Lot 02 pcs Glass Beer Mug, Hanoi Draft Beer Mug 330ml

Cultural Trait of Hanoi People, Beer Culture of Vietnamese

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Packaging specifications: 2 cups/set
• Weight: 420g - 500g/pc (Lot 02 pcs)
• Cup height: 13 cm
• Cup mouth: 8 cm
• Material: High-quality heat-resistant glass

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HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES OF THE PRODUCT

Glass draft beer mug, pint glass, Hanoi foam beer mug - the glass draft beer mug from Hanoi is a symbol of Hanoi's draft beer culture that originated from the era of subsidies. For over 100 years, the grass beer mug has existed as a cultural icon for beer enthusiasts. The saying "Sip the grass beer mug, enjoy the draft beer" holds true and is truly delightful.

Special features of the Hanoi glass foam beer mug: All glass foam beer mugs are 100% handcrafted, which means they won't be as uniform as machine-made glasses. As a result, the surface of the mug is slightly textured, providing a solid and comfortable grip. This is why drinking from these mugs is much more enjoyable compared to regular or machine-made glasses.

Usage Instructions:

• Use a soft brush to clean away dust and small glass particles; avoid cleaning with bare hands.
• After washing, place the mug upside down to air dry or dry it with a cloth, then use as usual.
• Note: Avoid impacts and sudden temperature changes.

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THE CULTURAL STORIES BEHIND THE LEGENDARY MUG

Story 1: Designed in 1 Hour, Dominating Unmatched for 40 Years

Drinking beer is one of the distinctive street culture elements of the people in Hanoi. That draft beer mug, though cheap, has its own unique charm and even becomes a "refreshing" beverage for people during the summer.

However, few notice that most beer places typically use only one type of mug. That's the glass draft beer mug, with its distinctive greenish-blue, milky-white, and slightly opaque appearance. When touched, the entire mug feels textured. When brought up to the eyes, one can see thousands upon thousands of bubbles enveloping the interior of the mug, like beer bubbles gradually dissolving within the light blue glass.

In reality, this mug has been around for over 40 years. Previously, during the difficult subsidized period, despite draft beer being considered a luxury, the state-owned Mậu dịch quốc doanh beer stores were always crowded with customers every evening. Back then, people in Hanoi used various types of cups and small bowls. In 1976, artist Lê Journalist, who had spent a long time studying and working in the field of fine arts in Germany, was assigned the task of designing a beer mug to meet the people's needs.

Less than an hour after being given the task, the shape of the mug appeared on the drawing and three days later, the first "legendary" draft beer mug was officially produced at the Dân Chủ Glass Cooperative.

"On the drawing, I designed the mug in a cone shape, with a wide mouth and a small base to make stacking convenient. The body of the mug has a rounded rim for a comfortable grip. The mug is crafted from recycled glass, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective... It's also designed to be sturdy enough that it won't break or chip easily when touched. The mug has a capacity of half a liter, as during that time, purchasing government-subsidized beer was limited to one mug per person per line, so the larger design was intended to reduce inconvenience."

The process of making the beer mug is relatively simple, relying mainly on the health and technique of the craftsmen. The shattered glass is crushed into small pieces, removing impurities, then placed in a furnace at 1,800 degrees Celsius for 6 hours. When the glass is molten, the craftsman uses a long pipe about 1.5 meters to pull out the glass and uses air to blow and shape the mug. The mug is then trimmed, the mouth is rounded, and it is left to cool in ashes for 12 - 15 hours...

Two years after its introduction, the draft beer mug had "conquered" all of Hanoi. Those who understand and study design have assessed the draft beer mug as a "Good Design." Furthermore, many high-end restaurants or beer establishments tried to improve customer service by replacing it with a high-durability white plastic mug with crystal-like appearance, but they were not favored by customers. They said that drinking draft beer from those lightweight plastic mugs diminished the rich flavor of Hanoi draft beer, demanding that the traditional draft beer mug be used.

