Brewer’s idea: Make glass ‘wobbly’ so they’ll drink responsibly
A craft beer producer in central Japan is hoping that its U-shaped “wobbly” glass will encourage people to drink water along with their beer, in a bid to prevent excessive alcohol consumption and dehydration.
The “Wobbly Beer Glass by Yona Yona Ale,” produced by Yoho Brewing Co. based in Nagano Prefecture, has been on sale since August amid growing awareness of the need for responsible drinking. The idea is that the glass, divided into two sections, will tilt if a balance between beer and water is not maintained.
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, in guidelines released in 2024, encourages people to alternate between drinking alcoholic beverages and water to slow intoxication.
Kyoko Kitano, the employee in charge of developing the glass, was inspired by conversations with a colleague about forgetting to sip water while drinking with friends.
‘Healthier drinking habits’
The company created seven prototypes over about eight months to develop a design that would not lead to spills.
“I will be happy if the glass we developed helps spread healthier drinking habits,” Kitano said.
Since 2015, Yoho Brewing has been producing lower-alcohol beer and limiting alcohol-serving hours at outdoor events.
“As a beer producer, we believe it is important to continue thinking about responsible drinking,” said Moe Sakai, in charge of public relations of the company.
