Glasses: what to buy; where to buy?

[jdaw1]

Glassware, and where to buy it cheaply, have been mentioned in various places on this forum. This thread is meant to bring together these matters.

1. Very interesting and huge experiment on the ideal whisky glass. A port version should perhaps be attempted.
2. Where to buy ISO glasses in the US?

   Jay and Eric asked where I bought my glasses so cheaply.

   • Marjorie Lumm’s Wine Glasses
     2101 Northeast Jack London Street
     Corvallis OR 97330-6916
     
     +1 800 806 0677
     www.wineglassesltd.com (which hasn’t been updated since a change of address, though phone number still works)
     
     ISO wine glass = INAO wine glass cost $2.25 each in boxes of thirty-six (as of Dec 2007).

   Met a restaurant supply salesman recently.
   

   • Jerry Fleming, Premium Supply Co, 960 Grand Boulevard, Deer Park, NY 11729
     631 586 2477; 212 696 0350; cell 917 992 0761; fax 631 586 3639
     His email is at aol usual-punctuation com, and is jfcftf.

   That ISO glass has code 9309RL, and he quoted me $38.60 per dozen (not as cheap as Marjorie Lumm’s $27 per dozen).

3. ISO glasses in the UK?

   
   
   Laithwaites, the UK wine merchants, are giving away packs of 2 or 6 ISO Tasting Glasses if you buy 12 or 24 bottles respectively of any wine.
   
   Here are the links to the 2-Pack and 6-Pack
   
   The home page is at http://www.laithwaites.co.uk
   
   I received my 6 pack yesterday and the glasses are delivered in a very handy styro shipper, making it an ideal set to take to an Off-line. I do not know whether or not the 2-pack comes in a similar box but will find out soon becuase I have just ordered some.
   
   If you don't want to order any wine you can just buy the glasses at £6.99 for 2 or £19.99 for 6 plus £5.95 shipping.
   
   These offers only tend to last for a week or so.

   Also available for £19 per half-dozen from www.amazon.co.uk, albeit sourced from www.wineware.co.uk who sell them at the same price.
   
   A significant UK/US price disparity: if you find a cheaper source, please do post.

[uncle tom]

I use the basic Riedel red wine glass for everything - get them from Wineware for around a fiver each.

Tom

[jdaw1]

Top one of these, presumably. Quite expensive when multiplied by ten people and a dozen ports.

[RonnieRoots]

I use two different kinds that suit me fine:

1. The 'official' port glass, designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira, now produced by Schott Zwiesel. Good value at around ┚¬ 5.00 per glass. Only downside is that (around here) they are only available in cartons of 6.

2. Schott Zwiesel Vinum series. I believe it is officially the cognac glass, but that's just silly, as it is the perfect shape for port, not cognac. A little bigger than the Siza Vieira glass, and a little bit more expensive too. Around ┚¬ 7.00 per glass.

[Tsunami]

i use the vintageport glass of the riedel sommeiler serie,

i like the a bit highter glass than the vinum, and it makes the nose good concentraded. the thinnes of the glass also helps for best feeling.

this is my favorite

[Michael M.]

Mostly white wine glass, sometimes red wine glass both from Spiegelau "vino grande".

[Simon Lisle]

Kath has kindly bought me crystal port glasses from sell fridges

[KillerB]

Kath has kindly bought me crystal port glasses from sell fridges

Where are the fridges? I can probably find the crystal but my 12yo Planet Zanussi FF is starting to get a bit dicky.

I have some ISO tasting glasses, which are excellent but some disappeared in the last move. I also have 7 (one broked) Debenham's Port glasses, which are reasonably priced, strong (with one exception, see above) and pretty good.

[DRT]

I have 12 branded port glasses that I purchased in sets of 2 from the visitor centres in VNG in 2006. These were very reasonably priced. From memory, I'm sure it was less than 10 Euro per pack of 2.

I also have a couple of the Debenham's ISO glasses and have recently taken delivery of 18 ISO glasses from http://www.laithwaites.co.uk - plus another 6 that belong to someone here.

I have just submitted a birthday request for a set of 2 Riedel Vinum port glasses which I will reserve for special ports.

I think I now have enough glasses.

Derek

[KillerB]

So you've bought six cases of plonk from Laithwaites?

[Alex Bridgeman]

He must have since I think the deal from Laithwaites was "buy 6 glasses and be forced to take delivery of 12 free bottles of wine"

[DRT]

So you've bought six cases of plonk from Laithwaites?

