FOUNDING STORY
Norlan is an international brand focused on elevating the whisky drinking experience through design, science, and ritual.
Our first product, the Norlan Whisky Glass, was successfully funded on Kickstarter in December 2015, exceeding our initial funding goal by 1,000%.
Read on below for some highlights from our first ten years.
The Norlan Journey
DECEMBER, 2014
Whisky glass workshop
In late 2014, armed with a dream, a 3D printer, and a cameraman, our intrepid designer, Sruli Recht, travelled to Bruichladdich on the Isle of Islay. Here, with the help of master distiller Jim McEwan, he refined and finalized the inner form of what would become the Norlan Whisky Glass.
FALL 2015
Kickstarter launch
Norlan launches the Kickstarter campaign for the Norlan Whisky Glass in October, 2015. The campaign goes on to raise over $800k, becoming the most successfully funded drinking glass campaign at the time.
SUMMER 2016
Production of the Norlan Whisky Glass
The very first production of our now iconic nosing glass is completed and we begin shipping to Kickstarter backers and new customers.
Norlan begins toying with adequate descriptors and settles on "The original double-walled whisky glass."
FALL 2017
A double-walled blind tasting glass
For the first new colorway of the Norlan Whisky Glass, we release a first-of-its-kind blind tasting glass that both conceals and reveals. Due to the double-walled structure of the glass, applying a matte black lacquer to the outside creates a surprising effect whereby the whisky contained inside becomes illuminated when capturing ambient light.
FALL 2018
A game-changing whisky tumbler
With the launch of the Rauk Heavy Tumbler, we introduce an evolution of the classic old fashioned glass. A modern crystal tumbler for those seeking some heft in their pour. The tumbler would go on to win the renowned iF Design Award.
SPRING 2019
A highball whisky glass, Norlan-style
Following our plan to create the best glass for every way one might enjoy whisky, inspired by the Japanese tradition of mizuwari, we launch our second pressed glass. The Vawe Highball Glass.
FALL 2019
Decanters for the whisky ritual
In late 2019 we release not one, but two decanters for the presentation and dispensation of one's favorite spirit. The Raif Whisky Decanter was conceived by Norlan designer Sruli Recht as a towering sentinel, while the Nyht Whisky Decanter was developed for moments of personal whisky enjoyment, where more than a single serving might be called for.
2022
The world's first outdoor tasting glass
In 2022 we realized our dream of adapting the Norlan Whisky Glass for the outdoors. Over a year of prototyping was required to perfect the finish and ensure the design of our flagship product could be faithfully reproduced in double-walled stainless steel. The Norlan Steel Tumbler was born.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
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SRULI RECHT
DESIGNERSruli Recht is an Icelandic designer internationally recognized for his innovative and narrative driven work, seamlessly blending advanced digital craft and new experimental- technologies. Not easily classified, his works span fashion design, neo-tailoring, and industrial design, film costume and fine art, and are produced from diverse materials.
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SHANE BAHNG
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERShane Bahng has been engaged in design retail and distribution for over fifteen years. He has filled roles as retail director for the former New York design emporium Moss; managing retail director of the Italian furniture brand Giorgetti Inc.; and director of global retail development and operations for the esteemed Swedish luxury brand Hästens.
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BRIAN FICHTNER
Whisky enthusiastBrian Fichtner has been working in design retail for over fifteen years. He has filled roles as sales director for the former New York design emporium Moss; product manager for the Cooper-Hewitt Shop, Smithsonian National Design Museum; and retail director for the renowned cultural brand and independent music label Ghostly International.
