The Glencairn Glass

Whilst attending a Devon Drams event or having a dram at home- the likelihood is you have drunk from a Glencairn glass. You might be forgiven for thinking the Glencairn glass has been a fixture of Whisky drinking for many years- however, it is a fairly modern invention- only going into production in 2001. ¹

The glass was developed by Raymond Davison, who saw a gap in the market, as Sherry, Champagne and other speciality sprits have their own glass- why not Whisky? The glass was developed with the master blenders of the Scotch industry-ensuring its size and shape accommodated a 35ml pour- with room for water.¹ (see our Whisky and Water blog for more information about mixing)² The glass shape also allows contact with air to let the aroma develop.

Key to the Glencairn success, is that the glass is tulip shaped- like a sherry glass (copita), which allows the drinker to appreciate the aroma and palate of the Whisky which was missing in traditional offerings. The glass is sturdy enough to withstand busy bar environments, and the thick base allows for a good holding of the glass and allows the drinker to manoeuvre the spirit.

 The clarity of the crystal means the colour of the Whisky can be compared when lined up in a tasting. ¹

Whilst the glass is commercially available for consumers from the Glencairn website, the company focussed on the business-to-business market, selling to industry and Whisky festivals-becoming a standard for Whisky drinkers around the world. The glass has won numerous awards including the Queen’s award for innovation and is favoured by many for Whisky tastings- because of its tulip shaped neck.

At Devon Drams we are testing out our different glasses, and options to take away Whisky for drivers and those not wanting to drink too many samples. We would love to explore how glassware changes the experience, and your personal opinions on the Glencairn Glass. Please join us at one of our next tastings: https://www.devondrams.com/events.

Sources:

1.Our Story. Available at: https://business.glencairn.com/history-of-glencairn/ (Accessed: 1 June 2026)

2.Devon Drams. ‘Water and Whisky’. Available at: https://www.devondrams.com/post/water-and-whisky (Accessed: 1 June 2026