Customer Reviews

Riedel Vinum Single Malt Scotch Glasses, Set of 6

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a disciple of single malt Scotches for over 15 years, well before it was trendy. I have owned these glasses for about 4 years. They are magnificent. No doubt, you will be TOTALLY aware of the varying qualities of a whiskey after you've sipped from this glass. BUT, beware in taking care of them. They chip really easily.

You say these glasses are a waste because of the tongue becomming anesthetized. That is more a reason _for_ using a glass such as this, than against it. Not only because it directs the liquid to the proper areas of the tongue, but also because it controls the aroma, which is an essential part of experiencing a scotch. There are only 4 primary tastes, but 32 primary scents. Some people prefer a brandy snifter, but for me that holds too much of the aroma and overdelivers. These Vinum glasses work well for me, although I would probably enjoy an ever so slightly larger bowl.

As a side note, it you are drinking your whisky at a % of ABV that is anesthetizing your mouth, you don't understand how to properly taste. The majority of whiskies need a splash of water to open them up, how much water vaires form one to the next.

Don't know the exact reason why, but these are the best I've tried--far better than brandy snifters--for tasting the full complexity of a good spirit. Not just single malts but blended Scotch, bourbon, even aged rum. If you don't like the taste in these glasses, then you should change your choice of alcohol. Or dump it into a highball glass, cover with Seven-Up and top with a cherry and umbrella.

These are amazing glasses--they dramatically increase the experience of a fine scotch. While I imagine they would work for any aromatic spirit, they seem very well suited to scotch.

I prefer Islay scotches, which have an aggressive nose, and these glasses really improve the experience by concentrating the bouquet. The glasses are a delightful heavy crystal, and a pleasure to hold as well as drink from.

I like good bourbon (Jack Daniels Single Barrel) and have found out that it tastes even better from these Riedel glasses. It is remarkable to take a taste test; it is almost unbelievable. We also have Riedel wine glasses which we enjoy as well. Riedel is a good value for people who enjoy good booze.

Although I do believe these to be quite fine glasses for scotch, it is entirely a falsehood that the tongue is divided into regions of taste. Modern science has disproved this theory and it has been long dead. The interaction of taste and smell is far more complicated and interlaced, without strict divisions along the tongue. Those who believe that they taste things more sweetly on the tip of their tongue have merely created a convincing mental picture. There are obvious things that can be detected more strongly in certain regions though, like sourness at the back of your mouth, but the concept of a regioned tongue is still incorrect or at best a very partial picture.

When I first saw these "tulipy" glasses, I thought there would be no way they would ever serve scotch at my house. My father-in-law bought a set and after having my first sip, I was sold. Reidel does an excellent job in their design to match the glass to the intricacies of the liquor, in this glass. The main difference that I notice is the difference, and added pleasure, of aroma to the drinking experience. While the tongue may get numb after a few sips, the nose keeps working. The flared glass end, as compare to a traditional straight glass, adds just the right amount of air to dilute the strong alcohol aroma, creating the perfect balance. I highly recomend! Try side by side to your old glass.

I only drink bourbon and I found the riedel glasses to enhance the enjoyment of my favorite spirit over just using a shot glass. You spend quite a bit on some of the better bottlings, so why not drink in style and and get the most enjoyment out of it. They are a good buy and with amazons shipping you'll get them faster with less expense.

Perfectly fine glasses. Durable like the Riedel wine glasses we have. Not as special looking as I was hoping for, but the selection out there is limited.

I love Riedel glassware for wine, but these glasses are marginally better than low-cost glass tumblers for single malt scotch. Even the experts will tell you after the first two sips of scotch, the tongue is significantly anesthetized and cannot distinguish flavors as clearly as a fresh palate. If you want a truly sublime experience, I recommend spending your Riedel budget on that bottle of Macallan 18-year-old rather than these glasses.