Not sure if I should get The Flare or not

[Abouna]

My wife has asked me for gift suggestions. I was about to tell her I'd like a set of the Flare glasses from Spirit Sippers but I'm just not sure.

The reviews are mostly positive. My main concern however is that I prefer my rum and brandy both straight and warmed. I realize that most people say the snifter isn't best for rum but is there something I could get away with using for rum, brandy and perhaps tequila (I prefer silvers but might venture into some anejo or reposado).

The Flare looks great but doesn't have much in the way of warming area.

[Michael]

Spirit Sippers have a holiday special until the 30th on their:

Essential Tasters Set
(http://spiritsippers.com/)

One of each of their tasting glasses (http://spiritsippers.com/TheGlasses.html) at a bargain rate.

We got a couple of sets so that we can taste a nice variety. It includes a diminutive bourbon "snifter" which can double for brandy or warming other spirits. The set includes a Flare, so you can see how it works for you before getting a set.

We've been well pleased with each type. The only minor change which I'd recommend is using the foot of the "Glencairn" on the Flare, but the Flare is still great.

[Abouna]

You know, I had discounted the set because I didn't think I'd get enough use out of it, plus it eliminates others from having the same glass. But this is a good deal and I think I would appreciate the different choices.


Spirit Sippers have a holiday special until the 30th on their:

Essential Tasters Set
(http://spiritsippers.com/)

One of each of their tasting glasses (http://spiritsippers.com/TheGlasses.html) at a bargain rate.

We got a couple of sets so that we can taste a nice variety. It includes a diminutive bourbon "snifter" which can double for brandy or warming other spirits. The set includes a Flare, so you can see how it works for you before getting a set.

We've been well pleased with each type. The only minor change which I'd recommend is using the foot of the "Glencairn" on the Flare, but the Flare is still great.

[Carbon]

I was on the fence about their stuff as well, but with the holiday sale it sealed the deal for me. I bought a whole set of the four different glasses and I'm plenty satisfied for the price.

[Hank Koestner]

I would recommend the set of glasses. You will find that they all work well.

[rumdog007]

I just bought ANOTHER set! Great glasses. Got my first set as a gift after I was asked to review the Flare. I use it every night.

[jrl915]

Does anyone know where I can find a set of the Flare glasses now the retailer has closed shop?

[Cane/Able]

I have the same question. Late on the scene here, I would love to have the Flare. If only I paid more attention earlier, I might have access to this glass.

If the Spirit Sippers Flare is available, where can one get one, and if not, what would now be the rum glass of choice? In other words, if everyone who loved their Flares had to replace it, what would they get?

[jrl915]

Cane/Able, I have not found a Flare, but I have found some possibilities. I have the Glencairn Whisky glass pictured below, and a lot of people like it. I believe I get less nose with this glass:

288

I do like the ISO wine tasting glass, however. It holds about 7 oz. and offers a good nose. It's the smaller one in the below photo.

289

You might also try the Celtic Malts Single Malt glass:

290

or the Reidel Sommelier Cognac Hennessy glass:

291

I have not tried the last two. The Celtic Malts glass is reasonably priced, but the Reidel is about $50.

Finally, I have a double old fashioned glass that curves in as you go up, so that the opening is about a half-inch or more narrower than the base, and it works pretty well. (no photo).

Hope the above helps. I'm sure many others will have additional suggestions.

[Edward Hamilton]

When I'm tasting rums with a lot of flavor, I like to use a glass with a wider mouth than most of those above. The wider mouth also spreads the liquid across more of your tongue than, for example, the wine glasses above. I'm sorry to see spirit sippers out of stock and out of business.

[Cane/Able]

Hope the above helps. I'm sure many others will have additional suggestions.

Thanks for the input and the photos.

I guess trial and error will be the best way for me to go, though I think that on my budget, $50 is more error. I have a cheap glass now that has most certainly not hindered my enjoyment of rum. ;)

Just seeing if I can "next-level" it by getting some assistance in refining my tasting abilities and the Flare seemed to be quite good.

Anyone getting rid of theirs?

[jrl915]

You're welcome. The Glencairn costs about $8 and the ISO wine taster costs about $3. I can't justify $50 on a glass, but some knowledgeable members swear by the Reidel. I'd say my favorites are the double old fashioned I mentioned and the wine taster. Others prefer a snifter. Still others use different glasses depending on the characteristics of the particular rum.