The Story Behind the Glass
How a Simple Pint Glass Became a Collection of Memories
Some people bring home postcards.
Some collect magnets.
Some take thousands of photos they may or may not ever look at again.
Me?
I collect beer glasses.
But here’s the thing—it’s never just been about the glass.
It’s about the experience behind it, the story inside it, and the memories it holds long after the trip is over.
A Tradition Born from Adventure
At some point along the way, I created a simple rule for myself:
Every trip I go on, I visit at least one local brewery.
It doesn’t matter if I’m in a big city, a small town, or somewhere tucked away in the mountains… there’s almost always a brewery nearby, and that brewery always has something unique to offer.
The routine is simple:
- Try one of their signature beers
- Grab a bite to eat
- Take in the atmosphere
- Talk to the people
And then, if they have one…
I grab a pint glass to bring home.
More Than a Glass—It’s a Time Capsule
Each glass on my shelf isn’t just a piece of glassware.
It’s a moment frozen in time.
When I look at them, I don’t just see logos—I see:
- The town I was in
- The people I was with
- The road I traveled to get there
- The conversations I had
- The feeling of being somewhere new
It’s like each glass holds a memory that never fades.
A Growing Collection of Incredible Stops
Over the years, the collection has grown… and with it, the stories.
I’ve picked up glasses from places like:
- Voodoo Brewing Co
- Moab Brewery
- Railroad Brewing Company
- Superior Bath House Brewing
- Beaver’s Bend Brewing
- Yellowstone Brewing Company
- Lizard Tail Brewing
- Rockyard Brewing Company
- Snake River Brewery
- Mountain Fork Brewery
- Pelican Brewing Company
And that’s just scratching the surface.
Each one represents a stop on the journey… and the list keeps growing.
The “Bummer” That Comes With the Territory
Now, let’s talk about the one downside…
There’s nothing worse than finding an awesome brewery, having a great experience, and then realizing:
They don’t sell glasses.
It’s a tough moment.
So if you happen to own a brewery and you’re reading this…
Sell the glasses.
You’re not just selling merchandise—you’re giving people a way to take a piece of your story home with them.
The Secret Ingredient: The People
Here’s something I didn’t expect when this tradition started…
The people.
The bartenders. The servers. The locals.
These are the people who turn a good stop into a great experience.
They know:
- The best places to visit
- The hidden gems most people miss
- What’s worth your time—and what’s not
And if you’re willing to ask, listen, and engage…
You’ll walk away with more than just a drink.
A Perfect Example: Yellowstone
On my first trip to Yellowstone, I stopped at Citizens 33 Brewery.
Great place. Great atmosphere. Great food. Great beer.
But… no glass.
(Still a little salty about that one.)
But here’s where the magic happened…
The bartender started talking with me—not just about the beer, but about the area.
Turns out, he used to be a guide at Yellowstone National Park.
What are the odds?
He gave me:
- Insight on how to navigate the park
- Tips on what to prioritize
- Advice on what to skip
- Ways to maximize the experience
That one conversation completely changed my trip.
And yes… he got a very good tip.
Because that kind of knowledge, that kind of experience, is priceless.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Tradition
Over time, I realized something important…
This isn’t just a collection.
It’s a ritual.
It’s a way of:
- Slowing down during travel
- Connecting with local culture
- Being present in the moment
- Creating intentional memories
Instead of rushing from one tourist spot to another, I take time to:
- Sit
- Experience
- Talk
- Learn
And that changes everything.
Bringing It All Back Home
When I get home and look at my collection, I’m not just remembering where I’ve been…
I’m reliving:
- The laughter
- The conversations
- The discoveries
- The unexpected moments
It’s like having a shelf full of mini adventures.
And every time I pour a drink into one of those glasses, I’m reminded:
Life isn’t just about the destination.
It’s about the moments you create along the way.
Find Your “Glass”
It doesn’t have to be beer glasses.
It could be:
- Coffee mugs
- Stickers
- Photos
- Journals
- Anything that connects you to your experiences
The key is creating something that:
- Grounds your memories
- Tells your story
- Grows with your journey
For me, it just happens to be a pint glass.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
One Last Thing…
If you’ve got a favorite brewery I need to add to my list…
Or a place that actually sells glasses (very important)…
Let me know.
Because this collection—and the adventure behind it—
Is far from over.
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