A Grown-up Glass

The Glencairn Glass

Like many single malt whisky fanatics, over the years the Scotch Chix have acquired a wide array of whisky glasses (also known as nosing glasses). This hodgepodge of drink-ware ranges in size from CA Scotch Chick's dainty Glenmorangie glass to DC Scotch Chick's hefty Bruichladdich glass, and they make for some fun tasting comparisons. They also give the Drinks Tables a strong resemblance to a recovering alcoholic's yard sale. Consequently, when DC Scotch Chick's birthday recently rolled around, CA Scotch Chick decided that it was time for the Chix to secure some grown-up glasses. 

Since the aromas in a glass of whisky are a primary part of the tasting process, a good whisky glass tapers to help focus them and present them to the nose. Consequently, the cut glass tumblers one usually associates with whisky are pretty much worthless. Nosing glasses loosely fall into two general categories: straighter copita glasses similar to those used for sherry, which are favored by the Single Malt Whisky Society, and tulip shaped ones, such as those Whisky Magazine uses in its Whisky Live tastings.  Within these categories there is a wide range of manufacturers, from high end Riedel to no name glass makers on ebay.

CA Scotch Chick was searching for a glass that was fairly small but solid, and elegant without being dainty. She wanted one that would feel good in either a man or a woman's hand and would be tapered enough to concentrate the nose but not too tapered to prevent one from drinking enjoyably. 

After much research, she decided on the Glencairn Glass, a glass that had been receiving rave reviews on all the whisky forums. Winner of the 2006 Queen's award for innovation, the Glencairn Glass, officially known as the Glencairn Blenders Malt Glass, was designed to replace the traditional tumblers used in pubs and restaurants with a more nose friendly vessel. It was touted as being a sturdy little glass that concentrates aromas wonderfully. It also appeared to be a quite beautiful. She set out on a quest for a source.

CA Scotch Chick soon discovered that while the Glencairn Glass is relatively easy to find, there is a wide range in the cost across sources. She could have easily spent as much as twenty dollars plus shipping for a single glass, and the average price was around thirteen dollars plus shipping. 

Through an entry on The Scotch Blog, however, CA Scotch Chick stumbled upon the good folks at Cobhthaigh Celtique (www.cobhthaighceltique.com) as a source for the Glencairn Glass. Although their price of eight dollars plus eight dollars shipping for a single glass was equal to the prices at Amazon.com. They offered major price reductions on the shipping for multiple glass orders, so that with her relatively modest order of four glasses, CA Scotch Chick ended up paying less than ten dollars a glass including shipping – not too shabby.

The service wasn't shabby either. The owners of the site, Marty and Dave Coffey, followed up CA Scotch Chick's order with a personal email, noting that CA Scotch Chick had indicated it was a gift and assuring her that they had not included the receipt in the shipment. They shipped the glasses promptly, and they provided accurate tracking information. The package arrived well protected and in time for DC Scotch Chick's birthday. The Scotch Chix were quite impressed.

And, they were impressed with the Glencairn Glasses as well. These glasses are everything they are touted as being. They are absolutely beautiful, and they are so solid and comfortable that both Scotch Chix found themselves carrying around empty glasses without realizing it. While they seemed small at first glance, they easily hold well over a 2 oz pour. Most importantly, they provide both an excellent nosing and drinking experience.

The Scotch Chix have definitely found their glasses and a great source for them. They rank both the Glencairn Glass and Mary and Dave Coffey of Cobhthaigh Celtique high on their list of Scotch Chix Hot Pix.