Tasting Accessories FAQs
What's the difference between a Glencairn glass and a copita glass?
Both are designed to concentrate a whisky's aroma, but a Glencairn glass has a wider bowl tapering to a narrower rim, while a copita is more slender and elongated, similar to a small sherry glass. Either is a step up from a standard tumbler for tasting whisky properly.
Why use a Glencairn glass instead of a normal whisky glass?
The tulip shape of a Glencairn glass narrows towards the top, which concentrates the whisky's aroma and directs it towards your nose, making it easier to pick out individual tasting notes. A regular tumbler doesn't do this, which is why it's the preferred glass among whisky tasters and distilleries.
What's the difference between the Glencairn whisky glass and the Glencairn Canadian whisky glass?
Both use the same tulip-shaped design to concentrate aroma. The Canadian whisky glass is a variation on the classic Glencairn shape, made for the same purpose of tasting whisky properly.
What is a gin copa glass used for?
A copa glass has a wide, rounded bowl that's designed to hold ice, garnish, and tonic while still leaving room to capture the aromatics of the gin's botanicals. It's the glass most commonly used for serving a proper G&T.
Should I get the glass or plastic gin copa glass?
Both share the same copa shape. The plastic version is a practical choice for outdoor drinking, garden parties, or anywhere a glass glass isn't ideal, while the glass copa is better suited to serving indoors or for a gift.
Do whisky stones actually work?
Whisky stones cool your whisky without diluting it the way ice does, since they don't melt. They won't chill a drink as quickly or as cold as ice, but they're a good option if you want to take the edge off without watering down the flavour.
What's a jigger used for?
A jigger is a measuring tool for pouring accurate spirit measures, most often used for cocktails. Our two-sided jigger gives you two different measures in one tool, making it easy to measure precisely without a separate measuring cup for each amount.
What's a spirit measure, and do I need one?
A spirit measure is a small cup used to pour a consistent, accurate amount of spirit each time, useful if you like to keep your serves consistent, whether that's for a dram of whisky or a mixed drink. Our 50ml spirit measure covers a standard generous serving.
What's the best gift for someone who loves whisky or gin tasting?
A Glencairn glass is a popular gift for whisky drinkers, while a gin copa glass suits anyone who enjoys a proper G&T. Pairing either with a bottle makes for a complete gift.