✨ Bennuaine /// Hand-Blown European Titanium Crystal Stemware

[CFu]

@ToddFrench

First the Russell’s Reserve - the Glencairn gave off nothing but ethanol, that’s literally it. Bennuaine gave off a bunch of cinnamon, slate/stone, caramel,bit of sweet toasty oak - more of a nose than I’d ever had in a Russell’s Reserve. Added a few drops of water as well after initial sniff, as I always do with high proof whiskey. (Not a whiskey known for its complex nose, and at 110 proof, needs some water) The lip definitely takes some getting used to, but it seems to deliver a smoother/silkier mouthfeel on the whiskey - actually, quite clearly so, which is interesting.

Pulteney ‘Hunter Laing Old and Rare’ 18 year Scotch - the Glencairn is giving me a bit of salty peat, some ocean spray, but ethanol if I swirl it - nose is sharp, biting. The Bennuaine is an entirely different monster - oyster shell, sweet frosting, peat is much lighter but more floral, rotting wood/forest floor/moss - really love the florals on this. Another soft delivery from this glass - the finish sharpens pretty noticeably, making me think that the glass literally improves the whiskey, as nose to initial hit on palate is complex, soft, and rewarding, then the high ABV kicks in a bit until the finish where the complexity again emerges.

my experience from lighter whiskey to barrel proof bourbon, the glass really tones down the ethanol notes which is pretty incredible.

[MChang]

Yeah with brandy too; we were drinking 52-58% brandy and the alcohol was mostly not obtrusive.

[BryanG]

@ToddFrench

more of a nose than I’d ever had in a Russell’s Reserve

That 13 Year Russell’s is quite lovely! Not as oaked as you’d think for the age, which I personally prefer. So happy you enjoyed the glass!

@Dav3_Dyr0ff

test them on a dram of Sarah’s “Rites of Passage” 17 yo Williamson

The perfect type of fragrant pour for Bennuaine crystal!