourful, aromatic beers it is the glass to reach for.
I have picked the tulip glasses worth buying, from a smart branded pair to a value four-pack, and set out how to choose. Every pick links to its page on the shop, and the boxes show the current price.
The best tulip glasses, ranked
| Rank | Pick | Type | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guinness 20oz Tulip Glass (Set of 2) | Branded 2-pack | A proper aromatic pour | $36.95 |
| 2 | Libbey 16oz Tulip Glass (Set of 4) | Value 4-pack | Everyday IPA and stout drinking | $21.99 |
| 3 | DU VINO 14.2oz Tulip Glass (Set of 4) | Premium 4-pack | A gift-worthy set | $65.99 |
| 4 | Ravenhead 35cl Tulip Glass (Set of 4) | Craft-style 4-pack | IPAs and hazy beers | $40.49 |
| 5 | Volarium 13.5oz Tulip Glass (Set of 6) | Set of 6 | Guests and gatherings | $30.95 |
The top picks at a glance
Swipe through the shortlist, then read the full write-up on any pick below.
What the top tulip glasses cost
Tulip glasses range from cheap everyday sets to premium branded and crystal options. Here is what the shortlist costs so you can weigh a value set against a smarter one.
The takeaway: a value four-pack covers everyday aromatic beers, while a branded or premium set makes the better gift for a craft fan.
How to choose a tulip glass
Three things decide which tulip glass suits you. Match them to what you drink and the choice is easy.
- Shape. A true tulip has a bulbous body and a flared lip. That captures aroma and supports a head, which is why it suits IPAs, stouts and Belgian ales. The more aromatic the beer, the more the shape matters.
- Size. 13 to 16oz suits a standard aromatic pour with room for a big head. Larger tulips make a feature of a special beer.
- Stem or waisted. A stem or a pinched waist keeps your hand off the bowl so the beer stays cooler. Handy for slow-sipping strong beers.
- Set size. A pair suits two drinkers, a four or six-pack covers guests. Sets are cheaper per glass.
A tulip glass earns its keep with aromatic beer. The bowl gathers the hops or the roast and funnels it to your nose, so an IPA smells the way it should.
Dan Smullen, Beer Is My Life
Best Overall: Guinness 20oz Tulip Set of 2
This is the tulip most people should own. The 20oz size handles a generous pour with a big head, the shape gathers aroma nicely, and the understated Guinness branding suits far more than stout. A smart, durable pair that works for IPAs, ales and dark beers alike.
- Generous 20oz size for a big head
- Classic aroma-gathering tulip shape
- Understated branding suits any beer
- Sturdy, everyday-durable glass
- Only a pair for guests
- Branding is not to all tastes
Best Value: Libbey 16oz Tulip Set of 4
Four tulip glasses from a trusted maker at a low price makes this the everyday pick. At 16oz they suit a standard aromatic pour, and Libbey durability means they take daily use and the dishwasher. The best-rated value set here, and the sensible way to kit out the cupboard.
- Four glasses at a low price
- Trusted Libbey durability
- Right 16oz size for a head
- Dishwasher friendly
- Plain, unbranded design
- 16oz is modest for a big pour
Best Premium: DU VINO 14.2oz Tulip Set of 4
For a smarter set, these DU VINO tulips have the clarity and finish that lift a special beer. At 14.2oz they suit slow-sipping strong ales, and the four-pack makes a gift-worthy set. The pick if you want the tulip shape done nicely rather than cheaply.
- Clear, refined glass
- Great for aromatic, strong beers
- Gift-worthy set of four
- Top rated for finish
- Costs more than value sets
- Delicate, treat with care
Best for Craft: Ravenhead 35cl Tulip Set of 4
Ravenhead is a long-standing British glassmaker, and this 35cl four-pack is a tidy fit for craft beer and IPAs. The size and shape gather hop aroma well without being oversized, and the set of four suits a household of craft drinkers. A solid, sensible choice.
- Well-sized for craft and IPAs
- Trusted British glassmaker
- Set of four for a household
- Good aroma-gathering shape
- 35cl is a smaller serving
- Plain design
Best for a Group: Volarium 13.5oz Tulip Set of 6
Six tulip glasses for a fair price is exactly what a tasting night or a gathering needs. At 13.5oz they suit sampling stronger beers, and buying the set is cheap per glass. The practical pick if you host tastings or just want spares.
- Six glasses in one buy
- Great for tastings and sharing
- Cheap per glass
- Good for sampling strong beers
- 13.5oz is a small pour
- Storage for six
Other tulip glasses worth a look
A few more depending on budget and set size:
- Guinness 20oz Tulip Glass Set of 4 the Guinness tulip in a four-pack.
- Brewing America Tulip Glass Set of 4 a craft-focused four-pack.
- QAPPDA 6.7oz Tulip Glass Set of 6 small 6.7oz tasting tulips in a set of six.
Which tulip glass should you buy?
For everyday aromatic beers the Libbey four-pack is the sensible buy, or the Guinness pair if you want something smarter. Step up to DU VINO crystal for a gift, the Ravenhead set for craft and IPAs, and the Volarium six-pack for tasting nights.
Browse the full range on the tulip glasses page, or see the parent beer glasses section for more.
Tulip glass FAQs
What is a tulip glass used for?
The tulip glass suits aromatic, flavourful beers: IPAs, stouts, Belgian ales and strong dark beers. The bulbous body traps aroma and the flared lip supports a big head, so the beer smells and tastes its best.
What is the difference between a tulip and a snifter?
Both concentrate aroma, but a snifter is a rounded bowl on a short stem, while a tulip flares out at the lip. The tulip supports a larger head, which suits Belgian ales and IPAs, whereas a snifter suits very strong, still beers.
What size tulip glass should I buy?
13 to 16oz suits a standard aromatic pour with room for a head. Smaller tulips are handy for sampling strong beers, larger ones make a feature of a special bottle.
Can you drink IPA from a tulip glass?
Yes, a tulip is one of the best glasses for IPA. The shape gathers the hop aroma and funnels it to your nose, which is the whole point of a hoppy beer.
