Two Expressions of the Original Norlan Whisky Glass
CLEAR
VAILD (Black)
Same Patented Design. Two Distinct Experiences.
The Original Norlan Whisky Glass is available in two distinctive finishes, each crafted around the same patented double-walled design that enhances aroma, softens ethanol burn, and elevates every whisky ritual.
The Clear edition showcases the natural colour and clarity of your whisky, while the VAILD Black edition removes visual bias to sharpen your focus on aroma and flavour. Whether you prefer bourbon, Scotch, rye, or Japanese whisky, both deliver the award-winning Norlan experience.
WHAT MAKES THE NORLAN WHISKY GLASS SO DISTINCT?
MODERN WHISKY GLASS DESIGN WITH FORM + FUNCTION
An eye-catching hybrid vessel that combines a high-performance nosing capsule, silhouetted within a striking modern tumbler.
AMPLIFY THE GOLDEN HUES OF YOUR WHISKY
A clear rim that magnifies the amber tones within, offering a new dimension of appreciation for color and clarity.
NOSING FORM REFINED WITH A MASTER-DISTILLER
A nosing capsule engineered through fluid dynamics, refined by a master distiller, and enhanced with aeration fins to eliminate ethanol burn and unlock aroma like no other glass.
UNLOCK THE FULL FLAVOR IN YOUR WHISKY
Complex flavor compounds and aromatics are released revealing nuanced aromas and flavors in your spirit.
Norlan Whisky Glass VAILD (BLACK) EDITION
Exploiting the double-walled properties, our blind nosing whisky glass features an awesome surprise. When exposed to light, the whisky appears to glow from within the vessel.
Special protrusion forms inside our tasting glass create wave-like movements in the liquid when it is swirled within the bowl. This helps to release the ethanol within the spirit, allowing the scents to become more present when nosing, which in turn improves the flavor when drinking.
ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER GLASSES
COPITAS
Tulip shaped nosing glasses, with their narrowed rim, often concentrate the shape of the vapor in such a way that they tightly focus it, causing the ethanol to punch into the eyes and nose, and concealing the aromas.
TUMBLERS
A cool social glass, the wide opening of a tumbler (or rocks glass) diffuses the aromas of the spirit too widely, fading and flattening them out. This results in a diminished nosing and tasting experience.
HOW TO USE OUR WHISKEY GLASS
Think of the Norlan Whisky Glass as a finely calibrated tool, designed to get the most out of your whiskey and give you an unrivaled drinking experience. While there’s no one way to enjoy whiskey, this vessel was developed as a neat glass, meaning the spirit should be tasted without the addition of ice cubes. The primary reason for this is that ice will cool the fluid and diminish the presence of aromas. (For whisky on the rocks, we've got the perfect tumbler).
This is a compact scotch glass, but by no means diminutive. Its size is based on providing the optimal space for a traditional pour to be swirled within the inner volume. This is anywhere from 0.7 to 1.4 ounces of spirit. Pour no higher than the top of the inner protrusions and you’ll get the most out of your dram.
After pouring the real fun begins. To get those myriad aroma molecules unlocked, you'll want to give your glass a good swirl to get the whiskey moving inside. From there, you can smell and taste your pour as you see fit. We won't drill down into the details of "proper" nosing and tasting here, but chiefly, we recommend you take your time and savor every sip of that liquid gold.
Compare Norlan Drinkware to Find Your Perfect Whisky Glass
Compare Norlan's award-winning whisky glasses, heavy tumblers, steel tumblers, and drinkware to discover the right glass for neat pours, bourbon, Scotch, rye, Japanese whisky, and crafted cocktails.
The Norlan Whisky Glass isn't just a highly functional double-walled nosing glass, it's also a gateway to other dimensions. Our glass has had a role in such renowned sci-fi and fantasy series as The Orville, Altered Carbon, The Sandman, and Star Trek: Picard.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does the shape of a whiskey glass matter?
