People are simply realizing why there’s a bulge in your beer glass

Beer lovers across the country are only just discovering the real reason behind the mysterious bulge that appears on many pint glasses – despite it being a decades old tradition.

The distinctive bump found on what experts call a ‘nonic’ pint glass isn’t just a random design quirk – it’s a carefully engineered feature that has been used by bartenders for over a century.

While millions of pub-goers have casually gripped this bulge without giving it a second thought, there are many reasons why the common glassware feature was invented. 

While there are dozens of different beer glass styles available, the classic nonic pint holds a special place in drinking history, having been designed in the early 1900s with both beer drinkers and busy bartenders in mind.

The nonic pint glass was invented by Hugo Pick back in 1913 to ‘provide an improved drinking glass,’ as reported by Taste of Home.

 He successfully reached his goal with his new invention and made the glass a staple in bars for years to come.

The glass became instantly recognizable with one specific feature: a prominent bump or bulge approximately a quarter of the way down from the rim.

Beer lovers across the country are only just discovering the real reason behind the mysterious bulge that appears on many pint glasses – despite it being a decades old tradition

The distinctive bump found on what experts call a ‘nonic’ pint glass isn’t just a random design quirk – it’s a carefully engineered feature that has been used by bartenders for over a century

During the 1920s, when glassware was a significant expense for pub and restaurant owners, this unassuming bump was revolutionary.

The distinctive bulge serves not one but three smart functions.

Firstly, it gives drinkers a much better grip, even when the glass is slippery with condensation – preventing embarrassing (and wasteful) drops.

Secondly, it makes the glasses incredibly easy to stack and un-stack – very handy for harried bartenders during a busy shift. 

Unlike standard pint glasses that often stick together when stacked, nonic pints also rest perfectly on each glass’s bulge, allowing them to be separated quickly without frustrating delays.

But the biggest benefit – and the reason behind the unusual ‘nonic’ name – is that the bump cleverly protects the delicate rim if the glass gets knocked over.

When a nonic pint glass falls on its side on a hard bar top, the bulge hits the surface instead of the fragile rim. 

In other words, you can knock over your glass and there will be ‘no nick’ on the rim, as reported by the outlet. 

But the biggest benefit – and the reason behind the unusual ‘nonic’ name – is that the bump cleverly protects the delicate rim if the glass gets knocked over

The nonic pint comes in various sizes, but there are two standard dimensions that dominate the market: the 16-ounce American nonic pint and the substantially larger 20-ounce Imperial nonic pint.

In the United Kingdom, a proper pint of beer contains the full 20 ounces – meaning British pub-goers enjoy nearly 20 percent more beer than their American counterparts with each order.

The versatile design works brilliantly with almost any type of beer, from hoppy pilsners and malty amber ales to standard American lagers.