There are several variations on what would seem to be a simple piece of barware: the pint glass. It comes in different shapes and, ironically, different sizes. Some of this depends on what country you're in and what kind of beer you want to drink.
Standard
The standard pint glass, sometimes referred to as "conical," holds 16 oz. of beer and is about 6 inches wide at the top but tapers down to about 1 inch at the bottom. Other types curve inward more sharply, either at the bottom or the top, to improve handling; one example is the tulip-shaped pint glass.
Dimple or Krug
Best for holding German lagers is the dimple pint glass, or krug. This features a handle and looks more like a large mug with a traditional appearance. The wide mouth opens up the aroma of the beer, but the dimples on the side prevent the drinker from inspecting the appearance of the beer. Krugs are often made from earthenware or stoneware, and they range from holding about a half-liter to a full liter of beer.
Imperial Pint
A British or imperial pint actually holds 20 oz. Sometimes called a "nonic," imperial pint glasses often feature a curved lip near the top to help prevent damage during stacking.
Nucleated
Sometimes pint glasses will come nucleated. This means there are tiny holes or etchings near the bottom of the glass to help preserve the head of a beer after it's poured.
Why the differences?
Some of the shapes of pint glasses actually improve the taste of the beer, allowing it to open up and accept oxygen, much like you would oxygenate a glass of wine. Others are simply for aesthetic reasons.
Tags: pint glass, pint glasses, imperial pint