Absolutely. The shape of a whisky glass directly affects how aroma concentrates, how ethanol is diffused, and how flavor is perceived. Tulip-shaped designs—like the Norlan Whisky Glass—channel aroma toward the nose while softening alcohol burn, allowing for a more nuanced tasting experience. It’s why professionals use specialized glasses, and why Norlan engineered ours with intention.
How does the Norlan Whisky Glass compare to the Glencairn Glass?
Both glasses are designed to enhance aroma and flavor, but the Norlan Whisky Glass offers several modern advantages. Unlike the single-walled Glencairn, Norlan features a double-walled construction for insulation and a nosing capsule that softens ethanol intensity while concentrating aroma. The result is a sleeker silhouette, a cooler hand-feel, and a more immersive experience—especially for neat whisky.
What makes this the original double-walled whiskey glass?
The Norlan Whisky Glass was the first double-walled glass specifically created for whisky tasting. Introduced in 2015 through a record-breaking Kickstarter, it combined modern design with sensory science—using inner fins and a nosing capsule to enhance aroma and flavor while maintaining ideal temperature and hand comfort. Others have followed, but Norlan remains the original.
Will the Norlan Whisky Glass enhance the aroma compared to standard tumblers?
Yes — thanks to its tulip-inspired shape and built-in nosing capsule, the Norlan Whisky Glass concentrates aromas in a way that standard rocks or tumbler glasses do not, similar to why tasting-glass formats outperform broader tumblers.
What makes the Norlan Whisky Glass different from a traditional old‑fashioned glass?
Unlike traditional old‑fashioned or rocks glasses—with their wide rims and thick bases—the Norlan Whisky Glass features a narrower opening and internal nosing capsule. This structure is specifically engineered to channel aroma to the nose and diffuse ethanol burn, elevating the tasting experience.
How do I properly clean and maintain my Norlan Whisky Glass?
We recommend a gentle hand wash with warm water and mild detergent, followed by wiping with the microfiber cloth provided. Avoid sudden temperature changes (like freezer to hot water) to prevent thermal shock and preserve clarity.
Can I use ice or whisky stones with the Norlan Whisky Glass?
The Norlan Whisky Glass was designed to improve the aroma and taste of whisky enjoyed neat. We do not recommend using ice or whisky stones in the glass and caution that they can cause harm to the glass.
Can the Norlan Whisky Glass be stored in the freezer?
We do not recommend storing the glass in the freezer because of the risk of thermal shock.
Please also note that the glass should not be placed in a microwave or oven.
Can I order one Clear and one Black Norlan Whisky Glass in a set?
Absolutely! The glasses are sold as single units so you an mix and match to create the ultimate home bar.
Is the Norlan Whisky Glass dishwasher safe?
We recommend you always hand wash and dry your glasses with a non-abrasive cloth to ensure their longevity.
Can the Norlan Whisky Glass be engraved?
While we do not offer engraving services, any engraving specialist should be more than happy to work on these glasses.
Note: The black edition of the Norlan Whisky Glass is coated in a matte black lacquer. Engraving the exterior will remove this finish.
Does the Norlan Whisky Glass have a gold rim?
No. That color you see on the rim is the brilliant whisky contained within. It's a great effect.
Is the inside of the Norlan Whisky Glass VAILD (Black Edition) coated in gold?
The inside of the black edition is clear borosilicate glass. The shimmering gold is the result of light becoming trapped within the blackened walls of the glass and refracting through the whisky.
Is the Norlan Whisky Glass Black Edition identical to the original?
The VAILD (Black) edition of the Norlan Whisky Glass has a sllightly difference surface than the original. If you are ordering to match your original set of glasses, kindly note that there will be a very minor difference in tone and feel.
Can the Norlan Whisky Glass be used for other spirits?
While the Norlan Whisky Glass was developed for the appreciation of whisky, we’ve found that it performs equally well for any spirit containing a high ABV where nosing is an important aspect of the drinking experience.
How is the Norlan Whisky Glass packaged?
The Norlan Whisky Glass is sold individually and comes packed in a luxurious black cardboard box with printed sleeve. A microfiber polishing cloth is also included.
