There is often great debate in the alcohol world about whether the glass matters. I fall into the category of folks that think it does matter as to the taste and smell. Yes, I have a complete set of Reidel wine glasses. I have the Reidel whiskey tasting glasses but find their Hennessy cognac glass to be far superior for nosing and tasting whiskey. I have two Norlan glasses which are great for high proof whiskey. I have 28 some odd Glencairn glasses. A bunch of free Woodford Reserve glasses (came with fifths), my Old Forester 75th Anniversary of the repeal of prohibition glasses, a Buffalo Trace one, a Pappy Van Winkle one, and 18 plain Glencairns. My sweet wife who loves and knows me so well got me a set of six of Waterford Crystal’s take on the whiskey tasting glass, which they call a footed tasting tumbler.
So, I decided to try one out with one if my go to Bourbons to see how it stands up, Stagg, Jr.
First of all, the glass is truly a thing of beauty. I already have some Waterford Old Fashioned and Brandy glasses, so I appreciate the style and look of their stuff. The heft on the glass is very substantial. As far as taste and smell I would say it is very close to the Glencairn, although the broader opening dissipates the alcohol from the nose a bit, but less so than the Norlan. Far superior to the Reidel tasting glass. Given the cost and looks, I would recommend this glass way over the Norlan.
Is it better than a Glencairn? Well, you can get six Glencairns for less than the cost of a Waterford glass. The taste differential is modest at best. But, I will tell you the Waterford glasses are truly elegant and cry out to have your good stuff poured into them. In my opinion this glass adds to the experience.
Caveat: one small detail hit me. The design of the glass sort of obscures the legs of the whiskey. So, if I am trying a whiskey for the first time, I would go with a Glencairn or a copita like the Reidel Hennessy glass. But, after that, I would go with the Waterford for the good stuff when you are enjoying what you have already tried.
Interesting review of the Waterford Lismore tasting tumbler! The balance between elegance and functionality really stands out. I’m curious—how does this whisky glass compare to more traditional tulip-shaped options in terms of enhancing aroma? Also, if someone uses a personalised whisky glass with a similar footed design, would that affect grip or temperature control? A side-by-side comparison with other tasting glasses could be helpful.