Crystal Imagery

Charcuterie boards are all the rage these days; a significant part of these is cheese. Whether you want a snack with your whiskey or have friends over for hors d’oeuvres and want a whiskey to pair with the cheese on offer, certain cheeses work better with certain whiskies. Knowing which cheeses to set out when you want to pour Kilbeggan or Woodford Reserve into your custom whiskey glasses can make the difference between flavors that complement each other and a discordant flavor pairing. Here’s what you need to know about pairing cheeses and whiskeys.  Custom Whiskey Glasses Why Pair Cheese with Alcohol? One of the main reasons cheese pairs so well with alcohol is the fat in the cheese. It coats your palate, helping you feel the flavors of the alcohol without any of the bite. This is especially true of beverages with higher alcohol content. Meanwhile, the alcohol also cuts the fat on the cheese, letting you get a better taste of the cheese. Altogether, this means either the flavor...

It’s no secret that Japanese whisky has been skyrocketing in price over the years, but it seems that all whiskey is now following suit. It used to be that bourbon and rye were after-work drinks, but thanks to rising prices, you may only be filling your personalized whiskey glasses on more special occasions with the good stuff. What happened to whiskey, and why is it getting harder to find common whiskies at reasonable prices and good whiskies on the shelves at all? Personalized Whiskey Decanter Whiskey Got Popular Whiskey was once a working man’s drink. But it slowly became known as a more decadent drink as people realized it was so good. You, too, could feel like an ad man in the 1950s by pouring whiskey out of your personalized whiskey decanter . It was effortless and suddenly cool, thanks to the media. Posting a photo of yourself with a rare bottle became all the rage. Social media made it cool to drink whiskey again, and connoisseurs hunted bottles. Suddenly collectors wanted in ...

Women have been climbing the ranks of the whiskey industry for years now, but some are either making waves or have a long history that might interest you. You should know these women in whiskey, and you may soon be or are already filling your custom whiskey glasses with a rye, bourbon, or Scotch that they produced or consulted on.  Personalized Whiskey Decanter Molly Troupe Molly Troupe, the Master Distiller and a partner at Freeland Spirits, has a bachelor’s degree in both chemistry and a master’s in brewing and distilling. After working her way through several Oregon distilleries, she joined Freeland in Portland, one of the few distilleries in the world wholly owned by women. The smooth whiskey she and the Freeland team have distilled is well-reviewed as a smooth drink. Troupe is the youngest female Master Distiller in the country and is already making waves as someone to watch. Fawn Weaver and Victoria Eady Butler Entrepreneur and historian Fawn Weaver learned t...

New Year’s resolutions can be tricky things. It can often be hard to keep them. Do you want to travel or broaden your horizons, but putting that into practice is easier said than done? Instead, take a trip from your living room by trying whiskies from around the world. Markets such as India are blossoming, but it isn’t the only country breaking into the whiskey world. Here are a few international whiskies to pour into your personalized whiskey glasses to help transport you around the world without leaving the comfort of your home. Personalized Whiskey Glasses Ireland: Gold Spot Aged 9 Years Limited Edition Mitchell & Son’s “Spot” line is a whiskey lovers’ whiskey, but the Gold Spot Limited Edition brings a new nuance to the line. It starts in a blend of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before finishing in port and Bordeaux casks. It offers a light yet creamy mouthfeel and a mixture of tropical fruit salad with pepper, vanilla, and a hint of Nutella. This makes it sweet, spicy, and...

The holidays are here, and you might still be looking for a whiskey-related gift for the man in your life who is fond of bourbon, rye, Canadian, Japanese, Scotch, or other whiskies. There are plenty of items to choose from, such as custom whiskey glasses , ice molds, a smoking box, or books to make him better at crafting the perfect cocktail. Here are some ideas. Custom Whiskey Glasses Custom Whiskey Glasses One of the best gift ideas is a set of custom whiskey glasses. You can customize them with his name, initials, or a custom image. For genuinely unique glasses, find a brand that uses deep engraving to give depth and shadow to the glass. Otherwise, go with a UV laser instead of CO2, as the result is crisper. Custom whiskey glasses will make his daily sippers feel like they came from the top shelf. Glencairn Glasses There is a specific type of glass that distilleries use that helps channel the aroma of the whiskey. It’s perfect for tasting whiskey neat or with a few drops of wate...

