Scientific studies have shown that the shape of glassware does have an effect on head development and retention. This is important for taste as the foam created by pouring a beer acts as a net for many of the volatiles it contains. Volatiles are compounds that evaporate from beer to create its aroma and include hop oils and all kinds of yeast fermentation by-products such as alcohol and spices.

A glass that promotes a healthy foam head encourages the trapping of certain volatiles and enhances the smell, which is important for aromatic beers, for example, many of the Belgian abbey varieties. The theory is that as different varieties of beer have varying levels of desired head retention, different styles of glassware should be used.

Belgians are the greatest beer consumers in the world, even surpassing Germans and Czechs. In this small, beer-loving nation, many breweries commission glass designers to create glasses that coax the best from the beer. When you enter a Belgian pub you will encounter several distinct glasses. Each beer is served in its proper glass so you can appreciate it at its best.

Stella Artois tastes better when served in a chalice with a narrow opening to concentrate its distinctive hops aroma and help maintain the dense creamy white head for as long as possible. The design of the glass makes it possible for the beer to flow into the mouth from under the head. Beer connoisseurs believe Stella definitely smells much better in this chalice than in a regular pint glass.
Wheat beers taste better when served in a thick, clear tumbler. The thickness of the walls keeps the beer cold for a long time and allows the natural cloudy appearance to be appreciated.

Abbey beers, popular in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy are generally ales. Most exude fine hops aromas and possess a refined full body. For abbey beer, chalice glasses with wide openings are recommended. This shape allows the bouquet to fully develop and the liquid to flow easily into the mouth.
Lagers, outside the pint-loving UK, are generally served in narrow, tulip-shaped glasses holding 300–400ml of liquid.

The Bavarians pour their frothy weiss beers into tall, slender glasses to accommodate the foam. Germans still opt for traditional mug-shaped beer earthenware steins that can keep up to a litre of beer cool at any beer-fest.
And Brits? It used to be that men would hang on to the same pint glass all evening for refills. Tradition has changed to clean glasses at least, but mostly any old pint glass will do. Well, “two chalices of larger and a packet of pork scratchings” just doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it?