Yard of ale
A yard glass is a very tall glass used for drinking a yard of ale. The yard of ale usually contains around 2.5 imperial pints (1.4 L), depending upon the diameter. The glass is approximately 1 yard long, shaped with a bulb at the bottom, and a widening shaft which constitutes most of the height.[1]
The glass most likely originated in 17th-century England where the glass was known also as a "Long Glass", a "Cambridge Yard (Glass)" and an "Ell Glass". It is associated by legend with stagecoach drivers, though was mainly used for drinking feats and special toasts.[2][3]
Drinking a yard glass full of beer is a traditional pub game. The fastest drinking of a yard of ale in the Guinness Book of Records is 5 seconds.
Description
The glass is approximately 1 yard long, shaped with a bulb at the bottom, and a widening shaft which constitutes most of the height. In countries where the metric system is used, the glass may be 1 metre (roughly 1.1 yd) long. Because the glass is so long and in any case does not usually have a stable flat base, it is hung on the wall when not in use.
History
The glass most likely originated in 17th-century England where the glass was known also as a "Long Glass", a "Cambridge Yard (Glass)" and an "Ell Glass".[4] Such a glass was a testament to the glassblower's skill as much as the drinker's. The diarist and Fellow of the Royal Society John Evelyn records the formal yet festive drinking of a yard of ale toast to James II at Bromley in Kent, 1683. Another reference to this type of glass was recorded in the diary of a John Evelyn in 1685. He referred to the Sheriff and the Commander of the Kentish Troop in Bromley drinking to the health of King James II from a "glasse of a yard long."
Yard glasses can be found hanging on the walls of some English pubs and there are a number of pubs named The Yard of Ale throughout the country.
Usage
Drinking a yard glass full of beer is a traditional pub game in the UK, and a popular drinking game in Australia and New Zealand; there is a similar game in the United States called "beer bong" or "funneling". The object in all the games is to drink the contents as quickly as possible.
Because of the shape of the yard glass, once it is raised and the liquid starts to flow, it is difficult to pause. When attempted by the novice, the liquid may flow out in a rush and soak the person holding the glass. The fastest drinking of a yard of ale in the Guinness Book of Records is 5 seconds.[5] Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke was previously the world record holder for the fastest drinking of a yard of beer.[6]
Beer bong or funneling involves using a funnel with a tube attached.[7] United States Senator John F. Kerry was photographed being offered such a beer bong in 2006.[8]
See also
References
- ^ "The dictionary of beer and brewing - Google Books". books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
- ^ "Yard-of-ale glass (drinking glass) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia". britannica.com. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
- ^ "The Yard of Ale : Our History". theyardofale.com. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
- ^ "Suffolk Glass". suffolkglass.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
- ^ "Record Holders Republic". recordholdersrepublic.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
{{cite web}}: Text "Human Achievements" ignored (help); Text "Record Breakers" ignored (help); Text "Record Holders" ignored (help) - ^ "Spiffing leader? Just apply spit and polish". Melbourne: The Age. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
- ^ "The Daily Campus - The Weekly Brew: Traditional beer games". dailycampus.com. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
- ^ Leibovich, Mark (2006-09-19). "Kerry and the "Beer Bong" - New York Times". nytimes.com. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
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