The Snifter is my second favorite glass style. Its elegant shape is comfortable to hold, beautiful to look at and allows BIG beers to warm while you drink them.  This warming facilitates the release of carbon dioxide which carries with it the subtle or not so subtle aromas throughout the drinking session.

Snifters are ideal for glasses for beers that have high alcohol levels as their small size encourages moderation.  Snifters also make wonderful tasters because their small size and large bowl allow small amounts of beer to be agitated easily without spilling.  The agitation releases the aromatics from that small amount of beer which are then captured and corralled by the shape of the glass.  The only thing left to do is stick your nose deep inside the glass and enjoy a condensed aroma.