Story 2: Nostalgia vs. Modern Aesthetics

Though I don't drink much, I'm a fan of Hanoi draft beer. Not just because it's delicious and affordable, but also because I love the feeling of relaxation and comfort while sitting with friends under the shade of ancient trees in the old quarter. For years, as a matter of course, I've been served draft beer in those greenish-blue mugs full of bubbles, never questioning anything. But then, one afternoon in 2020, a question arose: "Why does everything get upgraded, become more beautiful, but this draft beer mug still looks as ugly as those old mugs?"

I understand, this item has become a "legendary mug," a value intertwined with the nostalgia of Hanoi people for the old days – the unforgettable years when drinking beer was almost synonymous with a "better life". But when considering its utility, it no longer fits modern standards. When I bring up this issue, many say "if you use a different mug, then what's left of Hanoi draft beer?" "Drinking street draft beer from that green mug is a cultural trait of Hanoi people"...

Culture is an essence, a beauty refined from countless mundane elements, it can be very simple, plain, rural, but it must be beautiful. And as a lover of Hanoi draft beer, I believe its delightful taste deserves to be "carried" by nicer, more reliable mugs (and they can still be affordable). Change is okay, and it will eventually make sense.

Story 3: Hanoi Draught Beer – A Distinct Hanoian Cultural Mark

Going through various ups and downs in the history of the nation, Hanoi draught beer is mentioned not only as a simple thirst-quenching drink but also as one of the unique cultural aspects of the thousand-year-old land of Hanoi.

Why Choose Hanoi Draught Beer?

• Affordable and Accessible: The brewing process is straightforward, leading to a significant reduction in production costs. Compared to expensive imported beers, Hanoi draught beer costs only around 10,000 Vietnamese dong per glass.
• Enjoying a Friendly and Relaxing Lifestyle: A proper draught beer establishment only needs a few plastic chairs, a container, and glass mugs. Customers indulge in the atmosphere of a casual and comfortable setting with simple chairs, friendly drinkers, no pretense, no formality, and no judgment.
• Unique and Distinctive Flavor: The taste of Hanoi draught beer is light yet exceptionally unique. A large glass filled with beer foam, accompanied by roasted peanuts, can keep drinkers engaged for a long leisurely afternoon.
• Rarity in Southern Vietnam: Hanoi draught beer is scarce in the southern regions, contributing significantly to its incomparable differences from other types of beer.

The Sound of Draught Beer Pubs – Urban Sound

The sound of the draught beer pub has become a distinctive urban sound, familiar like an ingrained habit. It's a sound of hustle and bustle, vivacity, yet also liberating and unrestricted. Traditional Vietnamese draught beer establishments are spacious and filled with all sorts of sounds, from celebratory cheers to laughter and sobbing.

Bound by Tourism... and Draught Beer

There's even a street called "Draught Beer Street" in Hanoi. The clientele includes not only middle-aged men but also young people and even foreigners. The allure of draught beer encapsulates a Vietnamese cultural symbol – the street food culture. Linking draught beer with tourism services is a unique development direction that many travel companies are exploring.

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HOW TO ENJOY HANOI DRAUGHT BEER?

The Beer Glass

For reasons not entirely clear, Hanoi draught beer establishments continue to use the same type of glass mugs made from recycled glass that appeared in the 1960s. Furthermore, connoisseurs of good food and drink who wish to experience the true essence of Hanoi beer prefer to drink this type of beer from rough, rugged glass mugs, rather than any other type of glass.

The Atmosphere of Hanoi Draught Beer Consumption

Beer is a common beverage, the king of street-side refreshments. Draught beer drinkers are averse to confined spaces. Therefore, a genuine Vietnamese-style draught beer establishment will always be spacious and airy, avoiding crowding and oppression. Additionally, the seating arrangements will consist of simple plastic chairs, placed in a comfortable and unpretentious manner.

Where to Enjoy?

"Hanoi Draught Beer" signs can be found everywhere, allowing anyone to easily enjoy a glass. However, discerning Hanoians, who appreciate both good food and drink, will not only seek out draught beer places to relish the beer's flavor but also to imbibe the essence, the spirit, and the culture of Hanoi.