Beer can be enjoyed from different containers. There are Pilsgläser, Altbiertulpen, Weißbiergläser, Kölner Stangen, and Bierseidel. But those who like it traditional and special will drink their beer from a beer stein. The beer stein is not only the ancestor of all beer glasses, it is a symbol of Bavarian coziness. Especially Oktoberfest fans and real Bavarians appreciate the enjoyment of beer from a traditional beer mug. Whether a stone stein, a glass stein or a tin(pewter) stein - the beer stein has become a must. Beer steins are often artfully decorated with ornaments, paintings or coats of arms, making beer drinking a feast for the eyes. A special feature for many of the beer mugs is the hinged lid, which is moved with the help of a lid lifter, which also functions as a thumb rest.
Without the lid, a real beer mug is incomplete. The lids They are available in different shapes and sizes, from simple flat lids without ornaments to elaborately decorated lids. Possible decorations consist, for example, of handcrafted motifs made of pewter or an engraving. Sometimes wonderful pewter figures are also incorporated.
Function of the lid
Sunshine, blue skies and the desire to socialise? Especially in summer at home in the garden or in one of the numerous beer gardens, countless visitors come together. Tables under shady trees invite you to linger and what could be more comfortable than sitting in the beer garden on a warm summer evening and enjoying your beer with friends. But especially if you drink your beer outside, there is the danger that insects fly into the stein or leaves fall into it. For such cases, beer mugs with lids are the best solution, because the lids also allow undisturbed beer enjoyment outdoors. They give annoying insects no chance to eat and protect the popular beer from leaves and other foreign bodies that do not belong in the beer. In addition, beer lids reduce the heat exchange and thus keep the beer cool for longer.
Origin of the beer stein lid
Today the beer stein lid protects the drink from falling leaves and flying insects. Its original meaning was much more important. The origin of the lid goes back to the plague epidemics in the 14th century, when millions of people died of black plague. After the plague, Central Europe was swarming with deadly shoals of mosquitoes. That is why in the 16th century there was a decree that all food and drink containers should be covered to protect them from dangerous insects. This is how the beer mug lid was created.
Even after the plague and dangerous mosquito swarms were a thing of the past, the lid remained a special detail on the massive mugs.
The poorer sections of the population used felt lids in earlier times. These felt coasters were used both as coasters and to cover beer. However, felt has the decisive disadvantage that it quickly becomes moist and is a good breeding ground for bacteria. The rich therefore preferred beer coasters made of tin (pewter) or silver. The lids on the beer mug therefore not only had a practical use, they were also a kind of status symbol of the upper class. The material of the lid was used to determine the level of the beer drinker.
Another wonderful side effect only became known sometime after the laws were enacted. Especially the upper class, who also use the steins and lids as a kind of status symbol, came to the enjoyment of tin (pewter) lids. In combination with the stone stein0, these lids preserve the cold and freshness of the drink for much much longer.
In former times also many waiters had the problem that they could not see whether the guest had still something to drink or not. The stein with a lid was a great solution. The lid was simply opened and left open on the table or counter. So everyone knew the guest was thirsty and would like another drink or refill.
FAQs
Origin of the beer stein lid
Why did goblets have lids? ›
Goblets with lids were used first and foremost for drinking out of and the lid had a practical use: to prevent the contamination, or fast cooling or warming of drinks for one and two, there was also a panic-stricken fear of poisoned drinks at the time, which were used to clear disagreeable rulers out of the way!
What is the point of a beer stein? ›
In addition to keeping the beer cool, an extra perk of using a beer stein is that it can also improve the taste of the beer. The reason being that the form of a beer stein provides for a greater head on the beer thus aiding in the release of fragrance and taste.
Why do beer steins have glass bottoms? ›
A further story is that the glass bottom merely allowed the drinker to judge the clarity of their drink while forgoing the expense of a fragile pint glass. Glass bottoms are sometimes retrofitted to antique tankards, reducing their value and authenticity.
What is a stein without a lid called? ›
Mug. A mug is a handled drinking vessel which does not have a lid. Many mugs, but not all, can be called unlidded steins, if they were supposed to have a lid. Cup. In usage this term is similar to mug, in that it implies a handle but no lid.
Why do mugs have lids? ›
After the plague, Central Europe was swarming with deadly shoals of mosquitoes. That is why in the 16th century there was a decree that all food and drink containers should be covered to protect them from dangerous insects. This is how the beer mug lid was created.
Why is there a lid on a tankard? ›
The lids on beer mugs serve as a sanitary measure, especially to keep insects out of the beer. They are usually made out of pewter, and are usually equipped with a lever that is in reach of the thumb, so that it is possible to grab the mug and open and close the lid with a single hand.
Why do Germans cover their beer? ›
But lids did not start appearing on German steins until the Bubonic plague swept through Europe (in the 1300s), where insects appeared in their millions and attracted to the sweet smelling beer. The government decreed that all drinking establishments had to cover their stoneware with lids to prevent spread of disease.
Why is it called goblet? ›
French gober means “swallow, gulp down.” Given such a root, goblet can be understood as a vial whose contents had to be gobbled up hurriedly or greedily — less than a fully convincing interpretation.
Which country drink the most beer? ›
1 title goes to the Czech Republic, which claimed the top spot for the 30th consecutive year in 2022 with 188.5 liters (approximately 50 gallons) of beer consumed per capita. Filling out the top three are Austria and Poland, which placed second and third, respectively.
The dimples prevent the glass slipping out of the fingers in a washing-up bowl, and the design of the glass emphasises strength, also to withstand frequent manual washing. These design features became less important when manual washing was superseded by machine washing from the 1960s onwards.
What do Germans call a beer stein? ›
The word stein itself is short or slang for the German word steinzeug. The full term originally used in Germany was steinzeug-krug which means stoneware mug.
What beer steins are worth the most money? ›
Early-era German Beer Steins in good condition are among the most valuable steins. They are likely to be rarer and often passed down through families from generation to generation. One late 18th-century sterling silver stein was sold for over $2,200 in 2022.
Can you drink out of old beer steins? ›
Yes! The beer steins, mugs, horns, boots, shots and glass drink-ware listed on our website are safe to use for beverages.
Why are beer steins so expensive? ›
Genuine German beer mugs are often expensive and bulky because they are made with costly materials such as silver, pewter, wood, glass, etc.
How can you tell if a beer stein is vintage? ›
An early-era German Beer Stein will likely have a darker pewter lid because of its age and will be quite heavy. There won't be any finger grooves on the handle, and you'll likely be able to spot imperfections in the carving or painting. They are clearly handmade and hand-decorated.
What's the difference between a stein and a tankard? ›
Both steins and tankards are used for drinking beer from, but there are differences between them. A tankard is usually made from glass and has a handle, and it traditionally holds holds a pint of beer. A stein is a one litre or half-litre vessel that is often ceramic, and usually has a lid and a handle.