No. I bought 4 cases:

1. 12 x Quinta do Poco do Lobo 1993
2. 12 x Garage Red
3. 6 x A White + 6 x A Red
4. Mystery Case of 12 Reds

Case 1 is going into storage as it is one of the very few wines or ports I have seen from 1993, my son's birth year. Case 2 is one I always buy when on special offer, as it is now. Case 3 is almost gone already and Case 4 will mostly be given to my Mum. I can't believe you thought I was being excessive

As a result of these purchases I received 2 x 6 ISO glasses in styro-foam boxes. I also bought 3 packs of 2 glasses at £6.99 per box in the hope that these would also come in styro-foam packaging but unfortunately they didn't. The other box of 6 was purchased by someone from here for £19.99.

Derek

[Axel P]

I use the 'official' port glass, designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira, for all the ports that I drink.

As Schott-Zwiesel are producing them (and no shipping costs from 150 on) I put my logo on them as well:

http://www.worldofport.com/impressum.htm

It shows the demarcated region partially transparrent.

For me it is the optimum Port-Glass, as it has a solid stand, well manufactered glass, a perfect size and I always do miss the thumb-lay, when drinking port from other glasses. I think it is the ideal allround glas for the complete range from Cockburns Ruby to the Nacional 63.

Axel

[DRT]

Hmm? I think I may have spoken too soon when I said I have enough glasses

Axel,

Do you sell these glasses with your logo on? If so, could you please let me know by PM how much it would cost to have 6 shipped to the UK?

Thanks

Derek

[KillerB]

I love those styrofoam boxes that they came in, only got one box of six but the box is nearly as useful as the glasses.

I hadn't realised tha the Garage Red was on Special - I like that and the Garage White.

[RonnieRoots]

Case 1 is going into storage as it is one of the very few wines or ports I have seen from 1993

Could be of course because the vintage was completely dire!

Never heard of this wine (or is it port?) Can you tell more about it? Did you taste it?

[DRT]

Case 1 is going into storage as it is one of the very few wines or ports I have seen from 1993

Could be of course because the vintage was completely dire!

Correct!!!

It isn't port, it's a dry red and I haven't tasted it yet. I really just wanted something from his birthyear as a novalty for when he is old enough to share a bottle of wine or two with his old Dad. I might pop one tonight and give it a try. If it's OK and not falling apart I'll ship the rest of to my storage place for a few years. It was sold as "Drink from now until 2012" so it can't be too bad. Can it?

I'll post a TN soon.

Derek

[mosesbotbol]

I like the IDVP or Riedel for port. The IDVP are sturdier so far.

As for wine, I have given up on Riedel as they are too fragile. I do like the Crate & Barrel's glasses (US Chain). Very similar shape as Riedel's, yet are half the price. They have several shapes for an assorment of wines.

[SushiNorth]

I have a number of official Port glasses (and some "Cognac" glasses of identical shape), however I actually prefer a medium-sized brandy snifter. Perhaps that's blasphemy, but I enjoy the big nose of port (having one myself) and the color around the edge is more apparent with the broad bottom. I picked up a bunch at Fishs Eddy (cheap), but will see if they have port glasses the next time I'm in there.

[SushiNorth]

Anyone in the NY area interesting in getting some of the Marjorie Lumm glasses? They come in 36-packs, which is more than I need, but if two other folks are interested we can split those up a dozen each.

[jdaw1]

1. They come in a handy box that slides right under your bed.
2. Thirty-six glasses is five people, seven bottles, and a spare. You might need them.
3. Due to some breakages I could take a dozen from you, if you still want to split a box.

[SushiNorth]

1) Or slides right into my basement
2) I'll leave the tastings to you, I'm more focused on the drinkings (for which one glass is all I require).
3) Cool -- one more dozen up for grabs and then I'll order.

[g-man]

1) Or slides right into my basement
2) I'll leave the tastings to you, I'm more focused on the drinkings (for which one glass is all I require).
3) Cool -- one more dozen up for grabs and then I'll order.

if yer just using 1 for tasting
might i recommend

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000C4JZE

[Roy Hersh]

The Sommelier Riedel Port glass is the best I've ever tried, but the price is ridiculous given the differences in what Port will smell like and taste like in this glass. I simply can not justify the minute upgrade over the Vinum for the exorbitant difference in cost. I use them on v. rare occasions.

