Glassware Discussion Thread

[TimmyBoston]

Here's a link to my Riedel Vinum Single Malt Whisky Glass (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=174814#post174814)

I believe that glassware can greatly improve your wine and spirits experience. I'd like to open this thread not only to my review above but to all glassware, both wine and spirit.

Discuss!

:biggrin:

[MacArthur Mike]

Tim,

I wholeheartedly agree with you. The Riedel glasses in the Vinum, Vinum Extreme and the very high-end Sommelier series are perfectly matched to the particular type of wine and in some cases port, grappa or whisky that you are drinking.

I have the Vinum glasses in the Zinfandel/Chianti, the Riesling/White Italian, the Brunello and the Bordeaux. In the Vinum Extreme I have the Prosecco glasses and a very generous friend bought me the the Single Malt Whisky glasses in the Sommelier series. The Sommelier series is pretty much the same as the Vinum in appearance and design, the Sommelier is handmade crystal where as Tim points out the Vinum is machine made crystal. Don't let the fact that it is machine made crystal deter you, they are very well constructed and rise to the task of what you are tasting.

The designers of these glasses spent a lot of time with producers of fine single malts to introduce a glass that will direct the flow of the booze to the right part of the palate to pick up the subtle nuances of the spirit.

I sat down to a blind tasting and it believe it or not, it does make a difference to have the wine match the glass. Now I will admit that this is also somewhat psychological, however, the glass design is made to give the best presentation of what you are drinking to bring out the right flavors.

They also make for great conversation among foodie friends, and it adds to the ambience if you are hosting a multi-course dinner with different varieties of wine.

[Namdnas]

I couldn't agree more. Nice glassware not only sets the mood, but has a functional purpose. That said, I think the destinction between two similarly sized glasses of the same relative design is completely imagined. But, the distinction between using a white wine glass vs. a bordeaux glass for a nice Bordeaux or Zinfandel is huge. The larger surface area of the wine exposed to air combined the smaller top opening in the glass 'trap' the fumes to some degree, providing a huge olfactory benefit. In addition to this, the large surface area allows the wine to 'open up' a bit, even while drinking. This effect is similar to wide bottom decanting.

I am lucky enough to have a good friend, a sommelier actually, who bought me (2) Riedel Bordeaux Grand Cru, Sommelier series for my wedding. They are prized by me.

Regards - John

[Dennis]

Have you tried a Glencairn glass?

Dennis

[Doc4]

This will soon become the Reidel-lovers' thread. I've been a fan of their stemware for some time now ... basically I got started when I heard about how their glasses improved the taste of wine (and they demonstrated that to Robert Mondavi, leading him to change from cheap glasses to Reidel in his winery showroom.)

I've never upgraded to the top-end stuff, but even their modest items are very high quality in their price range.

[Nick]

This will soon become the Reidel-lovers' thread.
Hear hear! :biggrin:

I've got some Riedel Sommelier glasses and I'll be darned if they don't actually make the wine taste better. The ones I have are quite large and as a result, the entire schnoz fits right inside the rim while you're taking a sip and makes it impossible to not appreciate the bouquet. Plus, with the size, you can pretentiously swirl your wine like a madman and not worry about spillage.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1095

No joke, I think I could fit a whole bottle of wine (just about) in ONE of these things.

-Nick

[Nick]

Have you tried a Glencairn glass?

Dennis

Dennis,

While I'm dragging up old photos from the gallery:

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=689

The Glencairns are nice, but I'd say they're definitely tasting glasses, not laid back sippin' glasses. If you're looking for a glass to take small sips and analyze the legs, nose, taste, and finish, then yeah, it's pretty neat. If you're looking for a glass where you can pour a couple fingers and sit back and relax, it doesn't quite fit that bill.

-Nick

[Dennis]

Thanks Nick - interesting.... I have always been a whisk(e)y and bourbon guy outside my beers. I never did anything special for the whiskeys - usually a large shot glass. I tried my first ever scotch last night and used a brandy snifter. The alcohol fumes were a bit overpowering trying to get the nose from it. Is was doing the all legs analysis thing because I am so new at this. I can definitely see the appeal - I will try one of our Lennox crystals (we have several styles from our wedding registry ages ago). I'll see if that makes a difference.

