Frequently Asked Questions

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What countries do you ship to?

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.

Why is the shipping cost so high?

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.

Do you have any local distributors?

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]

What are the lead times for ordering glassware?

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.

Can I change or cancel my order after it has been placed?

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]

Can I leave special instructions for my online order?

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.

Can I send an order to another address?

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.

Payments

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What payment options do I have for my online order?

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

How secure is my credit card and personal information?

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.

The promotional code is not working. What should I do?

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]

I forgot to add a promo code to my order. Can it still be applied?

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.

Can I purchase a gift card online?

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

Returns

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What is the returns policy for my online order?

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.

How do I return my online order?

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.

How do I exchange my online order?

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.

How long will it take for my refund to be processed?

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.

Can I return a Glencairn Glass I bought on Amazon or from another seller?

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.

Product Information

Glencairn Questions

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Can the Glencairn be used for other drinks than whisky?

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.

What makes the Glencairn glass the official glass for whisky?

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/

What are the benefits of a Glencairn Glass?

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

Is The Glencairn Glass Dishwasher Safe?

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.

How do I know if my Glencairn Glass is authentic?

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.

Is the Glencairn Glass made in Scotland?

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

General

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Does crystal glass make a difference in the drink?

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.

Are all your products lead free crystal?

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.

Can I get my order engraved?

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.

Does the crystal contain lead?

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. 

My glass has bubbles in it, is that normal?

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.

Glencairn Decanters and Premium Packaging

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Will lead from my decanter leach into my whisky?

Any decanters containing lead are all treated to prevent any lead being in contact with the liquid and complies with all safety limits and standards.

Should you decant your whisky?

There is no degradation in your whisky being in a decanter, however the seal is not as strong as a cork, so can evaporate more quickly once opened.

What are whisky decanters and why do they matter?

Decanters are traditionally the premium way to serve whisky. In days gone by, whisky was ‘decanted’ into the whisky decanter before it was served to guests.  This was in the days before malt whisky interests. It was all about the presentation and the serve. Having your regular favourite in a decanter will always add a special finish to the experience.

What is the premium packing service that Glencairn provide?

For over 40 years, Glencairn has designed and developed special packaging for customers. From special, personalised presentation sets to present to clients and friends, to Custom made decanters with special decoration and metal adornments for the rarest drinks products, Glencairn has a wealth of experience in designing glassware, decanters, containers and packaging.

Why should I choose Glencairn to design my bottle?

Glencairn has a full design service with an experienced team who can manage the whole project or work with the clients designers to execute a product quickly and effectively, with the comfort that we will work to engineer the design to meet all of the technical requirements as well as the aesthetic design needs to be a success.

How many brands has Glencairn collaborated with since the beginning?

You will find a selection of projects we have worked on here: https://glencairn.co.uk/our-work-premium-packaging/

How long will whisky last after being opened?

There is debate over the effects of an open bottle of whisky or exposed to air or environment in any way. There are suggestions of weakening of flavour or loss of alcohol content. However, there is no consistent view on this story.

Is there an MOQ on bespoke bottles or decanters?

It varies between project, but generally a minimum run of 200 pieces is required, which is the minimum number of pieces produced in a shift.

What is the difference between a decanter and bottle?

It is an aesthetic interpretation. A bottle is easily identified as a traditional bottle look, generally tall and round with features at the rim to allow filling handling, label protection and generally narrow bored for use with standardised small corks. A decanter is all about aesthetics and more elaborate shapes and styles, oversized necks and with the use of a stopper that locates, glass touching glass to make an airtight seal, rather than a cork.

How long does it take to create a custom decanter shape?

It can take from 1 year on average. It really depends on the execution of the final design which allows us to go into mould production. Some projects can take years to develop.

I have a bottling date booked with a tight timeframe; can I get decanters made for this date?

For tight time schedules a good success for everyone is to use an existing shape as a base for your design. Glencairn have a huge success in creating ‘unique’ identities from either an existing shape that is generic enough to be a blank canvas for your brand or finding an unused design for years that can be adapted for you.

What is the difference between Premium Decanters and Ultra-Premium decanters?

These terms were borne out of the market place where drinks companies struggled with the new luxury market being created for spirits. Premium decanters are generally those spirits that whilst very expensive (retailing over £1000) were distinct from ultra-rare and one-off exclusive releases, such as the oldest whiskies, rums and ports etc., where the investment in every component was a budget busting. This created a category to match which is affectionately referred to Ultra -Premium.