The Riedel Vinum Port glass is the one that I find offers the best shape and style overall, with a balance of value for money. I have lots of these and use them not only for my every day Ports, but my best Ports as well. I have never broken one of these unless it was dropped onto a hard surface. I find them very capable of handling dishwashing for years on end.

I very much enjoy the Siza glass by Schott Zweissel (IVDP) and have a few dozen with etched IVDP logo/pic etc. in them. Fun to break out for friends, but I don't want to drink my best VPs out of them, as I prefer the Vinum side-by-side to deliver the best outcome in aromatics and flavor.

The affordability of the Spieglau is very tempting and I do own six that I received as a gift. However, I don't really like the shape, stem or aperture. But I know folks that love 'em and may they enjoy every Port they drink from these. I'd prefer any of the Port glasses above instead.

[SushiNorth]

I'd prefer any of the Port glasses above instead.

Roy - thanks for the advice, I'll have to acquire a couple of each for a side-by-side comparison before I buy a batch. I'd thought they were all a "regulation" size/shape (like Sake tasting glasses), didn't realize there were subtle differences.

[g-man]

I'd prefer any of the Port glasses above instead.

Roy - thanks for the advice, I'll have to acquire a couple of each for a side-by-side comparison before I buy a batch. I'd thought they were all a "regulation" size/shape (like Sake tasting glasses), didn't realize there were subtle differences.

there is an international standard tasting glass size

http://www.aromadictionary.com/articles ... ticle.html

Whenever you do your tasting for notes tho, you should always use the same/similar glass because they will cause differences.

[g-man]

Actually, this does make for an interesting tasting comparison and would add to our other port tests.

You guys in london, if you could be so kind as to bring two sets of tasting glasses and do a side by side comparison to see if it makes a difference?

[Roy Hersh]

In 2002, prior to the Siza glass release in the USA, I was contacted by the importer to do their promo piece on the glass. They then used that to launch the glass over here in the advertising campaign in magazines and other print versions and on line brochure. Before writing my piece, I did a very thorough organoleptic testing utilizing various Port glasses, including the new IVDP glass. As mentioned, it is a very solid glass with many good features, improved upon when the manufacturing switched from the old French glassmaker to Schott Zweissel. They are fun to drink out of. I still prefer Riedel Vinums but that is a personal preference and your mileage may vary.

[g-man]

Would you happen to have any notes and the specific glasses you put head to head Roy? I would love to see what kind of differences.

[JacobH]

there is an international standard tasting glass size

http://www.aromadictionary.com/articles ... ticle.html

(Or rather sizes: I think there are about 4 different versions). ISO Glasses are a bit odd, though. My understanding is that they were designed just so that there would be a standard, with the intention that any tasting organiser which uses them could guarantee that their glassware would affect the wine in a predictable way. They weren't particularly designed to be “perfect glasses† for every-day use and I think there were a number of flaws in the specification (e.g. whilst the shape of the glasses is specified in quite a lot of detail, I believe that the type and thickness of the glass is specified less precisely).

Thanks for the tip re. Vinum/Sommelier glasses, Roy. I’ve been thinking about getting a couple of better quality glasses and was wondering which to go for.

[Glenn E.]

I use the Riedel Vinum Port glass almost exclusively, and like Roy I have found them to be very reasonably durable. I have managed to break one, though - I was drying it by hand and applied too much pressure to the inside of the rim by using two fingers and a dish towel to dry the inside of the glass, and I "popped" it from the inside.

I'm now much more careful as I dry them.

[JacobH]

I use the Riedel Vinum Port glass almost exclusively, and like Roy I have found them to be very reasonably durable. I have managed to break one, though - I was drying it by hand and applied too much pressure to the inside of the rim by using two fingers and a dish towel to dry the inside of the glass, and I "popped" it from the inside.

I'm now much more careful as I dry them.

I’m guilty of doing that to my glasses, too, and, unfortunately, more than once! Thankfully the ones which I use for regular Port drinking are particularly thick to avoid that problem (and I don’t polish them as frequently as I used to).

[Roy Hersh]

Two rules of thumb for wine glasses:

a. never try to wash or dry them after any serious consumption, as bad things will happen.

b. drying racks are easy to find and cheap. they make drying by hand a thing of the past.

[jdaw1]

drying racks are easy to find and cheap. they make drying by hand a thing of the past.

No! NO! Drying racks leave water stains. You must, like absolutely by-Royal-Command must, dry with a clean cloth. Though, as Roy rightly says, when sober.