Dennis

[TimmyBoston]

Have you tried a Glencairn glass?

Dennis

I'm not overjoyed by it, but it's a good glass IMO. I do prefer the Riedel Single Malt glasses, though.

[TimmyBoston]

Thanks Nick - interesting.... I have always been a whisk(e)y and bourbon guy outside my beers. I never did anything special for the whiskeys - usually a large shot glass. I tried my first ever scotch last night and used a brandy snifter. The alcohol fumes were a bit overpowering trying to get the nose from it. Is was doing the all legs analysis thing because I am so new at this. I can definitely see the appeal - I will try one of our Lennox crystals (we have several styles from our wedding registry ages ago). I'll see if that makes a difference.

Dennis

I don't like brandy snifters for that very reason. The alcohol aroma is just way too strong. For bourbon I heartily recommend the Riedel Vinum Cognac Hennessy Glass. It's also around 15 dollars. Here's a link to a page about it (http://www.amazon.com/Riedel-Vinum-Cognac-Hennessy-Glasses-Set/dp/B00004SZ85), it has pictures and some reviews too. I really love this glasses, I find it works far better for bourbon than for cognac, IMO. I can pour a shot of 140 proof George T. Stagg in there, jam my whole nose in and just enjoy the fragrance and not smell the alcohol at all, it's amazing. If I do the same thing with a snifter I'll pass out.

[TimmyBoston]

Hear hear! :biggrin:

I've got some Riedel Sommelier glasses and I'll be darned if they don't actually make the wine taste better. The ones I have are quite large and as a result, the entire schnoz fits right inside the rim while you're taking a sip and makes it impossible to not appreciate the bouquet. Plus, with the size, you can pretentiously swirl your wine like a madman and not worry about spillage.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1095

No joke, I think I could fit a whole bottle of wine (just about) in ONE of these things.

-Nick

Nick, which model of Riedel's are those?

[ouch]

Those look like the hand blown Sommeliers. The Vinum line is more than adequate for most purposes, but we seem to gravitate towards excess around these parts.

Riedel (REED-uhl) are the best you can get.

[boboakalfb]

The Riedel Vinum Single Malt glasses have been on my want list. I have full sets in 4 or 5 different Wine Styles. The prices on the Vinum line aren't too bad. I need to replace one of the Bordeaux/Cab glasses so I might as well pick up a couple for Scotch.

[MacArthur Mike]

Nick, which model of Riedel's are those?

The $99 per glass Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux Grand Cru. If you break one, you are crying...lol. Gorgeous glasses though.

[Nick]

Nick, which model of Riedel's are those?

Jay & Mike called it. Great for Cabs.


If you break one, you are crying...lol.

You're not kidding! I liken it to nice watches. Back when I was sporting a Casio or Timex, I'd lose about a watch a month on average. I haven't lost a single watch since I started purchasing decent watches. To the same extent, sometimes I'll snap a stem just by setting the wine glass down. These things feel so delicate I'm forced to be gentle with them.

-Nick

[SteveS]

I drink whisk(e)y from Maison du Whisky Pure Glasses:
http://www.whisky.fr/medias/images/produits/180x240/iv2910.jpg

I drink wine from Reidel Vinum-series glasses.

[TimmyBoston]

I drink whisk(e)y from Maison du Whisky Pure Glasses:
http://www.whisky.fr/medias/images/produits/180x240/iv2910.jpg

I drink wine from Reidel Vinum-series glasses.

I've heard some good things about them. Do you mind throwing up a review in the durables section or posting more of your thoughts here and/or how they compare to other whisky glasses. Thanks, Steve

[TimmyBoston]

Do anyone have any thoughts on the Riedel "O" series?

[Doc4]

Re. the Reidel O series question (forgot to 'quote' the question)

I've never used them ... the idea doesn't really appeal to me, because one of the important things about the standard wineglass is the stem! [FYI, the O series is a set of stemless, flat-bottomed wineglasses!!] If for no other reason than to keep the heat of one's hand from warming the wine, the stem is crucial.

I can see where these would be superb glasses for everyday wine that isn't good enough for real glasses, but that just means another set of one-purpose glasses to keep around where, really, any glass could do.

