A unique collection of hand-blown glasses from Pretentious Glass features designs aimed at enhancing the beers brewed at Pretentious Beer.

Matthew Cummings is a creative force. He established Pretentious Glass Co. in 2012 in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, holding both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of fine arts in glass sculpture.

In the same year, he embarked on his journey into homebrewing. “I was a broke artist,” Cummings shared during a phone conversation. “But I was a big beer fan and I wanted Zombie Dust at High Life prices.” Zombie Dust, a pale ale from Indiana’s 3 Floyds Brewing, was one of the key beers that sparked Cummings’ passion for craft beverages.

As a devoted reader, Cummings immersed himself in the literature on brewing beer, refined his beermaking abilities, and in 2016, he launched a beer bar adjacent to Pretentious Glass, which began producing its own beer a year later, operating under the name Pretentious Beer Co.

“We are truly unique in the world as a destination where guests can enjoy beer crafted on-site, served in glasses created right here, all while witnessing the entire production process,” shares Cummings.

Cummings notes that while much of the existing research focuses on how the shape of a wine glass influences flavor, it was his responsibility to create glassware that would enhance the tasting experience of his beers. Drawing from the Belgian tradition where every type of beer is paired with a specific glass, Cummings embarked on a journey to experiment with a multitude of Belgian beer glasses. This exploration led him to design glassware at Pretentious Glass that is as distinctive as the beers served at Pretentious Beer, which often boasts up to 18 different selections on tap.

“I needed to personally explore what really brings out the flavors in beer,” Cummings reflects.

“Our taproom operates within the brewery and our glass shop is adjacent to the glass studio,” he elaborates. “Visitors can enter, observe the brewing process, order a beer, stroll through our beer garden, and then watch artisans crafting glass.” Pretentious Glass offers glasses in 30 signature designs, alongside a vast array of unique one-off creations. Additionally, handcrafted decanters, holiday ornaments, and other decorative items are available for purchase. Guests even have the opportunity to sign up for a class to create their own glass piece.

The Pretentious Foamy Boi glass is crafted specifically for lagers served through a LUKR faucet, a Czech-style faucet known for its foam control.

For those who find the variety overwhelming, Cummings shares, “My favorite glass to create is the Foamy Boi. The diamond texture feels incredible, and adding the handle is a thrilling process. This cup requires precise execution for optimal performance, which adds an exciting sense of drama to the experience.”

The Pretentious Pilsner Glass showcases a gentle flare that elevates the beer’s foam cap.

For those seeking a more polished and straightforward option, Cummings expresses, “I take immense pride in the Pilsner Glass. It stands out in my collection due to its simplicity compared to my typically extravagant designs. However, its charm lies in its classic aesthetics—no gimmicks or complicated techniques—but it remains incredibly captivating. It perfectly balances uniqueness with approachability. The mild, subtle flare at the top of the glass forms a pillowy head like no other. Whenever I wish to create an impressive, creamy, slow-pour head on a pils, this is the glass I reach for. It’s genuinely one of my favorite aspects of being a brewer who also dabbles in glassmaking.”

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