The appearance of this Stolzle Glencairn Whiskey Glass is based on the standard "nosing" glass utilized by master whiskey blenders. The pinched waist props up aroma and also the tapering neck directs the bouquet up to onto your nose. The smaller opening keeps the air in the room from confusing your senses which means you obtain a more precise "nose". A traditional nosing glass has no cuts inside the glass or any other decoration since it would distort the color with the whiskey.
The Glencairn glass was originally designed for pub/bar use so it is a sturdy little glass. Underneath is heavy so it is not easily tipped over and it is easily grasped. It seamless comfort within the hand. The only real glass that will provide a better hand feel (i think) would be a small brandy snifter. A sherry copita would even be a great substitute glass.
How big the bowl was created to carry the "proper" level of scotch which is between 35 and 50 mL or approximately 1.5 fluid oz. in a US bar. You pour the scotch for the area on the glass where it simply actually starts to taper up. The photo around the box shows a "proper" pour. The opening is really a comfortable size for nosing and drinking.
Glencairn also sells a crystal version of this Stolzle Glencairn Whiskey Glass however i prefer this lead free version because it's sturdy. Charge free version will go with the dishwasher in the event you choose however i always hand wash mine to ensure that I don't get any soap or rinse agent residue inside the glass. I have found this glass to be the right mixture of sturdy and magnificence. And they make that lovely "ting" sound when bumped against another glass - "Slainte"!
I additionally use this glass for drinking aged rum. It's the same impact on rum as whiskey; can make it a lot more delicious. Some rum fans feel it concentrates the aromas an excessive amount of because rum isn't as subtle as whiskey. For young rums, I agree but for older rums, I prefer applying this glass for sipping/tasting.
Glencairn will not manufacture these Stolzle Glencairn Whiskey Glass in Scotland but has glass manufacturers abroad manufacture these to their specifications. Glencairn designs, packages and distributes their glassware from East Kilbride, Scotland. There actually is no glass blowing industry left in Scotland at this time.