WHISKEY CORNER QUESTION:
When Did Whiskey & Glass Get Together?
While the Egyptians were known for brewing beer, and Asia & the middle east were known for distilling tinctures, oils & perfumes, the movement of whiskey before 1890’s was generally by barrel, and when consumers went to buy at General Store or Grist Mill, they brought along their bucket or canteen.
Commercial Production of glass didn’t catch up until the 1890’s and soon thereafter the Bottled In Bond marque on a bottle indicated a proof of quality and verified sources. (* Old Forester claims to be the first commercial US Bottled Whiskey in 1870, the creator bought from three local distillers and would blend, then seal and sign each bottle as a guarantee of its quality. 130 years is not long at all really.
Wine glasses, Tumblers & Dram sized shot glasses were used but mostly only as an improvement from the crass act of drinking from a bottle.
The next innovation may have been the result of a retail minded distiller at one of those distilleries that began offering signature glasses from the distillery, and choosing a stemmed Thistle Glass with both a bulb and a flared lip. Better than the cognac or brandy glass that closed in at the top, capturing all the ethanol BELOW the trim, concentrating it and then inhaled all at once with the first good sniff!
What we have learned in the last 1/4 century is how our Nose (olfactory) works to send us flavors. How are tongue is packed with additional sensors – tastebuds – registering sweet, sour, salty, texture (umami) & bitter notes.
WHAT WE DO KNOW:
So while we understand that any glass when it has whiskey in it elevates the day and people around it, there are some glasses designed to assist in tasting. Key to remember it this particular style is much better for nosing your whiskey than enjoying your last whiskey of the night. (The reason is as you tip the glass to pour the last drop to your mouth it can accelerate through the round race track bulge and the launch itself at your nose in a big splash.) As you practice, which we really recommend, your instinct for saving your whiskey may cause you to elevate your elbow a little less!
THE FACTS :
Whiskey is highly volatile, when swirled sends a fume of ethanol straight up, which if you nose is too close above will inevitably sting! (Stinging sensations indicate that the nerve ending is going off line)
SO OUR ANSWER IS:
130-140 years young and most of the drinking glass definitions came up in the last 15+/-.