[Doc4]

Re. the Reidel O series question (forgot to 'quote' the question)

I've never used them ... the idea doesn't really appeal to me, because one of the important things about the standard wineglass is the stem! [FYI, the O series is a set of stemless, flat-bottomed wineglasses!!] If for no other reason than to keep the heat of one's hand from warming the wine, the stem is crucial.

I can see where these would be superb glasses for everyday wine that isn't good enough for real glasses, but that just means another set of one-purpose glasses to keep around where, really, any glass could do.

Oh, and I keep misspelling "Riedel". Sorry, it's a side-effect of my RAD.

[SteveS]

I've heard some good things about them. Do you mind throwing up a review in the durables section or posting more of your thoughts here and/or how they compare to other whisky glasses. Thanks, Steve

I initially got these glasses because I liked the that they have no stem---like a traditional whiskey glass---and that they have a modest taper, to help concentrate the smell of the whiskey. I find the small size is perfect for drinking whiskey neat because of those qualities and the fact that the tip of my nose falls just inside the rim when I'm sipping from them. Also, I find them easy to cup in my hand to warm whiskey, which I sometimes do.

In terms of quality, the glasses have very heavy bottoms and are made of impressively smooth (seamless) glass. In those senses, they have a quality feel to them.

[MacArthur Mike]

Do anyone have any thoughts on the Riedel "O" series?

Lousy IMHO. Definitely glass, definitely warm the wine. More gimmic than anything.

[TimmyBoston]

Got some Riedel Vinum Bordeaux glasses today! Yaaaay! (accompianied by girlish squealling) :biggrin:

[Doc4]

Got some Riedel Vinum Bordeaux glasses today! Yaaaay! (accompianied by girlish squealling) :biggrin:

What was the first wine that went in them?

[TimmyBoston]

What was the first wine that went in them?

2000 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet. It was very tasty!

[ouch]

Got some Riedel Vinum Bordeaux glasses today! Yaaaay! (accompianied by girlish squealling) :biggrin:

Considering price, size, shape, and quality, those may well be the best all around glasses on the market. Although they're not specifically designed for them, I've used them successfully for pinot, Rhones, whites, and ports.

[TimmyBoston]

Considering price, size, shape, and quality, those may well be the best all around glasses on the market. Although they're not specifically designed for them, I've used them successfully for pinot, Rhones, whites, and ports.

I will have to try some port in them. :thumbup1:

[TimmyBoston]

Does anyone know where to get Michael Jackson's Whisky Connoisseur Glasses?

They used to be available through maltadvocate.com, but I can't find them on the site any longer.

[thackos]

It is probably a travesty to say around these parts, but the "O" series go safely in the dishwasher without crystal clouding or stems breaking. Is that the canned goo of glassware?

I have 2 of the Sommellier Shiraz that I use once a year for extra special vintages, but I use the "O" series daily. The lack of stem has meant fewer breakages, and a slight adjustment to my swirly nosing - hold the top of the glass.

I rave about the "O" series and buy them for all my family and friends when I am short of ideas.

[BarberRonny]

http://www.usheitdistillery.nl/images/products/product3_large.jpg

[Doc4]

... the canned goo of glassware ...

... I use the "O" series daily.

When I first got into wine years ago, I bought and read a short 'intro' book by Hugh Johnson. Among many other things, he discussed stemware, advising on proper shape &c. and so forth. One of his asides, though, was a photo of some old French geezers sitting in a cheap cafe drinking red vin tres ordinaire out of regular table glasses. His point there, was that it's fine and great to drink regular, unpretentious wine in a regular and unpretentious manner: to pour Plonk de Plonk into expensive stemware, swirl, sniff, yada yada, is kind of like putting on a tuxedo to go to the grocery store ... overkill. (All those of you who make your own wine ... it ain't good enough for stemware.)

I would never put a good bottle of wine in an "O" glass, but I could see them being just fine for the cheap-o Gallo Hearty Burgundy or OJ or whatever.

[jakuda]

Riedel makes great glasses, but I find I like the cost and quality of certain lines of Spiegelau (often on sale on amazon) and the "titanium shatter resistant" Schott Zwiesel Tritan glassware more.

