About Barware

The glass mug you drink your nightly beer from, otherwise known as a tankard, is one of the oldest types of drinking vessels around. In the Middle Ages large tub-like vessels made of wood and hooped with iron were referred to as tankards. These drinking vessels could also be made of leather and were used to transport water.

Later on, the term tankard came to refer to a wooden drinking mug with one handle. Tankards were commonly made of pewter, copper or silver. In the olden days these vessels often had lids to keep out bugs and bacteria. They were mostly used for drinking beer. Today you can still find pewter tankards, but they are now also made from glass, metal or plastic.

- Raise Your Beer Mug To The World Or How To Say Cheers! In Zulu -
The Moguls did it. So did the Vikings. “A mouth of a perfectly happy man is filled with beer.” After coining that phrase, you don’t think this anonymous Egyptian from 2200 BC kept it to himself. I can see him raise his drinking vessel to his Nile-side neighbors while repeating the words.

Every country in the world has some sort of traditional drinking toast, often dozens. Usually one or two words, common toasts are not in the same league with toasts to the bride (which can drone on for hours), or to the retiree who’s been with us for 30 years but would rather get to his food while it’s hot. All of these really should be briefer, especially if a meal is being served. The everyday, no black tie, corner pub toasts exist in every culture and the vast majority simply mean ‘I wish you good health’. Not surprisingly it is the English who have strayed from the norm. ‘Cheers’, ‘Down the Hatch’, ‘Bottoms up’ and many more. I always assumed the latter referred to the bottom of the glass, however the Hawaiians have taken this literally. ‘Okole Maluna’ means ‘buttocks up’. I am including a list of multi-national toasts to impress your friends and use as a sign of respect when in the company of people from different cultures.

Here’s a bit of etiquette to go with your cosmopolitan language skills. It is customary to toast the first round, and let the host go first. There is some controversy over the clinking of glasses. It is said that the tradition started as a sly way to test the authenticity of the host’s crystal. Whether the Vikings clinked pewter goblets or not, it is considered more civilized to ‘touch glasses’ rather than bash together in a resounding crash. And while you’re about it, serve on the left and remove from the right!

Now that August has arrived, it’s time to come to terms with the fact that summer is indeed a fleeting phenomenon. It won’t be long before we put away our summer wheat beers and sangria in exchange for headier amber ales and spiced cider. As the seasons change, so do our drinks of choice. In liquor stores across the country, you’ll begin to notice the arrival of an entirely new crop of seasonal beverages.

In just a few months’ time, beer drinkers will be itching to attend Oktoberfest celebrations. The original festival is held each in late September in Munich, Germany, but smaller, equally boisterous parties take place all across America as well. In order to get the most out of your Oktoberfest experience, you’ll want to drink like the Germans do. That means quaffing beer from a pewter tankard or a gargantuan beer stein.

Many people who add a bar in the home choose to decorate that area with elaborate furnishings and specialty barware. If you’re able to build the bar from the ground up yourself or with a contractor, this is the best situation possible. If that’s the case, you can choose every detail that you want to implement from the onset. For the most classic bar look, make sure to choose a dark wood that is installed with a polished sheen or is capable of being polished to a high gloss.

But if your bar was already installed when you got to the house, that doesn’t mean you can’t implement your own touches. For example, you can add the bar stools that work best for you. For some, that means swivel chairs with a high back. For others, that means stationary wooden stools. Whatever your preference, you can also choose the barware that best suits the look and décor of your bar. And again, this just depends on the look that you’re going for. Some people want the elegance offered by crystal tumblers and wine glasses. Others want the stout and solid look of pewter barware. Whatever you decide, make sure that all the décor works together for a cohesive look. And if you’re ever sick of the look, simply switch out the bar accessories.

You can enjoy a great beer party with pewter beer mugs.  They are different from your ordinary glass mugs so they are perfect for entertaining.  You can even have a medieval theme for your party and everybody can come in costume.
 
These mugs can come in a variety of sizes and designs.  You can have a very simple but distinct design on them.  They will usually hold 12 oz of liquid.  These pewter mugs do not contain any lead so you don’t have to worry about ingesting any heavy metal.  Unlike during centuries ago, many were probably poisoned by drinking from lead laced mugs.  But with strict standards set by the European Standards for pewter, all materials used to make pewter is safe.

Items that are made of pewter such as pewter tankards and pewter goblets are easy to care for. Although they do not require the extensive care and regular polishing as with silver, they do need occasional cleaning.

Pewter is considered to be the fourth most precious metal, after platinum, gold and silver. Its prized value is identified d by its unique characteristics. Being lead-free, the latest pewter that is out now out in the market is resistant to tarnish, rust or deterioration. Hence, allowing it to withstand time while maintaining its distinctive appearance. These excellent qualities make pewter specially appreciated and highly collectible.