The author of “Whiskey Bible”said：“Tasting a whisky requires the use of smell and taste to judge its characteristics from four aspects: aroma, taste, aftertaste and balance. In this process, one important tool is inseparable-wine glass.”

In the whisky tasting industry, comparing different wines requires using a uniform glass and pouring the same amount of wine. Because of the different glasses, the internal liquid and gas flow are completely different, which will directly affect the aroma and taste of the whiskey, causing errors in the review.

In the Taiwanese whiskey program "A Matter of Taste", there was a test, the same whiskey put in a different type of wine glass will produce a defamiliarization effect. That is: the smell of the wine, the color of the wine, the taste of the entrance, and the sense of visual atmosphere will make this whiskey completely different. It can be said that the wine glass has a unique modification effect on whiskey.

Wine and wine containers have never been separated, and "variability" is precisely a characteristic of whiskey. Using different glasses to experience the rich variety of whiskey is the fun.

How to taste the wonders of whiskey in different glasses? We must fully understand the design features and usage methods of each wine glass, and find a container that matches the whisky in the trial. So we choose several mainstream whiskey glasses and analyze them one by one.

01.The NEAT invented by the Americans

Shape: The glass shape is very similar to the traditional Chinese spittoon.

Design: The spacious interior of the glass and the large opening of the glass are more conducive to the volatilization of the smell, allowing the alcohol to bring out the aroma molecules at the fastest speed. At the same time, the open rim of the glass allow the wine to reach the mouth in a larger area and first touch the tip of the tongue. The tip of the tongue is the area most sensitive to sweetness, so drinking whiskey with this glass will have a different taste from other organs, which can amplify the sweetness of the liquor.

How to use it: Taiwan whiskey master Lin Yifeng said when using this glass: the alcohol smell of whiskey will escape from around the rim of the glass.

When you smell the aroma of wine, your nose should be close to the middle of the glass, so that you will feel the floral and fruit aroma in the wine without being irritated by the strong smell of alcohol.

Because this glass type increases the area of alcohol volatilization, it is more suitable for tasting barrel strong whiskey or bourbon whiskey. Spirits such as brandy, rum, and tequila are also suitable.

02.Glencairn

Shape: Glencairn was invented by the Scots and was the first professional tasting glass recognized by the Scotch Whisky Association. The bottom of the glass is short and sturdy, and the wall is thicker and resembling a pear shape.

Design: The shape of this cup is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, which can gather the smell of the wine. When you smell the aroma with this wine glass, all the flavors will be concentrated. There are not only alcohol but also the aroma of grains, flowers and fruits. All the aromas will be full, rich and complex to the wine taster.Unlike the NEAT, the Clencairn has a flat edge, so the wine will have a blocky entrance and reach the tongue surface, so there will be a delay in the manifestation of sweetness.

From the perspective of the shape, Glencairn seems to be specially designed to highlight the smell. The shape allows us to hold the middle part of the glass only. The temperature of the palm will warm the wine and increase the volatilization of alcohol to bring out more aroma molecules.The glass design will make these aromas gather and gush out, presenting the overall smell of the wine. This kind of air flow design will be more painful for people who like the soft floral and fruity fragrance, and the alcohol scent mixed in it will be a bit irritating. But for people who drink often, it is precisely the strong feeling they love.

How to use it：Glencairn is the favorite of many Scotch whiskey enthusiasts. The glass is thick and durable, and the footless design is more convenient to carry. It can also be directly placed in the dishwasher for cleaning. It is a very solid and resistant glass.

Disadvantages：The aroma and taste of wine are obviously enlarged. If you are trying new wine or tasting slowly, its performance will make you feel urgent, as if it is forcing you to quickly drink the liquor inside.

03.ISO Standard Wine Tasting glass

Shape: Goblet, slightly smaller on top. The size of the ISO glass is strictly regulated, including the height of the glass is155mm, the diameter of the widest part of the glass body 65mm, and the diameter of the diameter of rim is 46mm.

Design: The arc of the ISO is small, so its convergence and release of aroma are relatively gentle. This glass strives to give the taster a more balanced environment in terms of aroma and taste, without highlighting any characteristics of the wine, and showing the original appearance of the wine.

 

How to use it：The ISO is an international standard glass. Wine and spirits can be used in common use. Many competition occasions use this glass. It will show the original taste of wine, and it is a wine glass suitable for everyone. You can prepare 1-2 bottles at home so that we can learn and feel the characteristics of a new wine.

Disadvantages： The appearance is very traditional, without any characteristics.

04.Tulip glass Some styles will be slightly different, but the general shape is the same.

Shape:  tall, shaped like tulips.

Design:  Glass-shaped like a tulip is for increase the force of air flow, so that the wine taster can smell a clearer aroma of wine. At the same time, the higher wall of the glass makes the impact of the wine in the mouth greater, giving us a more mellow taste. The high foot design provides users with more options to hold the foot to keep the liquor warm, or to warm the liquor with the palm of the palm holding the glass.

How to use it：Tulip glass like Cairns and ISOs are sometimes used as tasting glasses. At last year's whiskey tasting at Regal Bookcase, Jim Murray specified tulip glass.

Disadvantages：The type of tulip glass is very elegant, but when using the liquor must not pour too much, otherwise it will make the smell stuffy inside, it is difficult to volatilize the due aroma.

 

05.Single Malt Whisky Glass RIEDEL

Shape: Tumbler，straight barrel type glass.

Design: This wine glass is designed by Riedel, a famous Austrian brand. Straight barrel type glass, conducive to alcohol volatilization to bring out the aroma molecules, to the liquor has a better performance. The rim of the glass allows the wine to be dispersed into the mouth, giving preference to the tip of the tongue to feel the sweetness. From the point of view of products, derived from the brand heritage of Riedel, this is a daily wine device worth buying, the price is very close to the people. In terms of style expression, it and the Keynes belong to two extremes, the same stocky shape, footless design. But one is to gather the aroma and blow it out, and one is to release it gently.

How to use it：This glass is perfect for tasting spirits, especially whiskey, which is high in barrels. The overall glass is compact and dishwasher safe.

Disadvantages：It pays too much attention to smell volatilize, straight tube design, so that the aroma flow path unimpeded.

06.Old Fashioned glass，Rock glass

Shape:  A wide glass shape with a heavy hand.

Design: Old Fashioned Glass is more prominent in the effect of drinking, But the aroma of the wine will weaken. The larger volume allows for ice，it is also used by some bartenders to make cocktails. 

How to use it：Old Fashioned Glass can be used in situations where ice is needed. Ice first, then pour the wine. For daily use, it is recommended for spirits or blended whiskies. We often can see this glass in a lot of European and American gangster drama. It was used as a carrying glass for drinking whisky or other distilled spirits.

Disadvantages：At a time when single malt and pure drinks are popular. If there is a disadvantage to this glass, is that the weight of the glass becomes heavy when added with ice, and the wide shape of the glass allows the aroma to evaporate.

After the introduction of these six mainstream whisky glasses, interested drinkers can buy their favorite glasses. Here are some examples:

1920s Blenders Glass

Birthmark/Spin glass

Tumbler glass

For those who need to buy wine glasses, the shape of the device is very important, and the more important thing is to pay attention to the safety of the product.

At present, most glass glasses are made of lead-free glass, which can be manually blown or mechanically pressed. The walls of artificially blown glass are very thin, and the collision produces a long metallic sound. The machine presses the glass wall very thick, when colliding the sound is more depressing. In terms of price, blown by hand is much more expensive than made by machine.