In 2001, Glencairn Crystal introduced 'The Glencairn Glass'. This innovative and excellent whisky glass was designed by Raymond Davidson nearly 25 years earlier and involved infamous master blenders perfecting his initial design. Their expertise has made this glass a fantastic and welcome addition to the whisky world.
The Glencairn Glass's roots lie predominantly in the traditional nosing and tasting glasses used internationally by master blenders and connoisseurs. The glass's shape is perfect for whisky; it's designed to enhance the overall experience from start to finish, including the very important nosing and tasting.
The Glencairn Glass is now frequently known as the definitive and official glass for whisky; until now, the World has not had a glass to call its own. It is used around the World by master blenders and connoisseurs. Thanks to Scottish innovation, this unique glassware design has been crafted to enhance the overall enjoyment of all single malts and aged blends. The narrow mouth allows for easy drinking, whilst the wide bowl allows for the fullest appreciation of the whisky's colour. The sturdy, solid base creates a comfortable grip and is designed to be easy on the hand.
In 2006, the glass received the Queen's Award for Innovation and numerous prestigious marketing awards. It continues to be the best and most special glass for serving and tasting whisky. This glass is suitable for dishwasher use and is ideal for whisky-tasting evenings or events.
Click here to purchase the Glencairn Official Whisky Glass >.
Wineware's five basic steps to appreciating whisky
Note-taking is essential as it helps you remember which whisky you enjoyed and which you'd instead steer clear of! It can be a helpful reminder when hosting a whisky-tasting evening or advising a friend on which bottle to try.
- Colour - Is your whisky a light gold, bright copper, or rich amber colour? Whisky's different colours can indicate the type of oak cask used and the length of maturation (10 years, 15 years, 30 years, etc.). We suggest using Whisky Magazine's whisky colour chart to help identify your whisky's colour. Remember to hold your glass up to the light, as this can determine the depth of colour.
- Body – Does your whisky have a light, medium or full body? The mouthfeel of whisky is also commonly described as either thin and light or thick and full.
- Nose – 'Nose' your whisky and jot down the different aromas. This could be burnt sugar, fruits, nuts, smoky or chocolaty. We always recommend swirling the whisky in the glass slowly and carefully while taking short smells of the contents. Some people may also opt for covering the whisky glass with the palm of a hand and giving it a firm shake. This ensures the whisky coats the side of the glass and the aromas are appreciated. If you notice the whisky dribbling down the glass, this is known as the 'legs' and indicates a whisky's viscosity. Compare your 'nose notes' with a friend or fellow whisky taster. Your nose really will tell you a lot about the whisky's flavour!
- Palate – what characteristics do you notice on the palate? Allow the whisky to roll back over your tongue to reach the different taste buds. You may describe the whisky as meaty, peppery or hot. On the other hand, it may be extremely sweet and fruity. Jot down all the flavours, tastes, and sensations that spring to mind! These often differ from someone else's notes as we all taste differently.
- Finish – this is the time the flavour remains on the palate. This can be a short period or a long and lingering taste that you enjoy. Ask yourself, do the flavours linger for a long time or disappear quickly? We think the best whiskies will have a long and enjoyable finish.
Common questions relating to the Glencairn Glass
How do you drink from the Glencairn Glass?
The design and shape of the glass dictate how you drink from it and, ultimately, how you taste the whisky. The glass has been designed so that your head tilts to a certain angle, directly placing the whisky on your tongue.
Can I put ice in the Glencairn glass?
No, the Glencairn glass is too small to allow ice cubes to be placed within the glass; however, you can add water if you wish.
Does a Glencairn Glass make a difference?
Yes! Master blenders, distilleries, and whisky enthusiasts around the World use it. You can try it against a traditional whisky tumbler by pouring a measure into each and then tasting the same whisky side by side in different glasses.
Can you put Glencairn glasses in the dishwasher?
Yes, you can use the Glencairn whisky glass in a dishwasher; it's a strong and sturdy glass.
How to drink whisky
Glencairn Crystal has been producing high-quality crystal glassware for over 30 years. Their expert craftsmanship and undeniable quality have made them one of the UK's leading suppliers of decorated crystal. They pride themselves on being a family-run company offering quality products and outstanding customer service.
Glencairn Crystal supplies a wide range of products, from crystal glassware, trophies, wine goblets, and presentation gifts to a wide range of other products. Their attention to detail and service have built long-lasting relationships with clients and suppliers worldwide. They have extensive knowledge and expertise in glass decoration and design and have worked in partnership with groundbreaking companies. In 2012, the company received the Queen's Award for International Trade.
Glencairn Testimonials
Campbell Evans, Scotch Whisky Association - "A new Scotch Whisky glass with a design which reflects the quality of Scotch and raises its profile."
Richard Paterson, Master Blender at Whyte & Mackay - "Like a good Whisky, this glass has plenty of character."
Michael Jackson, Whisky Magazine - "I hope restaurants and pubs adopt it, and it becomes a badge of connoisseurship for fine Whiskies in general."
