What's in the glass? And why does it matter?

No we're not talking about the whisky... but the actual glass your whisky's in.

Why?

Well in earlier episodes John heard from Master Blender, Max McFarlane of Ardgowan Distillery, Gary Mills of Loch Lomond Whiskies, and Deanston Whisky Guru of the Year 2024, Gillian Kirkland owner of The Piper Whisky Bar in Glasgow; all three stressed the importance of the right whisky glass for evaluation and optimum appreciation.

And what do they use? The Glencairn Glass.

So who better to speak to than Raymond Davidson founder of Glencairn Crystal and the inventor of the Glencairn Glass, and the renowned whisky writer Charles Maclean, author of multiple books on whisky?

Raymond started Glencairn Crystal in 1981 and released his patented, award-winning Glencairn Glass, with its wide crystal bowl and tapering rim, in 2001. Today Raymond sells over five million Glencairn Glasses around the world every year. No wonder he calls it the "the world's favourite whisky glass".

So join John as Raymond and Charles explain to him how the Glencairn Glass captures a whisky's aromas on the nose to heighten its flavour; what glasses they use for enjoyment; their go to dram for simple pleasure; their thoughts on the future of the global whisky market; how "a half and a half" set them on their whisky journey; and how you can get started on yours...

"Take it to your nose a minimum of five times before you sip it," says Raymond.

"Try it in a cocktail," says Charles.

But be rest assured, because both agree, whisky is an acquired taste. But with hundreds - if not thousands - of whiskies out there, each with a different taste and flavour, there's bound to be one for you.

After all, they concur, "Whisky is so much more than liquor in a bottle."

Slàinte!

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Socials:

@C2GWhisky

@JohnRossBeattie

Creator & producer: David Holmes

Art work & design: Jess Robertson

Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)

Vocals: Andrea Cunningham

Guitars: John Beattie

Bass: Alasdair Vann

Drums: Alan Hamilton

Bagpipes: Calum McColl

Accordion: Gary Innes

Music & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John Beattie

Recorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios, Glasgow, Scotland

Special thanks: The Piper Whisky Bar, 57 Cochrane Street, Glasgow, Scotland

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