Whisky Vessels

Whisky is whisky isn't it? A brown fluid that tastes nice and makes you (well me) feel happy. Yes, a wide variety exists but ultimately, it's all whisky. It therefore follows that it shouldn't really matter what you drink it from. Whether it's a cup or a cut glass tumbler it will make no difference. Theoretically it shouldn't even matter if you swig it straight from the bottle; although if you find yourself at that stage you may want to seek professional help!

However we all know the vessel does make a difference. Whether it's the feeling it gives you when you have a dram or the effect it has on the drink when you sip it, glasses are all important. Strictly speaking, experts will tell you the best type of glass to drink whisky from is a 'nosing' glass. This tulip-shaped glass is designed to concentrate the volatile vapours from the whisky (and hence the aroma) a a specific point... the point at which the tip of most people's noses reach when they stick it in the glass. It is also held near the base so perfumes and natural pheromones don't get in the way of the scotch. The bulbous base lets you swill the whisky with gusto without risk of spilling meaning you can have a good look at the colour and the legs. On the down side, they are top-heavy so easily knocked over and don't sit naturally in the hand instead needing active holding. It's therefore not always a relaxing way to have a drink.

From one extreme to the other. The nosing glass is only really practical if you are sitting still and concentrating. The next drinking vessel is ideal if you're on the move... the hip flask. I love hip flasks. There's something terribly reassuring about knowing you've got a dram in your pocket. I also think they are things of beauty. My hip flasks are amongst some of my most treasured possessions; each one having their own story behind them. Ones I have given have been carefully (almost obsessively) thought out in terms of design, inscriptions and most importantly, size! On the down side, the narrow opening does make it a bit difficult to appreciate the aromas of they whisky. Best therefore to use favoured blends. It also makes them a bugger to fill even with special funnels. With liquid entering from the same hole air is exiting, messes can happen easily.

Next is the quaich; a shallow bowl made of pewter or stainless steel. Now mainly used for decorative value (and teabag holders by certain philistines) they are a bit clumsy for sipping an evening (or afternoon or morning) whisky.  The best way I have seen it used is for ritualistic downing at a ceremonial event.

Last, but certainly not least is the tumbler. Usually these are either of cut crystal or smooth sided. Critically they will be short and wide based and should be able to take a very large dram without really showing it. These are certainly not designed for showing off how well honed your palette it. As a trade off, they are well balanced, stable and ideally suited to social drinking and relaxation. Again I have a few, each with their own stories which, to my mind, add value. The one I use most often is a cut crystal one I was given for my 18th birthday. It is a beautiful size and shape; holding a decent dram and fitting perfectly into my hand. Just hearing whisky pouring into it brings a Pavlovian feeling of relaxation.

Finally, if you're just getting into whisky or don't fancy splashing cash on drinking vessels (I've heard that there are such people out there) then there's a more every day alternative. The standard wine glass is ideally suited for whisky drinking. It's shaping allows aromas to concentrate. The stem allows it to be held well away from where the drinking is done (if held by the base) and, critically, it holds a decent amount.

So there you have it. The sensible thing now is to go and have a dram from each of these drinking vessels to see which one you prefer.

Sliante

TFB