Why Does the Beer Mug Have a Handle?
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That's a good question, isn't it? Beer mugs have been around for centuries, and they've taken on many different shapes and designs over the years. What they all have in common is that a beer mug , unlike a beer glass, has a handle . Some people even call it a grip , but that doesn't matter.
Come on, I'll take you to discover all the reasons why the beer mug has a handle .
The handle of the beer mug is a thermal insulator
I'm not going to tell you anything new if I tell you that we can all agree on one thing: beer tastes better when it's cold ! The handle of a beer mug was originally intended to prevent the beer from getting too hot. As it warms up, the beer loses (or gains, according to some) its flavor.
Our skin temperature is on average 36°C, and therefore, if you hold a glass for a while, you will warm the liquid inside. This is a simple thermal heat transfer. The heat you release is transmitted to the container, and in return, your hand cools down. That's fluid mechanics for those who forgot they went to school!
In the summer, holding a mug by its handle also means you don't end up with a wet hand due to condensation , like when you drink your beer from a pint glass, for example. I admit I'm not a big fan of that wet contact every time I want to take a sip!
The beer mug was therefore provided with a handle for this reason of insulation , but not only.
Beer mug vs. wine glass
This is where the age-old fratricidal duel of wine versus beer begins. It was customary to differentiate between containers based on the liquid they were intended to contain.
A wine glass or wine cup was held in the hand both to bring it to the mouth and to toast. A beer glass too, you'll notice, but here we're talking about the tankard!
It's only been a few decades since we've had refrigerators to keep our beloved malt beverages cold. Keeping drinks cold before was a logistical challenge, and keeping a drink cold once served was a challenge.
The Vikings understood this well and that is why they designed this type of little marvel:
Just click on the photo to see it!
A wine glass and a tankard are not so different apart from our famous handle . At first glance, one could identify the nectar intended to fill one or the other based on its design.
The handle of the mug is used for storage
From traditional pubs to modern bars, the handle of a beer mug is one of the most recognizable features. Have you ever noticed that the—far too rare—bars that offer to serve you beer in a mug most often serve it from a large bar, or a rail, if you prefer?
Sorry, but I couldn't find a photo to illustrate this arrangement! To console you, here's an original mug !
Just click on the photo to see it!
Just like wine glasses , which are held upside down by their stems, tankards are "skewered" on a bar to dry quietly at 45° thanks to their handles . This frees up the work surface or counter, and storing the glasses upside down prevents dust from accumulating inside.
It's a silly idea, but it's incredibly logical when you think about it!
The handle of the beer mug allows you to carry more mugs
Have you ever had the chance to attend Oktoberfest ? If so, you must have seen the waitresses perform feats of skill in terms of the number of beer mugs they can carry. Thanks to the handle on beer mugs , the grip allows you to hold as many as a round divided by their respective diameters.
In the days of taverns and inns, I imagine that drunkards must have asked for beer so often that the waiters must have been very happy to save themselves trips by being able to have a lot of tankards at once.
Here is the Guinness Book of Records for beer porter that we posted on our YouTube channel:
The guy still manages to carry more than 70 kg over 40 m at arm's length! History doesn't say if he drank them all to celebrate his record, but congratulations to him either way.
The handle of the mug for its aesthetic side
I don't know if you've ever taken a look at our beer mugs, but if you have, you may have noticed that for most of them, we use the handle to add an extra touch of originality.
This is the part you'll hold in your hand, and special attention is paid to its design. Depending on the model, it can be a snake's tail, made of bones, or even a dragon's tail!
Examples:
Just click on the photo to see this steel mug!
Just click on the photo to see this knight's tankard!
Just click on the photo to see this pirate tankard!
Just click on the photo to see this dragon head mug !
The handle of a tankard brings the possibility of a very appreciable aesthetic touch and I hope very appreciated too!
The handle of a beer mug provides a comfortable grip
There is no denying that grabbing a beer mug by its handle provides a much more enjoyable feeling than just holding a beer glass.
Not only does it fit perfectly in the hand, but the fact that you're not holding the glass directly creates a sensation that's hard to describe. A kind of omnipotence in my opinion, but that's just my opinion!
A beer mug without a handle is no longer a beer mug.
Over time, the handle has become an iconic element of beer mugs . Much more than a simple differentiation or a decorative accessory, the handle of our beloved beer mugs contributes to its mystical side. If you remove the handle from a mug , it is clearly not the same container and it loses a good part of its charm.
It is not for nothing that we chose to call ourselves Chopedebiere because for us, the creators of this site and this brand, the beer mug is part of our heritage . A beer lover must know how to appreciate such a beautiful object at its true value.
Just click on the photo to see this horned skull mug !
I would even add that a tankard adds another dimension to tasting a beer, but that's just the opinion of an enthusiast!
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I'm reserving this code for my most loyal readers who discovered our site through the articles I lovingly post! FYI, the code cannot be combined with other discount codes because you can't overdo it, eh! 20% off doesn't leave us much room to spare, but at least I'm rewarding my readers.
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Our site offers more than 100 beer mugs different and all unique!
To discover all of our products, click on this link: Chopedebiere .
If you want to read one of my other articles, I suggest you discover 18 tips for opening a bottle without a bottle opener .
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