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Glencairn Cut

The Glencairn Cut whisky glass has the familiar tulip shape of the Glencairn glass, but it is mouth-blown in lead crystal and cut by hand. That makes it heavier, gives it more sparkle and lends it a little more presence on the table. Here you will find it singly and in sets of two, four and six glasses, all in gift packaging.

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The Cut glass is made by Glencairn Crystal, the family business from East Kilbride in Scotland that also makes the original Glencairn glass. The lead crystal contains 24% lead, which gives the cut pattern its brilliant shine. If you are looking for a lighter glass for everyday use, see Glencairn Classic; for a cut glass to enjoy whisky over ice, look at the Mixer Cut among the Glencairn tumblers.

What is the difference between the Glencairn Cut glass and the standard Glencairn glass?

The shape is the same; the material and finish are not. The standard Glencairn glass is smooth, made of lead-free crystal and dishwasher-safe. The Cut glass is mouth-blown from lead crystal containing 24% lead and hand-cut with a faceted pattern. It feels noticeably heavier in the hand and is mainly intended for special occasions and as a gift.

Is it safe to drink from a lead crystal glass such as the Glencairn Cut?

Yes, for normal use as a drinking glass. The lead is bound into the structure of the glass; a very small amount can be released at the surface, but with the brief contact of a glass of whisky this is negligible according to crystal makers such as Cumbria Crystal. The advice is, however, not to store spirits in lead crystal for months, as you might in a decanter. A glass is poured and drunk, so that does not apply here.

How do you wash cut lead crystal without damaging it?

Always by hand. Use warm, not hot, water, a mild washing-up liquid and a soft sponge, never a scourer. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, such as putting a cold glass under the hot tap. Let the glass drain upside down on a soft cloth and polish it with a microfibre cloth; that keeps the facets bright and prevents limescale marks in the grooves.

Does whisky smell different in a cut glass than in a smooth one?

Hardly, because the bowl and tapered mouth are the same as those of the regular Glencairn glass, and that is what matters when nosing. The difference lies in the experience: the heavier glass sits more firmly in the hand and the facets refract the light. If you want to judge the colour of a whisky precisely, you will see it slightly more clearly in a smooth glass.

Which Glencairn Cut set suits which occasion?

A single Cut glass in gift packaging makes a lovely present for a birthday or anniversary. The set of two suits a couple or a bottle you open together. The sets of four and six are for those who love to entertain or want to treat themselves to a complete set of lasting quality. All sets come in gift packaging.