The three most common terms used for sturdy, handled beer drinking vessels are the Mug, the Tankard, and the Stein. While often used interchangeably, their differences lie in material, origin, and specific design features. These handled vessels are designed for durability and to prevent the drinker’s hand from warming the beer.
The Core Terminology: Mug, Tankard, and Stein
The term “mug” is the most generic and widely used name for a cylindrical drinking vessel featuring a handle. Beer mugs are typically made from thick glass or ceramic, with the heavy walls providing a degree of insulation to keep the beverage cool. The handle is a functional design element that allows the drinker to hold the vessel without transferring body heat to the beer.
A tankard, in its historical context, refers to a large, single-walled drinking cup with a handle, traditionally crafted from metal such as pewter or silver. These metal vessels were common in England and other parts of Europe, and they sometimes featured a flat, hinged lid. Historically, a tankard was defined by its metallic construction, contrasting with the stoneware or glass of other vessels.
The stein is a term specifically borrowed from the German word Steinzeugkrug, which translates to stoneware jug. The vessel is defined by its German heritage and its most distinguishing feature. Steins are typically made of stoneware or ceramic.
The Iconic Stein: History and Defining Features
The defining characteristic that separates a true stein from a generic mug is the presence of a hinged lid, typically made of pewter. This lid originated as a public health measure in 14th to 16th-century Germany. Following the Black Death and periods of fly infestations, German principalities required all food and beverage containers to be covered for sanitary purposes.
The hinged lid, often equipped with a thumb-lever, allowed the drinker to open and close the vessel with a single hand, maintaining hygiene while drinking. The materials used for steins expanded over time to include porcelain, glass, and silver, but the stoneware body and pewter lid remained the traditional form.
Steins are often highly decorative, featuring intricate relief carvings, hand-painted scenes, or historical motifs. They are commonly produced in half-liter (0.5 L) or full-liter (1.0 L) capacities, reflecting standard German beer measures. Their cultural significance has made them popular collectibles and souvenirs, often decorated with themes related to German history or guilds.
Regional and Specialized Handled Vessels
In Germany and Austria, a smaller handled mug is often called a Seidel, which typically holds a volume of 0.3 liters or 0.5 liters. This size is a common serving measure in many German pubs and beer gardens.
The Maßkrug is a highly specialized vessel associated with Bavarian beer culture. Krug is a generic German word for a jug or pitcher, but the Maßkrug is the one-liter (Maß) handled mug used at Oktoberfest and in traditional Bavarian beer halls. It is a large, heavy glass mug designed for communal gatherings.
The British dimpled mug, sometimes called a dimple tankard, is another distinct handled vessel. This glass mug is characterized by its thick walls and a pattern of small, convex indentations across its surface. The dimples were designed to catch the light and showcase the beer’s clarity, while the thick glass ensured durability in a busy pub environment.
Distinguishing Mugs from Glasses
The presence of a handle distinguishes a mug, tankard, or stein from a standard beer glass. The handle serves a practical purpose by creating a thermal barrier between the drinker’s hand and the cold liquid.
Beer glasses, such as the Pint Glass, Tulip, or Weizen Glass, are typically non-handled and feature thinner walls. These designs are engineered to enhance the beer’s sensory qualities, such as concentrating the aroma or promoting specific head retention. In contrast, the thick walls of a mug or stein prioritize insulation and sturdiness over the delicate presentation of a beer’s volatile compounds.