Glasses without Distillery Motives

Vinum-Degustations-Glas

The tasting glass is a device to evaluate different whiskies (or wine) in a short period of time. The world's most famous tasting glass is the French I.N.A.O. glass, developed by L'Institut National des Appellations d'Origine in the 1970s. This standard glass allows professional tasters to judge whiskies in different locations and at different times and to come to comparable results due to the fact, that the perception of whisky has not been altered by the shape of the glass.

The Riedel tasting glass serves the same purpose as the I.N.A.O. glass, improving several aspects of judging whisky. Riedel has applied to patent this glass. The additional value of this glass is to measure precisely the amount of whisky poured by filling the hollow stem. The quantity of 20 ml (5/8 oz.) allows to pour 35 portions from a single bottle. At whisky events large quantities of precious whisky is wasted by pouring to much into the glasses - under the false impression that a larger quantity gives more information. Swirling the whisky in the glass offers the possibility to evaluate "the nose". Unfortunately only half of the possible surface is reached by the liquid to show aroma intensity. To maximise the aeration space in the Riedel tasting glass, lower the glass gently into a horizontal position. The whisky will flow from the hollow stem filling the bowl to just a half an inch below the rim and because of its shape non of the whisky spills. A 360 degree rotation creates a very thin layer of whisky on the complete inner surface and consequently giving the most intense and detailed olfactory information.

The larger volume offers the whisky more aeration space, which improves the intensity and the complexity of aromas. Additionally the wider opening of the bowl allows the whisky to be comfortably sipped, and avoids tilting the head too far back. The available quality of whisky is sufficient for two sips; the first to evaluate the whisky and the second to confirm. The distribution of the whisky flow is guided mainly to the front part of the tongue emphasising the fruit. The deliver to the sides and to the back of the tongue accentuates acidity and the bitter components which allows the whisky to show all its flavours in a harmonious and balanced way.

This glass is unable to offer the detailed messages and joy a special varietal glass give.

This glass is 175 mm high.

You may buy this glass in The Whisky Store.