Term for vessels with a thick belly in the centre in the shape of a jug made of clay or earthenware, tapering towards the top and bottom. Often painted blue with stylised apple branches or wreaths, the bembels are fitted with a handle for pouring and sometimes a pewter lid. The vessel is traditionally used in Germany, especially in Hesse and in French Normandy, mainly for serving cider or cider.

1 = Ribbed, 2 = Dubbeglas, 3 = Bembel
There are different sizes, which are named after the volume according to the number of glasses (ribbed glasses). For example, there are 4, 8, 12 or 24-litre bembels. This corresponds to around 1 to 6 litres. However, there are also much larger bembels, which are then stored in so-called "lazy ones", which are wrought-iron frames. Pouring is made easier by a tilting mechanism that rotates along the centre of gravity. The type of beer mug commonly used in Germany, Humpen, usually with a volume of 0.5 litres, is also known as a Bierbembel.
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Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden