Glencairn Information


Although the Glencairn is world recognised as “the official whisky glass”, connoisseurs have utilised its nosing shape for other spirits and alcohol beverages such as vodka and sherry. The shape of the glass enhances the flavours and allows the aroma to expand.

Whisky Magazine illustrates the story perfectly, showing when the Glencairn Glass received the iconic title of “the official glass of whisky” as well as voted and designed by the world’s biggest master distillers read the full story here: https://whiskymag.com/story/a-glass-for-all-whisky

You can also read up on all things Glencairn Glass on: https://whiskyglass.com/

The wide crystal bowl allows for the fullest appreciation of the whisky’s colour. The tapering mouth of the glass captures and focuses the aroma on the nose. Its unique patented shape is the perfect form to admire the body of the whisky. It is designed to fit in the hand comfortably and allow your whisky to develop in the glass over time. For further info please check out www.whiskyglass.com

Many bars clean our glasses using a dishwasher yet some prefer to hand wash as they feel it effects the sensory experience.

Any etching on the glasses will fade over time so we would advise hand washing your glassware in this instance.

Every genuine Glencairn Glass has a ‘The Glencairn Glass’ stamp on its base. Due to design updates to these stamps over the years, some stamps may have different fonts depending on when they went into circulation. If you are still unsure of the authenticity of your Glencairn Glass, you can instant message our social channels or email us for assistance.

The Glencairn Glass is produced by our partners. All orders placed online are engraved and dispatched from our factory in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Glencairn Glass is considered the best for Scotch due to its unique design. Its wide crystal bowl allows for full appreciation of the whisky’s colour, and the tapering mouth captures and focuses the aroma on the nose. The shape is designed to fit comfortably in the hand and enhance the overall tasting experience.

Our Scotch glasses, like the Glencairn Glass, are crafted using a traditional, skilled hand craftsmanship process. This may result in slight variations, such as tiny air bubbles, hand tool marks, and slight asymmetries. Each glass is individually crafted to the highest standards, providing an exceptional experience in crystal appreciation.

Product Information


For most people there isn’t a huge difference in the taste between whisky served in crystal versus whisky served in glass.

But for some specific types of whisky, a sip from a crystal glass instead of a regular glass may give your mouth a different experience. Crystal can be made thinner than glass so, for whisky glasses that need a thin rim, it can virtually eliminate the edge of the lip of the glass that can sometimes get in the way of the flow of the drink against your tongue.

No, some products contain 24% lead (sometimes 30% lead in decanters). All items on the website will state whether or not they contain lead within their product specifications.

Yes, our in-house design and engraving team can personalise your order. However, only glassware with an engraving space can be engraved, therefore, full cut glassware cannot be engraved.

Unless stated in the product specification, our glassware is lead free.

Any decanters containing lead are all treated to prevent any effects of lead into the liquid and complies with all safety limits and standards.

These imperfections are the result of traditional, skilled hand craftsmanship, incomparable to mass automatic production. Each glass is individually crafted and as with all handmade pieces, they will vary slightly from piece to piece. No two can ever be identical and may reveal slight variations. Even by hand, all items are produced within tight tolerances and to the highest standards to provide an exceptional experience in crystal appreciation.

Examples of acceptable imperfections include:

  • Tiny air bubbles can be trapped during the glass gathering and are revealed during the blowing process
  • Hand tool marks
  • Crystal pattern and colour irregularities
  • Slightly asymmetrical form or variation in glass distribution

Only in extreme cases will we be able to offer a refund.

Orders & Delivery Information


You can find a list of the countries we ship to as well as the delivery charge on our Shipping/Returns information page here: https://glencairn.co.uk/shipping-terms/

Unfortunately, we are unable to ship to Russia as our couriers have suspended foreign shipments to individual customers due to stricter custom procedures.

Our shipping costs are set by the courier service we use; therefore, we do not have control over the price. This is a premium courier service which ensures our glasses are delivered safely and in a timely fashion. We do not offer alternative methods of shipment.

Our list of distributors and the country they operate in can be found here: https://whiskyglass.com/distributors/

We will access any proposals for distributions on a case-to-case basis, please email: [email protected]

Unless you are having an item decorated, we normally dispatch within 2–4 working days.

If you have asked for a bespoke engraving service, this will normally be dispatched within 10 working days. If you need your order for a specific date, please let us know in the Customer Notes box at the checkout. We will do our best to meet that date, provided that there is enough time for transit.

Our transit times vary, please refer to our Shipping and Returns information page: https://glencairn.co.uk/shipping-terms/

Sometimes unavoidable factors can delay a parcel. We do ask for your patience if this happens as you can be assured that we will do our best to resolve any issues. Once your order is on its way, we will provide you with a tracking reference so you can monitor your parcel’s progress.

It is possible to change or cancel your order as long as we have not dispatched the order or started the design & engraving process. Please get in touch with us to find out what is possible for you [email protected]

Yes, you can leave special instructions for delivery at checkout as well as a gift note if the product you are buying is for a gift. Both are optional.

Yes, you can send your order to another address other than your registered address – this is useful if you’re sending gifts directly to the recipient.

We use several trusted couriers, including DHL, UPS, DPD, and FedEx. We select the best option for your location, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and reliable delivery. You can find more details on our Shipping/Returns information page, including a list of countries we ship to and the associated delivery charges. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a tracking reference to monitor its progress.

Payment Information


We use Global payment system which accepts all major banks and credit cards which includes Maestro, American Express, Visa and Mastercard.

We are strongly committed to protecting your privacy and providing a safe and secure online experience. Measures are taken to ensure that your credit card and personal details are kept safe at all times.

Firstly, check you have entered the promotional code correctly. These are case sensitive and should not be followed by a space. Secondly, check here (link) to ensure the promotional code is still active. All codes will be time sensitive.

If your still having trouble – get in touch with our customer service team on +44 (0)1355 279717 or at [email protected]

Unfortunately, promotional codes cannot be applied after you have finalised your order. They can only be applied in the shopping cart screen at time of purchase.

Yes, you can purchase a gift card online, you can find the page here: https://glencairn.co.uk/product/gift-voucher/

Returns


If any product is delivered to you damaged, we will require an image of the goods before we can issue replacements. If there was an error on our part in dispatching your order or if the goods are faulty, your refund will be inclusive of delivery charges. Any errors related to artwork that has been approved will not be refundable.

We will only be able to refund or replace orders placed directly through Glencairn Crystal Studio Ltd or via www.glencairn.co.uk. Anything purchased out with falls under the responsibility of the retailer/reseller.

Cut Crystal is a handmade and hand cut each glass is individually crafted and as with all handmade pieces, they will vary slightly from piece to piece. No two can ever be identical and may reveal slight variations. Even by hand, all items are produced within tight tolerances and to the highest industry standards to provide an exceptional experience in crystal appreciation.

Any questions regarding returns please contact us here, call us on +44 (0)1355 279 717 or send an email to [email protected] with your order number, name, shipping address and your reason for returning.Our customer service team will direct you on the next stages from here. 

It is the customer’s responsibility to pay any return costs.

Please read the above regarding returns. We currently don’t provide exchanges but if you have a specific query regarding your order and an exchange, you can contact us at: [email protected] or +44 (0)1355 279 717.

Once your goods have been received by our team, please allow up to 10 working days for your refund to be processed back to your original method of payment.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer a refund or replacement of a Glencairn Glass or any other product unless it was purchased directly from us. We advise that you contact the seller you purchased the glass from in this instance.