• Stein mugs often feature family crests or military insignia.beer mug image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
  
  Sometimes, a beer just doesn't live up to its potential unless it is drunk out of the correct receptacle. English beer mugs are designed to enhance the flavor and appearance of the beverage, along with the experience of drinking it. The shape, size and thickness of the glass can affect the way the beer tastes. Therefore, choosing the right mug to hold your favorite beer in is just as important as choosing the beer itself.
  
  

Steins

• Beer steins are often used to enjoy German ales. This tankard, or mug, is commonly made from pewter, earthenware, porcelain, ceramic, wood, silver or glassware. Many steins are emblazoned with scenes or other decorative items. Additionally, steins often bear levered thumblifts and lids, which were installed to keep diseased flies out of the vessels in the time of the Black Plague. Enjoy beers such as cream ale, Oktoberfest brews and oatmeal stout out of this European collector's item.
  
  

Dimpled Mug

• Mainly used to enjoy German lagers, dimpled mugs, or krugs, are covered in small indentations. Dimpled mugs are large and convex with their mouths larger than their bases. The reason for their convex nature is that the wide mouth helps release the aroma of the beer. Dimpled mugs are relatively thick and can usually hold up to 1 liter of beer.
  
  

Seidel

• A seidel is similar to a stein, except it lacks a lid. Seidels are heavy, sturdy and often hold large amounts of beer. Often used as the mug of choice to clink together with friends, seidels are recommended for use with a variety of beer, including Czech Pilsener, Munich Dunkel Lager and Schwarzbier.