[Torcams]

For Wine, I own the Riedel Vinum Bordeaux, chardonnay, and port glasses and they have served me well with a variety of wines over the 15 years or so that I have been collecting. The Riedel Ultra decanter is also recommended.

The port glasses make a fine cognac glass as well as an acceptable technical scotch nosing glass although slightly larger than the traditional copita. They can also be used for other sweet dessert wines such as Sauternes/Barsac.

For relaxing and enjoying scotch/bourbon in a non-technical manner, I much prefer a heavy crystal tumbler. I have a set of Ralph Lauren glen plaid tumblers that are great for that purpose.

For cocktails I have a set of Orrefors martini glasses that are beautiful (handblown with no seam where the stem meets the bowl) and a matching martini pitcher.

[Obsessed]

Some of those Riedel glasses are really nice. Maybe it's a silly question, but is there any reason to worry about the lead content of the crystal? (I'm addle-minded enough as it is!)

Thanks.

[ginantonix]

I'm a big fan of the Riedel glasses, and I totally appreciate what they are doing with wine glasses. BUT... the scotch glass is way off. Absolutely no good, IMHO.

We actually did a nosing test of 12 different styles of glasses among the Victoria Single Malt Club, and everyone rated them privately - not one person picked the Riedel for accentuating the aromas, and many rated it dead last. (This is a group with a lot of wine enthusiasts who love the Riedel wine glasses, some said they really wanted to rate the Riedel glass higher.) The straight sides and lily-shaped lip seemed to let the aromas spill out, rather than concentrating them.

The best ratings were from a brandy snifter, and the standard ISO nosing glasses. Jim Murray is also a huge promoter of the ISO glasses for nosing whisky, and he should know as he noses a few hundred a month.

Personally, I really like the Glencairn and these are the glasses we distribute at our Whisky Festival - they look really cool, and they are very sturdy - almost indestructible, in contrast to the very destructible Riedel whisky glasses.

As always, of course, YMMV.

[letterk]

Would the Glencairn be a good everyday whisky glass? I drink more bourbon than anything.

[TimmyBoston]

Would the Glencairn be a good everyday whisky glass? I drink more bourbon than anything.

It is a good glass John. I have one and like it very much. IMO, it may be the best nosing glass out there.

I do use different glasses for bourbon and for Scotch. I prefer the Riedel Vinum Single Malt Glass for Scotch. It's a great combination of value and quality. Around $15. For bourbon I use the Riedel Vinum Cognac Hennessy Glass, also around 15. It's the best bourbon glass I've ever found.

Single Malt Glass
http://s7d3.scene7.com/is/image/WineEnthusiast/f/w/300/704.jpg

Cognac Hennessy Glass
http://images.marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/hi/72/72196/6416_71.jpg

[boboakalfb]

I'm a big fan of the Riedel glasses, and I totally appreciate what they are doing with wine glasses. BUT... the scotch glass is way off. Absolutely no good, IMHO.

We actually did a nosing test of 12 different styles of glasses among the Victoria Single Malt Club, and everyone rated them privately - not one person picked the Riedel for accentuating the aromas, and many rated it dead last. (This is a group with a lot of wine enthusiasts who love the Riedel wine glasses, some said they really wanted to rate the Riedel glass higher.) The straight sides and lily-shaped lip seemed to let the aromas spill out, rather than concentrating them.

The best ratings were from a brandy snifter, and the standard ISO nosing glasses. Jim Murray is also a huge promoter of the ISO glasses for nosing whisky, and he should know as he noses a few hundred a month.

Personally, I really like the Glencairn and these are the glasses we distribute at our Whisky Festival - they look really cool, and they are very sturdy - almost indestructible, in contrast to the very destructible Riedel whisky glasses.

As always, of course, YMMV.

I see where you're coming from, I wouldn't use it as a nosing glass at all. I do however think it works very well to drink from. The Glencairn is a great choice.

[mparker762]

I've got their burgundy, bordeaux, syrah, port, spirits, sauternes and whiskey glasses. The Reidel stuff is generally very good, and do a good job of punching up the character of whatever they're designed for.

The only one that I think really misses the mark is their whiskey glass - their best whiskey glasses IMO are their port/sherry glasses (for scotches) and their sauternes glass (for bourbons).