Beer Science: Physics Reveals Which Glass Keeps Your Brew Cold the Longest

How do you keep a glass of beer cold for as long as possible? The answer lies in science, naturally. That’s what one researcher set out to determine, finding the ideal glass shape to keep a poured beer chilled while it’s being enjoyed.

Claudio Pellegrini, a professor of thermal and fluid sciences at Brazil’s Federal University of São João del-Rei, simplified the problem into a fundamental mathematical formula for various popular beer glass designs, such as the Brazilian tulip, Imperial pint, American pint, Weizen glass, beer mug, and “super” mug.

Focusing on Shape to Maximize Cooling Efficiency

Pellegrini kept things straightforward by excluding variables like heat transfer from hands or the impact of foam, focusing on glass shape to find the most effective design for keeping beer cold.

“In tropical countries like Brazil, a recurring issue is how to keep beer cold while drinking it, especially in coastal regions,” he explained.

In his study, he examined glass curvature, noting that people generally prefer clear glasses and that most glasses come with some form of insulation at the base.

“The process is pretty simple here: you order a beer, it’s served, you drink it, and repeat,” Pellegrini noted. “Once poured, the beer starts exchanging heat with its surroundings until it reaches thermal equilibrium with the environment (including the glass), which is something no one really wants. Depending on the initial temperature difference between the beer and its surroundings, it can become unpleasant to drink in a short amount of time.”

Pellegrini’s Findings on Glass Shape and Cold Retention

In the most critical scenario, like a windy day at the beach at 38°C (100°F), as few as three minutes could be enough to make the beer undrinkable, he added.

It’s clear from the study that Pellegrini has likely experienced one too many warm beers, but his research reveals there’s more to glass shape than meets the eye.

In the end, his assessment for optimal heat retention pointed to a shape already in use: the classic pilsner glass. This glass, which is generally narrower at the bottom and wider at the top with a smooth curve, proved mathematically superior to other types.

He acknowledged that the most efficient glass would be so small that only a few sips would finish the beer, but he aimed to find a glass that lets people savor their drink a bit longer.

Possible areas for further study could include allowing the base and body of the glass to exchange heat with the surroundings, including radiative and/or conductive heat transfer through the foam, Pellegrini noted.

He also mentioned that beyond personal interest, he had another reason for the study: to engage students with a subject that can often be seen as abstract and dry.

The main goal, of course, was to increase engineering students’ interest in physics and mathematics, he concluded. “But a secondary and equally important application of these results was to preserve the quality of our beers.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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