RiedelVinum Single Malt Whisky

My dad had thrifted one of these a while back and loved it. He knocked it over with his blanket on the couch recently. So bought these as a replacement gift for his birthday and he loves them still. Nice thin lip. Study base.

After attending a wine tasting where different Riedel glasses were demonstrated, I had some friends do a head to head comparison using these glasses versus the typical barware you might have for Scotch.Each was able to recognize a distinct difference and improvement to the experience using these glasses.From what I can infer, the out-turned rim causes the spirits to mostly pass over the edges of the tongue, instead of on the center, making the alcohol burn more mellow, so you can detect more of the flavors in the Scotch or other liquor. These taste buds are not as susceptible to the burn which the middle tongue taste buds accentuate. The bowl height and shape also allows the scents to concentrate for you to appreciate, if you like.I find many strong liquors taste much better in this glass, and don't need to be watered down to fully appreciate their complexity. Old fashioneds, shot glasses, etc. concentrate the drink right where you get the biggest reaction to the burn, so you miss out on the subtlety.So if you get the glasses, please do a head-to-head comparison, and prove it to yourself. Pour some of you favorite liquor into this glass and have a taste, then pour it from this glass to one of the glasses you've always used. Taste again, then pour it back into this glass and try it again. Prepare to be amazed by the result...

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I have been enjoying single malt scotch since back in the '70's. For a long time the selection available here in the States was quite limited. My normal choice of glass was a brandy snifter. The recent explosion of available brands of single malt caused me to branch out and try a couple other varities with mixed results. After reading the descriptions of some varities online, I found I just wasn't sensitive enough to discover the aromas and tastes they were experiencing. I was just about to settle back with my old favorite, (Can I name brands here?), Glenfiddich, when I discovered the availability of specialized tasting glasses while searching online.I never thought the shape of a glass could make so much difference! These specialized glasses have opened new doors, or should I say new bottles, to the single malt scotch world for me. Is it the curve of the rim? I don't know. I can't say that I am smelling and tasting all of what the 'experts' claim is there, but they do make a difference. If you have any interest in exploring single malt scotches these specialized glasses are a must have.And I may be bordering on sacrilege, but I've tried a little rum in them and they seem to work for that spirit also.

Purchased these as a gift for my husband who drinks single malt whiskey. They are perfect! Like all Riedel glasses, they are beautifully designed and made with attention to detail. Are they durable? Well, probably not as much as the thick glass he was given from a local distillery with their name etched into it - but who wants to drink $100 a bottle scotch from that? These are packaged with care and arrived in almost no time at all. I am ordering more for when we have guests.

I have the more expensive, handmade glass. Bowl seems the same but the attachment of the base to the bowl is much thicker and shorter. The picture in the ad is of the more expensive glass. I have attached a picture of both. The Vinum glass is on the left. Two for the price of one is okay with me.

These really are wonderful. I discovered them when a waiter at Gary Danko brought me a taster of Hendricks Gin in one a few years back. I immediately set out in search of the glass. Obviously, these are for drinking neat rather than on the rocks. (I tend to add a half of a small ice cube - chills it a wee bit - allows that extra bit of aroma to mingle with the liquid - works for me.)Do they enhance the flavor of scotch over other shapes of glasses? I have no idea. It's probably more marketing than anything else. I still dig 'em anyway.Just a small note: I bought these to replace a few of mine that had been broken over time. These are slightly larger than those I bought the first time around. Not by much, but noticeable. Base is slightly differently shaped. No biggie, really. Just sos you knows.

On a recent stay at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, I took part in a single malt scotch tasting sponsored by their Food and Beverage Department. The beverage director used glasses of this shape and size, and talked about how the shape of the glass can enhance the single malt experience. I was initially skeptical, but as soon as the tasting began I was convinced, and started looking to purchase a few for myself as soon as I returned home. I only rarely drink single malt scotch (too expensive) but I've found my enjoyment of those rare moments increased by 100% as a result of these glasses. They are pricey, but a wonderful way to help you enjoy your favorite single malt scotch, and I recommend them highly. Plus Amazon's prices were the best I could find when I purchased them.