Collection
Glencairn Classic
The Glencairn whisky glass is the tulip-shaped tasting glass that, since 2001, has grown into one of the best-known glasses for nosing and tasting whisky. In this collection you will find the original, smooth design from Glencairn Crystal in Scotland and the classic stemmed Copita. You can buy them singly, as a twin set or in sets of four and six, with or without gift packaging.
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Glencairn Crystal is a family business from East Kilbride, near Glasgow. Instead of a stem, the glass has a wide, solid base, a generous bowl for swirling and a tapered mouth that concentrates the aromas. The copita is the older tasting glass on which that design is based. If you are looking for a heavier, cut version, see Glencairn Cut; coloured versions for blind tasting can be found among the special glasses.
Who designed the Glencairn glass?
Raymond Davidson, then managing director of Glencairn Crystal, designed the glass in consultation with master blenders from five large Scotch whisky companies. It went into production in 2001. Its shape is derived from the traditional copitas used in Scottish whisky laboratories. In 2006 the glass received the Queen's Award for Innovation, and it was the first whisky glass to be endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association.
What is the difference between the Glencairn glass and the Glencairn Copita?
The Glencairn glass has a wide, solid base and no stem. That makes it stable and practical for everyday use and for tastings with lots of people. The Copita has a long stem and a slender, waisted 170 ml bowl. Thanks to the stem you do not warm the whisky with your hand, and blenders have traditionally used this shape. Both are made of lead-free crystal.
How much does a Glencairn glass hold?
Its total capacity is around 175 to 200 ml, but the glass is designed for about 5 cl of whisky. The space above the liquid is intentional: that is where the aromas gather as you swirl the whisky. Fill the glass further and you lose that effect. For a tasting with several whiskies, 2 cl per glass is plenty.
How do you keep a Glencairn glass sparkling clear?
Wash the glass by hand in warm water, with a mild washing-up liquid if needed, let it drain upside down and polish it with a microfibre cloth. The standard Glencairn glass is made of lead-free crystal and is dishwasher-safe, but dishwasher tablets and high temperatures can make glass dull over time. You will find more tips in our care tips for whisky glasses.
Which Glencairn set makes the best gift?
For one person, a single glass or the Copita in gift packaging is a lovely gesture. The twin set with two glasses suits a couple or a bottle of whisky you open together. If you host tastings or often have guests, the sets of four or six in gift packaging are practical, as is the good-value trade pack of six glasses.