Getting the right glass can bring out the best of a wine or spirit’s character and nuances. All the different glasses, big and small ones, flutes, or coupes, may confuse you. But you don’t need to worry as you don’t have to be a sommelier to pick the best crystal glass for your drinks.
Just like how a diamond cup grinding wheel can help with grinding masonry materials to smooth out surfaces and bring them to their best conditions — picking the right glass allows your favorite wine or spirit to really shine through.
If you’re considering investing in crystal glasses for your wines and spirits, here are some factors you need to consider to get the most out of them.
The Size and Shape of the Glass’s Bowl
Larger bowls allow for bolder and more complex drinks to express a broader range of aromas as it gets exposed to more air, allowing more evaporation, which, in turn, releases more aromatic compounds. If you plan on drinking your wines and spirit casually instead of using it as a go-to drink, go for ones with versatile glass shapes to accommodate each drink.
Stem or Stemless?
In recent years, stemless crystal glasses have become increasingly popular among many people as they’re more practical and ideal for daily and casual wine- or spirit-drinking occasions. So, if you’re looking to enjoy your drinks more often, go for stemless.
The Glass Stem’s Length
The glass’s stem enables you to hold the glass without having your hand on the glass’s actual bowl, which can affect the drink’s temperature. However, generally, stem length is a personal and practical consideration to make. For example, longer stems may look elegant, but they can break more quickly and are more challenging to wash and store, while shorter ones are more practical and perfect for daily use.
The Thickness of the Glass
The thickness of a crystal glass has something to do with the flow of the drink entering your mouth. For instance, for bigger rims, they can spread the wine over a large surface of your tongue, increasing mouthfeel and perception of acidity. Meanwhile, for narrower rims, they direct the liquid to the tip of your tongue, bringing your attention to its ‘fruitier notes.’
Plain or Coloured?
Generally, if you’re looking to get the best out of your favourite wine or spirit, plain and unadorned glasses are better for ‘serious’ tasting, allowing you to see all the drinks’ visual aspects. From their intensity to viscosity, you can see and taste them better through plain glasses. However, if you’re looking for a quirky trinket to make your experience more fun, go for coloured or etched ones.
Liquid Capacity
Although it can be tempting to possess all kinds of crystal glasses to enjoy your favourite wine or spirit with, it’s not the most practical idea. That’s why it’s best to go for two to three glasses designed to complement your drinking experience and one that provides ample capacity.
Shopping for wine glasses can be challenging, especially for those who aren’t too familiar with the practice. But instead of going in blind and settling for less, consider the factors mentioned to help you get the best wine glass for your favourite wines and spirits and build your collection.
