Glass Can and Pint Glasses by Mainstream Source
Mainstream Source can glasses are modeled using the traditional beer can look, but unlike most can glasses, our glass is extremely durable and has a flavor-lock lip, holding up to 16 ounces of liquid. Our can glasses are dishwasher-safe and are good with hot and iced beverages.
Mainstream Source pint glasses are made with the traditional pint glass look; they have a heat-treated rim and they are also extremely durable and well made, also holding up to 16 ounces of liquid.
THE HISTORY OF BEER
As far back as 11,000-13,000 BC during the agricultural revolution, as grain was gathered, some of it fermented as a byproduct. Beer traces have been found from this period. Chinese pottery dating back 5,000 years contains residue from rudimentary beer made from barley grains. Around this same period from 3100 to 2600 BC, brewing became established and was used culturally in Egypt for mostly ceremonial purposes. Ninkasi was the Sumerian patron goddess of brewing, and a poem honoring her almost 4,000 years ago contains the first known recipe for beer from barley bread. In the archeological digs from this period in Mesopotamia, tablets were found showing people drinking beverages with straws from a pottery bowl. Because of the sugar content in barley, the first beer was probably very sweet, but went sour quickly if not consumed.
BREWING METHODS THROUGHOUT TIME
England in the 1600’s is considered the birthplace of modern beer. The process of brewing beer became popular in the American colonies as early as 1632, when the first Dutch brewery was established in New York City, then called New Amsterdam.
When the British occupied India, a beer called India Pale Ale was developed. This process of brewing produced a very strong beer with extra hops, which helped the beer to survive the journey and to last in hotter climate conditions. It had a hint of oak taste from the barrels on the ships.
In Philadelphia soon after, William Penn established a brewery making recipes created mostly by German immigrants. At the time, beer brewed in Philadelphia was considered a higher quality than any other beer produced in early America. Even Thomas Jefferson had his own brewery established in Monticello.
First, the beer was “mashed”. Combining malt with hot water produced liquor. Water temperature determined the amount of sugar that was extracted, and the overall flavor of the beer. When the steam rose and became transparent, the brewer would stop the process. Later, introducing the thermometer, brewing became more precise. At 150 degrees, the malt liquor was stirred with a mashing instrument and then sat for a couple hours at this temperature. During this time, enzymes transformed the proteins into sugars. Some sugars dissipated in the water, and the grain was removed after mashing. Using a large copper instrument named a lauter tun, the process was repeated using fresh water, usually around three times. The first time would produce an ale; the second time, a strong beer; and the third, a more smooth beer. As water was added during each process, sugar dissipated from the reused grain producing less alcohol content ultimately. With each batch of ale, strong beer or smooth beer, the next step was to boil each mixture with hops for a couple hours. The hops brought a bitter taste and smell, and worked as a preserver to the beer. Boiling helped to sterilize the beer. Hops also added a new quality to the experience of beer drinking, producing a more relaxing feeling, almost tranquilizing to the drinker. When the new mixture was boiled, the hops were removed and during the cooling process it was crucial to maintain a clean environment so bacteria did not spoil it before the yeast content converted it into beer. Although people during these times did not completely understand the importance of keeping a clean environment (for instance during surgery), early brewers figured out that if all the instruments were boiled, less microorganisms could get into the final product, keeping it pure.
Beer became an art form. If you used light or dark malt, different temperature conditions, soft or hard water, different strains or amounts of hops, different types of yeast, experimenting with different mixtures during the boiling process, you could produce nearly any type of beer. Blending different beers could produce a dark ale, or a porter, or a hundred other new beers. Another great byproduct that was discovered during this time was the ability to use the fermenting foam to extract yeast, which could be used for a multitude of other purposes. Porter and dark ales were generally sourer than most beer, but the sour taste came from the process the beer was made rather than from deterioration. Most of this was accomplished by aging the beer for long periods, but it could also have to do with the spices or type of malt used. Stout beer is considered a type of porter, adding more roasted barley into the process. In early America, even Indian corn was added to the process sometimes. Persimmons or even pumpkins were also used, sometimes producing an extremely bitter flavor. In the south, molasses was used in many recipes.
During the industrial revolution, the steam engine was introduced to the process, and humans mashing the liquid were no longer needed. Also, the process of moving the beer from the brewing process into kegs or storage containers became mechanical, and beer was able to be mass-produced. In addition to this, home breweries became more common, as people loved to experiment with their own recipes and gleefully present them to friends and family. Also, during this period, the hydrometer was introduced, which helped the brewer to know how much sugar was in the water at any given time during the process. During this period, Welsh ale became popular, using malt dried with wood or even with Welsh coal!
WHY IS BEER SO POPULAR?
Originally, beer became popular in the 16th century because people did not trust the water they drank. It was not until the late 19th/early 20th century that water treatment plants became a norm, eliminating disease and increasing the life-span of humans.
Beer was boiled and usually much more sterile than the drinking water of the time, so naturally it became popular. Unquestionably, the relaxing, good-feeling sensation that beer provides is another huge reason for its popularity. Also, beer was far less expensive to make in bulk than other liquor. Farming was the main source of income in early America, and farmers realized quickly that a great profit could be made in growing the grains associated with beer production. Beer was considered more of a “common man’s” drink, where the elite mostly consumed Whiskey or Rum. In fact, during these puritan times, many religious people felt that because beer contained less alcohol than other liquor, it was far more acceptable to be seen drinking a beer than, perhaps, whiskey.
