Spirit & Cocktail Glasses

Choosing the right glass for the type of wine served is a true art, and while some manufacturers now offer glasses tailored to every grape variety and wine region, a wine connoisseur can get by perfectly well with just a few types of glasses. Although in ancient times, gold and silver goblets were used to consume this noble beverage, wine feels most at home in glass goblets, which have been used for this purpose since the 15th century. Contrary to popular belief, the color of the glass, and the shape and size of the goblet leave their mark on the perception of this drink. While there are no specific standards defining the size and shape of glasses suitable for particular types of wine, several principles have been widely adopted.

First and foremost, the vessel in which wine is served should be made of clear, thin glass. Only then will you have the opportunity to appreciate the drink's color, density, and clarity. Red wine glasses should be larger than white wine glasses, with a wider and shallower bowl. It's a good idea if the glass is narrower at the rim than in the middle part – this helps to gather and fully appreciate the aromas of the noble beverage. White wine glasses, smaller and less bulbous, can take on a tulip shape. True wine connoisseurs should also equip themselves with glasses for full-bodied red Burgundy, which are quite large, with significant width and a tall stem. This allows the drink to fully release its aromas. Special champagne flutes, with a slender and narrow bowl that keeps the sparkling bubbles longer, are also essential.

While the shape and size of glasses are not strictly defined by any rules, the way wine is served in them is subject to certain regulations. First, before serving, glasses should be rinsed with water without detergents, so that dust and chemicals do not affect the taste of the drink. When different types of wine are to be served with dinner, the appropriate glasses for each should be arranged at a 45° angle, in the order of consumption from right to left. They should only be filled to about 1/3 of their height to allow guests to "swirl the wine." This will help release the full bouquet of the drink and fully appreciate its qualities. When consuming the drink, hold the glass by the stem, not the bowl, to avoid unnecessarily warming its contents. By following these few basic rules, you will have the chance to enjoy all the qualities of this noble beverage without breaking the common rules of savoir-vivre.

On the other hand, drinking heavier spirits, such as whisky, also has its own rules. Whisky glasses are usually wide and short to keep the drink at a low temperature – sometimes they take on original shapes. Connoisseurs recommend tasting whisky with ice or, even better, with chilling stones, which will cool the drink without diluting it. It's worth stocking up on chilling accessories, ice molds, and accessories to always have them at hand when you fancy a perfectly served drink.

Alcohol experts also recommend drinking beer in special mugs and beer glasses. The appropriate shape of the vessels fully brings out the taste of beers, especially craft ones. Complete a convenient set of useful beer accessories, such as a beer chiller, coasters, and bottle openers, to always have them at your fingertips when you crave a cold mug of beer.