The Impact Of A Tasting Vessel

It is argued that the vessel from which we sip various liquids can impact our enjoyment it. When tasting Scotch whiskey, it has been shown that the size and shape of a glass can influence the aroma and flavour that a particular whiskey delivers; tasting the same whiskey from a range of different types of tasting vessel gives rise to subtle, but arguably important, differences.
Originally there was only one option for whiskey: the Quaich. The term is derived from the Gaelic word ‘cuach’, which means ‘cup’. First appearing in the 16th century, they were similar to a shallow bowl made from wooden staves with small handles on the sides.
Today a range of manufacturers offer whiskey glasses in various shapes and forms (including the classic ‘tumbler’ option) such as Waterford, Glencairn, Riedel, Lalique and Dartington to name just a few.