The holidays might mean you add a little whiskey to your morning coffee. It might mean making a cocktail to get into the holiday spirit. But what about flavored whiskies? They are often looked down on, but if you are a student of whiskey, you might already know that flavored whiskies are excellent ways to add nuance and flavor to your fall and winter drinks. Here are a few worth pouring into your personalized whiskey glasses , either by themselves or as part of a cocktail.  Personalized Whiskey Glasses Bird Dog Maple Maple-flavored whiskies are some of the most popular types of flavored whiskies. They have graced many a personalized whiskey decanter . The buttery flavor profile of Bird Dog Maple comes from using real maple syrup. It’s perfect for creating a Boulevardier, which is essentially a Negroni using whiskey instead of gin. The maple flavor goes especially well with fall but still carries into the winter, making it an ideal liquor for the cold months. Knob Cree...

Thanksgiving is a time for family. It’s also a time for eating, and that means whiskey pairings. Whether you want to just have a themed whiskey in your custom whiskey glasses to last you the entire meal or you are looking to pair a whiskey with every side dish, knowing what works well together can help elevate your Thanksgiving dinner experience. Here’s what you need to know. Custom Whiskey Glasses Pair Turkey with Bourbon The most important pairing for most people is the turkey. You will want a bourbon in your personalized whiskey decanter to pair with your turkey. The roasted spices of the turkey go well with the vanilla notes and slight spice of bourbon. You might try expressions from Buffalo Trace, Bulleit, or Four Roses to complement the turkey. Complex Stuffing with Unpeated Scotch Stuffing offers quite a complex flavor profile. Because of this, you want an unpeated Scotch to pair with it. Unpeated Scotch lacks the smokiness of a typical Scotch, instead giving grainy and bar...

Many seasoned whiskey drinkers turn up their noses at the thought of flavored whiskeys. What’s the point of a peach-flavored whiskey? Many flavored whiskies are far too sweet, and the poor reputation has been rightfully earned. However, there is still a case for flavored whiskey. It may not be what you store in your personalized whiskey decanter , but it still might have a place in your home bar. Personalized Whiskey Glasses What Is Flavored Whiskey? Flavored whiskey must contain natural flavors but may contain sugar. Unlike liqueurs, flavored whiskey does not need to have sugar. The best-flavored whiskies don’t add excessive sweetness. Some sweetness, such as in maple or peanut butter whiskey, might be good. For the most part, though, you don’t want to try anything that can be saccharine-sweet. Some of the major brands, from Knob Creek to Jim Beam, put out flavored whiskies that are worth a try. What Whiskey Flavors Should You Try? The key is to find the right flavored whiskies to...

The whiskey world is not without its gimmicks. Filling your custom whiskey glasses with whiskies with interesting gimmicks can be a fun way to explore the odder side of whiskey. Some have aging methods that are out of the ordinary, while others use ingredients not immediately associated with whiskey. Here are some whiskies with interesting gimmicks you might want to try. Personalized Whiskey Decanter Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea—Maturing at Sea Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea is, unsurprisingly, aged in barrels out at sea. The thought is that the sloshing of the whiskey from the waves helps it develop more quickly than simply leaving the barrels in a warehouse. The motion of the waves is supposed to help the whiskey soak in and out of the barrel faster. Though once experimental, this expression is now a regular offer from Jefferson’s, making it fairly easy to find. Rogue Chipotle Whiskey—Jalapeno Peppers Chipotle peppers, dried and smoked jalapenos, are used in nearly every aspect ...

Why is it so expensive to fill up your personalized whiskey decanter with Japanese whisky? Since the 1980s, a few factors have added up that have resulted in the price increases in whisky, like Suntory’s Hibiki, Yamazaki, and Hakusha lines. What caused the perfect storm of circumstances to make the price shoot up? It starts with one of the oldest economic principles. Simple Supply and Demand The heart of the story of Japanese whisky’s prices is simple: supply and demand. Supply has dropped drastically while demand has only increased. There are quite a few reasons why it’s now harder to find Japanese whisky in your personalized whiskey glasses . It doesn’t help that Suntory discontinued both Hibiki 17 and Hakusha 12, two of their most famous expressions, in 2018. The price has increased, simply thanks to Japanese whisky’s rarity. Here are a few reasons why that has happened in America. Closing Distilleries Whisky was very popular in Japan until the 1980s. Then, the rice-based shoch...

Have you ever wondered how the weather affects your whiskey tastes? Before pouring your favorite whiskey into your custom whiskey glasses , consider how the climates of Tennessee and Scotland differ. What about whiskey from Arizona or India? If you are looking for certain factors in your whiskeys, such as a sweeter whiskey or higher proof, it can help to understand how the aging climates affect the final whiskeys. Custom Whiskey Glasses How Climate Matters Consider that Glasgow, Scotland, has a moderate range of temperatures. Compared to the United States, Glasgow has far fewer temperature swings and high humidity. Areas like Tennessee and India see much higher temperatures. Scotch in Glasgow, put in used barrels, can age much longer than in hotter climates. It’s not dissimilar to roasting meat low and slow instead of intense heat on the barbecue. Higher temperatures create a stronger reaction between the whiskey and the wood. Warmer Climates Mean Sweeter Whiskey In general, whiski...

When you break out your personalized whiskey glasses , you’re probably looking forward to a nice drink. But are you making mistakes when you drink your whiskey? From not adding water to using a highball glass when you’re drinking an old fashioned, you might be making plenty of mistakes. Avoiding these is key to enjoying your favorite whiskey to the fullest. Here are some of the mistakes to watch out for. Personalized Whiskey Glasses Not Adding Water Are you drinking your whiskey straight? You’re missing out on potential flavor. A few drops of water opens up the whiskey, bringing out more flavors and taking a bit of the alcohol bite away. Too much water can dilute the whiskey, however, muddling the flavors. Some pipettes are specifically designed to have the right amount of water for whiskey. It’s often just a few drops. You can also use whiskey stones instead of ice to add the perfect amount of water while keeping your whiskey cold with the stones. Not Trying Other Whiskies Much li...

Whether you’re drinking scotch or want to get the full connoisseurial experience of tasting whiskeys, you want a Glencairn glass. Similar to a snifter glass but meant solely for whiskey, the Glencairn glass is what experienced whiskey distillers use. Every whiskey lover should have Glencairn glasses in their home bar. Glencairns come in many varieties, yet there is a standard form. From getting custom whiskey glasses to determining if they are the right shape and fit for your hand, here is what you need to look for in the perfect Glencairn glass for you. Custom Whiskey Glasses Customization First, you want a custom whiskey glass that has been personalized to you. After all, chances are good you’re the one who will use the Glencairn the most. Make sure you can get your Glencairn glass deeply engraved for a unique look. Deep engraving creates a shadow in the glass and gives the glass a raised, 3D relief. If you’re on a budget or looking to buy in larger quantities, consider UV laser e...

