Editing Beer (section)

=== Vessels ===

{{Main|Beer glassware}}

Beer is consumed out of a variety of vessels, such as a glass, a [[beer stein]], a mug, a [[pewter]] [[tankard]], a beer bottle or a can; or at [[music festival]]s and some bars and nightclubs, from a plastic cup. The shape of the glass from which beer is consumed can influence the perception of the beer and can define and accent the character of the style.<ref>F. G. Priest, Graham G. Stewart, ''Handbook of Brewing'' (2006), 48</ref> Breweries offer branded glassware intended only for their own beers as a marketing promotion, as this increases sales of their product.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?storycode=64595 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724020628/http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?storycode=64595 |archive-date=24 July 2011 |title=How Miller Brands partners with licensees to drive sales |publisher=thepublican.com |access-date=17 October 2009}}</ref>

The pouring process has an influence on a beer's presentation. The rate of flow from the [[beer tap|tap]] or other serving vessel, tilt of the glass, and position of the pour (in the centre or down the side) into the glass all influence the result, such as the size and longevity of the head, lacing (the pattern left by the head as it moves down the glass as the beer is drunk), and the release of [[carbonation]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=xnLeJAPYzGkC&dq=pouring+beer&pg=PA211 Google Books] Ray Foley, Heather Dismore, ''Running a Bar For Dummies'' pp. 211–212, For Dummies (2007), {{ISBN|0-470-04919-7}}.</ref>

A [[beer tower]] or portable beer tap is sometimes used in bars and restaurants to allow a group of customers to serve themselves. The device consists of a tall container with a cooling mechanism and a beer tap at its base.<ref >{{cite web | url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/allston_brighton/2011/03/boston_licensing_officials_ban.html |last=Rocheleau |first=Matt |title=Boston licensing officials suspend use of large, portable "beer towers" |publisher=Boston.com |date=29 March 2011 |accessdate=24 April 2014}}</ref>