Drunkenness was prevalent during these times, and perhaps a bit more forgivable in the culture of this era. Yet, beer drinking was considered a ‘lesser evil’ than most other alcohol consumption, another reason for its extreme popularity. Even still, many people vehemently opposed any alcohol consumption, which eventually led to the period of prohibition in America during the early 20th century.
Medically, it wasn’t until Benjamin Rush published a tome in 1784 blaming heavy alcohol abuse for many problems like tremors, liver disease, vomiting and even mental illness that a light was shone on what can happen when any alcoholic product is used in excess for extended periods of time. A 20th century study, however, found that, particularly in elderly people, a moderate consumption of alcohol on a weekly basis could actually be beneficial to health and longevity. Moderation is always the key!
During the American Revolution, beer was considered an “English” product even though it had been brewed in the New World for more than 100 years, so the popularity of beer waned for a period, only to come back with a vengeance after the war. Also, the non-importation act that the colonists moved forward during this period prohibited English beer from being brought into America, so American beer naturally experienced a resurgence even with public sentiment against it for a time. Beer stayed a popular beverage, although the temperance movement in the 1830s caused a decline. Beer consumption grew again in America during the 1850’s with the introduction of German-style lager beer. The cleaner fuel used in brewing improved the taste, ridding most beer of the smoky flavor from earlier heating methods.
Beer color improved with the use of clarifying agents, helping sediment and yeast settle to the bottom, bringing a clearer color in general to beer. Storing beer in wooden casks through the 18th and 19th centuries gave it a more bitter taste in general due to the tannin excreted from the wood during aging. Bacteria could form in wood casks too, souring the taste. Also, alcohol content varied drastically in early beer, as there was no way yet to measure the content in a consistent way from barrel to barrel. Most of this had to do with the amount of sugar extracted from the grain in any given batch. There was an assumption that alcohol helped preserve beer, so most beers were more likely to contain more alcohol than the leading beers today. Also, the variations of hops or yeast in different methods of processing had a huge impact on taste and bitterness of any particular beer.
THE ADVENT OF BEER CANS
In 1935, the Gottfired Krueger brewery was the first entity to put beer in cans. American Can company went to the brewery and offered to put their equipment in at no cost to the brewery, and so if the idea did not work, the brewery would not suffer financially. Fortunately for all involved, beer in cans became a new sensation, garnering a 91% approval with the general public!
Even so, canning is expensive and the process takes up a lot of valuable space. Original cans were made of tin or other metals until the late 1950’s when the Adolf Coors company switched to aluminum. Original tin cans needed to be opened with traditional church openers. Later, a pop top was invented, but the top came off cans and became a nightmare of its own, severely cutting bare feet when stepped on, and becoming a littering disaster. A new concept of popping the top of the can without the top being removed became an instant hit, and remains the standard for most canned beverages today.
Today, beer remains a staple of consumption worldwide. From the huge conglomerates to local breweries, thousands of variations are available everywhere, and beer is here to stay!
Real Reviews!
A Bauer
5 STARS
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2022
BUY THESE! These glasses are great. I have returned others where the glass is too thin, but these are sturdy and wash well in my dishwasher. Coasters and bottle opener are an added bonus, you could always use more of those for entertaining. We use them for parties when people are drinking beers as a classier alternative to drinking right out of the can (which the men seem to love haha!), and we also use them casually at home on a day-to-day basis for water, smoothies, etc. I will be buying more!
BSM
5 STARS
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2022
Bought these just for me, but will definitely be buying more to gift this Christmas! The glasses are perfect for beer afficianos (mine’s rootbeer) or everyday use, and the added coasters and bottle opener make it a great gift set! Buy these!
S AGAN
5 STARS
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2022
This glassware is high quality, the coasters and bottle opener were an extra classy touch! I am a very happy camper and can’t wait for my next party.
EJS
5 STARS
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2023
These glasses really are of classic design. They are heavier/weighted on the bottom and they have a very nice balance to them. The glass is crystal clear and appears made of quality glass. These definitely remind me of ordering a cold pint in a restaurant. However, in this house they will be filled with ice water, smoothies and gingerale. What is it about enjoying a beverage out of a nice glass, made of glass, that makes everything look and taste better? It just does and that is what you can expect from these glasses. Also, these glasses are very well packaged and arrived in perfect condition. They are dishwasher safe. The glasses came with a dang impressive steel bottle opener too.
P ARMITAGE
5 STARS
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2023
I’ve always loved the simplicity of your basic pint glass. They fit in your hand comfortably, hold a generous serving of whatever liquid you put inside. The basics never go out of style!
W KARNOSCAK
5 STARS
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2023
I got four of these glasses to replace pint glasses that have not survived visits to our hard tile floors. These turned out to be better than the broken glasses. The base is substantial so they are less likely to tip over. The taper from the rim to the base is perfect for getting a good grip on the glass. The rim is not too thick. They hold a full pint. These seem very similar to glasses used at some of the local breweries, only with a thicker base. Highly recommended.
