This is more of a comparison than a review. I'm about to go to one of the largest private Scotch tastings in the U.S., held at the home of my friend and tasting coach Greg Randle, CWE.

Every invitee must bring their own glass and one bottle of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Last year, I noticed that everyone including me brought the Riedel Single Malt Glass. This year I thought I'd make a comparison before heading out. May the best glass win.

The picture above shows the candidates. From left to right: the Single Malt Glass from Riedel, the Clear Spirits Glass from Schott Zwiesel (Top Ten Series), the Spirits Glass 40ml from Schott Zwiesel (Paris Series), the Barrel Aged Spirits Glass from Schott Zwiesel (Top Ten Series).

Parameters:
I poured 1/2 oz of the 13 Year Aged Hart Brothers "Finest Collection" Teaninich Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky (43% abv); I did not cut with water; I evaluated by nose only; with Scotch, palate is important and bouquet is everything.

The winner by far was the Schott Zwiesel Barrel Aged Spirit Glass (Top Ten Series). Ranking second in the comparison was Riedel's Single Malt Glass, third was the Clear Spirits Glass, fourth was the 40ml Glass.

Let's say the Scotch was music and the glassware was the stereo- amplifier. The 40ml Glass was like turning the nob to 3. The Clear Spirits Glass was like increasing the volume to 4. The Riedel was like cranking the nob to 7 and the Barrel Aged Glass increased the amplifier to 8.

I gained much more from an olfactory standpoint using the winner than the other glasses, allowing me to smell much more of the whisky's honey, toffee, fireplace, salt & gauze.

The one advantage the Riedel had over the Schott Zwiesel was in its ability to diminish the alcohol heat from the bouquet. This isn't a deal breaker for me. It's Scotch, you're going to smell some alcohol.

Well, time to go (and for the record, I'm getting dropped off and taking a cab home).

Anthony Garcia
www.wineisdivine.com