Collection

Cumbria Crystal

Cumbria Crystal has been making handmade lead crystal in Ulverston, on the southern edge of the English Lake District, since 1976. At Mood4Whisky you will find four patterns from this studio, each as a double old fashioned tumbler and as a matching decanter. This is glassware for anyone who wants to feel the weight and sparkle of genuine cut crystal and is looking for a piece that will last for many years.

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Every piece is made by hand from crystal with 24% lead oxide and comes in a presentation box. The tumblers hold around 350 ml; the square Grasmere and Helvellyn decanters hold 1000 ml, the Loop and Boogie Woogie decanters 850 ml. Cumbria Crystal also supplies all British embassies and provided most of the crystal for the television series Downton Abbey. Decanters from other brands can be found among our whisky decanters.

How much lead is in Cumbria Crystal, and is it safe to drink from?

Cumbria Crystal uses crystal with 24% lead oxide, the minimum for glass to be officially called crystal. During melting the lead is chemically bonded into the glass, and according to the studio this makes it safe to use. Drinking from the tumblers is therefore no problem. The studio does, however, advise against keeping spirits in a lead crystal decanter for long periods: fill the decanter for an evening and pour what is left back into the bottle.

Why is a Cumbria Crystal tumbler so heavy?

Because of the lead in the crystal and the generous shape. Lead oxide makes glass denser and therefore heavier, and a double old fashioned tumbler has a thick base and walls into which the cuts are made. A 350 ml Grasmere or Loop weighs around 500 grams, more than three times as much as a standard Glencairn glass. That weight gives stability and the feel of a glass made for unhurried enjoyment.

Are Cumbria Crystal glasses dishwasher-safe?

No, Cumbria Crystal recommends hand washing, as dishwasher detergent can leave a permanent, milky bloom on crystal. Wash the tumblers soon after use in warm, not hot, water with a mild washing-up liquid and a soft sponge, and avoid sudden changes in temperature. Let them drain upside down on a soft cloth, then polish with a microfibre cloth to keep the cuts sparkling.

What is the difference between Grasmere, Helvellyn, Loop and Boogie Woogie?

Grasmere is the most understated: a timeless, Georgian-inspired design by Lady Cavendish, co-founder of Cumbria Crystal. Helvellyn features rich, deep Jacobean-style cutting that catches the light. Loop combines a clean, industrial shape with fine cuts. Boogie Woogie, designed by Peter Ting, has bold vertical and horizontal lines inspired by Piet Mondrian. Every pattern is available as a tumbler and as a decanter.

Is Cumbria Crystal a good gift for an anniversary or retirement?

Yes, it is a natural choice for milestones: Cumbria Crystal has also made commemorative gifts for royal jubilees and a royal wedding. Every piece is handmade and comes in a presentation box. A decanter with two tumblers in the same pattern makes a complete gift; a single tumbler in a favourite pattern is a personal start that can be added to later.