The Finn: A Revolution in Whiskey Glass Design

Designed by Tiago Russo and Katia Martins, The Finn Glass Transforms the Whiskey Tasting Experience

The Finn glass was conceived with the aim of elevating the nosing and tasting experience to match the complex flavour profiles of whiskey. The designers spent eighteen months on scientific research, resulting in a stemmed glass that absorbs ethanol through its soda-lime glass properties and enhances nosing and flavours through its unique shaping.

The design of the glassware plays on gravity and geometry. A conical shaped depression at the base of the glass controls the flow of the whiskey, while the bulb design creates a chamber and more wall space for the ethanol vapour to be transferred to. A thick base allows a comfortable grip without heating the liquid.

The glassware's design was focused on removing the ethanol vapour that hinders the tasting experience. By lessening the effect of the ethanol, the whiskey drinker can appreciate the full complexity of flavour and layers of taste generally masked by the vapour.

Soda-lime glass was chosen as the main material for its amorphous molecular structure, which allows it to absorb the ethanol, leaving less vapour for the nose. The profile of the glass itself was built around this capability, by creating curvatures that promote a liquid flow that facilitates ethanol absorption.

Once the liquid hits the bottom of the glass in its Vortex Point, a swirl is created, spinning the ethanol down to the base and out to the sides of the glass where the vapour can be absorbed into the walls. The bulb arches in-and-out in a chicane-like curve, slowing the movement of the ethanol and allowing the glass time to absorb more of the vapour as it makes its way towards the nose.

The Finn glass was developed over 18 months and prototyped in several iterations to achieve the perfect shaping, design, ergonomics, and performance. The result is a product that not only revolutionises the whiskey market but also alters the perception of the spirit to its core. The Finn was awarded Silver in A' Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Award in 2023, a testament to its innovative design and craftsmanship.