Darren McGinn, sales manager at Glencairn Crystal, explains why upgrading your glassware is one of the smartest investments a venue can make.
Premium glassware elevates the drinking experience before the first sip. It signals quality, enhances aroma and flavour, and creates a visual impact that guests remember – and may even share online.
While cheaper options may seem cost-effective, they often lead to higher breakage and replacement costs. Durable, well-designed glassware performs better under pressure, especially during the party season rush.
Why whisky deserves its own glass – The Glencairn Glass
The glass you choose to serve your whisky in plays a pivotal role in unlocking the full sensory experience of the dram. Our Glencairn Glass with its distinctive shape, has been meticulously engineered to maximise the enjoyment and appreciation of fine whisky.
Its tapering mouth captures those all-important aromas. The wide bowl allows the fullest appreciation of the whisky colour - this can help indicate age, cask type, or other factors that contribute to the flavour profile. Its shape is also designed to admire the texture and viscosity of the whisky as it swirls around, and its robust base is designed to be comfortable in the hand.
The Glencairn Glass is now the official glass for whisky and is the world’s favourite whisky glass – we sell millions of glasses all over the world to bars, restaurants and distilleries. In fact this year marks the 25th birthday of the Glencairn Glass and over the years we’ve sold 50 million glasses.
Other bestsellers for busy bars
For festive menus and bar service, alongside the Glencairn Glass for whisky here’s some of our other most popular glassware:
- Glencairn Mixer Glass (pictured right)– Ideal for premium spirits with ice or mixers
- Glencairn Gin Goblet (pictured left)– Designed to enhance botanical aromas and deliver a smooth sip
- Glencairn Flight Tray Set – A stylish sharing experience featuring two Glencairn Glasses, a water jug and pipette – perfect for tastings or special occasions.
Supporting venues beyond the glassware
At Glencairn Crystal we also work closely with the on-trade, offering staff tastings, masterclasses and bespoke branding. With personalised glassware available from just one unit, venues can add a premium, Instagram-ready touch to their Christmas and New Year service.
You wouldn’t serve a festive feast on a paper plate – so why serve a premium drink in an ordinary glass?
Please visit: www.glencairn.com for further details as well as a preview of how your venue’s logo or branding could appear on a Glencairn Glass, or across any of our other glassware options. To speak with a member of our sales team, please contact us at.