[DRT]

Roy/JDAW,

I have only two words to say to both of you: Dishwasher.

Derek

[benread]

Roy/JDAW,

I have only two words to say to both of you: Dishwasher.

Derek

Same "dishwasher" you are bringing on 8th October?! (Only joking!)

[jdaw1]

Derek won’t “bring† a dishwasher, as such. He is the dishwasher. Presumably.

[Roy Hersh]

The only Port glass that I've ever washed by hand is my pair of Riedel Sommeliers that get very infrequent use. Otherwise ALL of my wine/Port glasses are in the d/w for sure. My inexpensive rack is the the dishwasher glass rack add on that you can find in most catalogues. Even without it, you can just let them drip dry after being dried by the dishwasher. IF there is an soap residue, ONLY THEN will I use a slighly damp cloth to wipe around the aperture.

[uncle tom]

I have a dishwasher, but no longer use it.

In the time it takes to load and unload it, I can wash almost everything faster by hand, leaving the odd pan to soak in the sink.

Glasses I usually wash with cold water and nothing else (unless something greasy has come into contact with them), shaking the excess water off before drying.

I can recommend the Riedel cloths (wineware stock them) for drying off.

Tom

[g-man]

since my glass is never empty and always wet...

I find it easier just to use a cloth to wipe off the lip stains on the glass,

otherwise I just pour something into the glass saving me this nonsense of washing and drying.

[Glenn E.]

I hand wash my glass because there's rarely more than one in use, so it's just easier to go ahead and wash it than to put it in the dishwasher and have to wait. (Or, more correctly, end up with 7 of them in the dishwasher from a week's worth of drinking.)

I do need to pick up a few more - a dozen ought to do it - so that I can at least have a couple of friends over and serve a couple of different Ports. I don't need 100's of glasses in order to do a 14-Port vertical for 12 people, but I could use more than the 5 I currently have.

I like the Riedel Vinum series enough that I should probably just get another 8 of those and call it good, but I'd really like some of those glasses with the IVdP etching on them.

[SushiNorth]

I've found a few glasses online. Hopefully picking some up to go with the ones I'm getting from g-man, but also found these:


Set of 6. Anyone recognize the logo/glass? Any idea what I should offer for them?

[Glenn E.]

The logo is barely visible... what's the lettering around the base of the glass say?

[SushiNorth]

The logo is barely visible... what's the lettering around the base of the glass say?

No idea... was hoping someone recognized it straight off

[g-man]

I really don't like glasses t hat flair out at top.

it's like an extra port of the glass that's meant to be chipped and makes it difficult to take small sips

[jdaw1]

I have just ordered, for Selwyn College, 72 of the INAO glasses from Winebox. Cost each: £1.15+VAT = £1.32¼ ≈ $2.19. Possibly the cheapest source anywhere.

They also sell, for a mere £9.73+VAT, storage boxes: Glass Storage Crate - Height 190mm (35 cells).

[Alex Bridgeman]

I have just ordered, for Selwyn College, 72 of the INAO glasses from Winebox. Cost each: £1.15+VAT = £1.32¼ ≈ $2.19. Possibly the cheapest source anywhere.

They also sell, for a mere £9.73+VAT, storage boxes: Glass Storage Crate - Height 190mm (35 cells).

Have you seen these glasses yet? I would be interested to know if these are the standard size as I thought the standard size for a tasting glass was 35ml and not 21. When you see them, please say what you think of them and whether you would recommend them for use in tastings.

[JacobH]

Have you seen these glasses yet? I would be interested to know if these are the standard size as I thought the standard size for a tasting glass was 35ml and not 21.

I think the ISO specifies that they can be made in a few different sizes including, I think, one smaller than 21cl for fortified wines. I'd be also interested to hear about the quality, as I think one of the flaws in the ISO specification is that there is no rule on the thickness of the glass...

[mosesbotbol]

I don't trust my new dishwasher with port glasses but have put them in my old dishwasher without event.

I am too deep into IDVP port glasses to consider any other design outside of just a novelty glasses.

Schott is suppose to start importing them next year with a retail price of $15 a stem.

[jdaw1]

Have you seen these glasses yet? I would be interested to know if these are the standard size as I thought the standard size for a tasting glass was 35ml and not 21. When you see them, please say what you think of them and whether you would recommend them for use in tastings.

I have not, but a helpful person has just sent me a photograph. They appear to be the usual INAO glasses, the glass perhaps too thick but otherwise entirely functional.