Interested in Buying a glass beer boot? This Beer Boot buying guide will help you decide what kind of beer boot fits your needs and will help explain the difference between the 2 liter Das Boot featured in the movie Beer Fest from a smaller 1 liter beer boot.

What are Beer Boots?

Referred to as "Bierstiefels" in Germany, these glass drinking vessels embody the beer culture found in Deutschland. Boot drinking is the essence of camaraderie and in many circles a game of sorts.

There are several varying "traditional" sources of the boot. Most centering on German military roots at the beginning of the 20th century. As with many "traditional" and informal sources the veracity of such claims may be disputable but the tradition itself does have a cultural source.

One Tradition holds that a Persian general swore to his troops that he would drink beer from his boot dependent on the successful outcome in a coming battle. When victorious, the general ordered a glass fashioned in the shape of a boot to fulfill his promise without "having to taste his own feet".

Another tradition holds that the boot began when German soldiers during WW1 having nothing else to drink from instead passed around an actual leather boot of beer before heading into battle. They would flick the boot before drinking from it for good luck and again after drinking to wish next soldier good luck

Two types of glass Beer Boots

Mouth Blown Glass Beer Boots

Mouth blown beer boots are typically only available in 1 and 2 liter sizes. The 2 liter version is often referred to as "Das Boot", a nickname from the movie Beer Fest. Mouth blown boots are more fragile than machine pressed boots  so they should be handled with greater care.

Machine Pressed Glass Beer Boots

Machine pressed glass beer boots are much more sturdy than their mouth blown counterpart. If you are looking for a smaller boot (sizes range from shot glass to1 liter) that can withstand some abuse, a machine pressed boot is your best choice

The Art of drinking out of a Beer Boot

The design of beer boots is such that it possible for air to get trapped inside the tip, causing beer to splash upon the face of an inexperienced participant. This can be avoided by tilting the boot so the toe points sideways. (If you saw the movie Beerfest, you are already aware of this.)

Bier Boot Haus ‘Haus’ Game Rules*

The beer boot is passed around a group with individuals taking a sip and passing to the left (unless multiple boots are in use). Once the boot is first picked up, it cannot touch the table until finished. Each player must flick the beer boot prior to and after taking a sip. The person who finished the beer boot second to last is required to refill the boot.
*If you play this game with alcohol, always remember to drink responsibly

This buying guide was brought to you by Bier Boot Haus

Bier Boot Haus