Whether it’s for a backyard barbecue party or a barbecue for one, you might want to pair a whiskey with your meal. Some whiskies are great as part of your barbecue sauce or marinade, while others are better sipped out of your personalized whiskey glasses while enjoying your meal. Here are some whiskies you should consider breaking out next time you want to impress guests at your summer barbecue party. Personalized Whiskey Glasses Woodford Reserve True to its name, Woodford Reserve offers wood, fruit, floral, and spice flavors. This makes it perfect for barbecues, especially if you have a pit-smoking setup. Pit smoking can impart oak and mild smoked flavors to your barbecue. Pit-smoked pork and a glass of Woodford Reserve bourbon is an unforgettable match. Woodford Reserve Double Oak offers spiciness and a little heat, with vanilla and smoky oak undertones. Combine it with oak smoked brisket, and you get a sweet, velvety mouthfeel. Bardstown Fusion No. 5 The toasty caramels and swee...

Irish whiskey is making a comeback. While Scotch may have deep, complex flavors, you may want to fill your custom whiskey glasses with something different for the summer. With more distilleries making a wide variety of Irish whiskey, it may be time to try new options that aren’t from Japan, Scotland, or Tennessee. Here’s everything you need to know about Irish whiskey. Custom Whiskey Glasses Irish Whiskey Reigned in the 19th Century In the 19th Century, Ireland’s distilleries were hard to beat. In fact, they made up more than half of all whiskey sales in the US. But as times changed and technology advanced, the Irish distilleries couldn’t keep up. Prohibition hit the US, and exports dropped. There was a trade war with the UK. Seeing an opening, the Scottish distilleries increased global exports, further establishing Scotch in the collective mind of true connoisseurs. While there were at least 28 distilleries in the 1890s, it dropped to only two by 1966—Bushmills and Old Midleton. It ...

There are plenty of celebrities who have endorsed or own whiskey labels. Some collaborations stand out, and some fall flat. Which are worth pouring into your personalized whiskey glasses ? This list of whiskies highlights some of the more highly regarded options among celebrity-backed whiskies. Here are six options worth trying. Personalized Whiskey Glasses Sweetens Cove Bourbon — Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick Many celebrity-backed spirits leave something to be desired. They may be bottled at meager proofs or have sweeteners and flavorings added to appeal to those who aren’t typical whiskey drinkers. Sweetens Cove, from famous quarterback Peyton Manning and tennis star Andy Roddick, is for true whiskey connoisseurs. While some regard it as overpriced, this limited offering has three cask-strength Tennessee bourbons blended by bourbon industry star Marianne Eaves. Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Guinness Cask Finish — Nick Offerman If there is any celebrity who knows whiskey, it’s Nic...

With summer in full swing, you might already be planning a cookout or backyard barbecue. The question is, what should you be pouring into your custom whiskey glasses to drink with your summer dinners? From smoked meat to seafood, cheese to fruits, there are pairings you can try on your back patio to help take your meals to the next level. Here’s everything you need to know. How to Match Styles First, you need to know how to match styles of food and whiskey together. This is relatively similar to pairing wine with food. Sweeter whiskeys go better with spicy fair, for example. A smooth, aged bourbon is better for lean grilled beef, while a peaty Scotch goes well with the bold smokiness of dry-aged beef or duck. Fresh stone fruits such as peaches or apricots are perfect for adding sweetness to your whiskey. Your main goal is achieving that perfect culinary balance. Highballs or Whiskey Sours for Lighter Fare For lighter fare and starter courses, choose a light whiskey d...

It’s nearly summer, which means it’s the perfect time to ensure your home bar has what you need for cold drinks on your back porch. With the right customized options, you can always have an enjoyable appearance, no matter your drink of choice. From personalized whiskey glasses to a crystal ice bucket, here are some of the items you should have in your home bar this summer.  Personalized Whiskey Glasses A Boston Shaker for Cooling Cocktails First, you will need something to shake your cocktails in. Most mixologists and bartenders will use a Boston shaker. It creates a seal to hold in the cocktail as you shake it. It doesn’t have a strainer on the end, but this opens up your ability to use a Hawthorne strainer or a fine mesh strainer. Boston shakers either have two metal tins or one metal and one glass. The glass option lets guests see the ice and cocktail as you shake it. A Crystal Ice Bucket to Hold Ice You might also want to add ice to some cocktails to keep them c...