Riedel designed this glass specifically for brandy, cognac, and Armagnac, but it works beautifully with any aged spirit that benefits from gentle warming and aeration. This includes aged rum, aged whisky, and other barrel-aged spirits. The balloon shape manages high alcohol content whilst showcasing complex aromatics developed through ageing. The wide bowl and narrow opening create the ideal environment for spirits that reward contemplative sipping.

The set of 2 suits couples or those starting their collection. The set of 4 provides better value per glass and covers most small gatherings or after-dinner service. The set of 6 ensures you have enough for larger dinner parties without mixing glass styles, plus spares if breakages occur. The set of 8 offers the best per-glass value and is ideal if you regularly serve spirits or want to build a complete barware collection. Consider how often you serve brandy or aged spirits – the 4-pack offers a good balance between value and versatility for most households.

The balloon shape serves multiple purposes: the wide bowl provides surface area for aerating the spirit and releasing complex aromatics, whilst the narrow opening concentrates these aromas towards your nose. The shape also allows you to cradle the glass in your hand, using gentle body heat to warm the spirit slightly and encourage volatile compounds to develop. This traditional design has evolved over centuries specifically for spirits like brandy that benefit from controlled warming and aeration.

No – brandy glasses traditionally have generous capacities despite small serving sizes (typically 25-50ml). The large bowl provides substantial headspace essential for swirling and aerating the spirit. This allows you to warm the brandy gently in your hand whilst the aromatics develop and concentrate towards the opening. A proper brandy serve should only fill the widest part of the bowl, leaving plenty of room above for the spirit's bouquet to develop.

Yes, Riedel Vinum glasses are dishwasher safe when used on a gentle cycle at maximum 55°C. Space glasses so they don't touch during the cycle, and avoid lemon-scented or highly abrasive detergents which can cloud crystal over time. Many customers choose to handwash these glasses to preserve their pristine clarity for years to come.

Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses typically takes 3-5 working days. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. We pack all glassware carefully with protective packaging to ensure safe arrival.

We offer a no quibble return guarantee that allows you to return goods even after use. The items must be in a resaleable condition and in their original packaging. Please wrap or box items appropriately for transit to avoid damage to goods or boxes.

If you accidentally break a glass within 2 years of purchase, we'll replace it at half the current retail price. You'll need proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, or order confirmation if purchased online) and evidence of the breakage (a photo is fine). We log your purchase at point of sale, or online orders are automatically recorded in our system. This applies whether you purchased a set of 2, 4, 6, or 8.

Riedel typically prices larger sets to offer better value per glass. The exact pricing is shown when you select your preferred variant. If you know you'll need multiple glasses for entertaining or regularly serve aged spirits, the 4-pack, 6-pack, or 8-pack typically provides cost savings compared to buying multiple sets of 2.

Yes, these glasses work beautifully with aged whisky, particularly styles that benefit from gentle warming and aeration like single malts and aged bourbons. The balloon shape manages alcohol whilst showcasing the complex aromatics developed through barrel ageing. However, if you primarily drink whisky, you might also consider dedicated whisky glasses which are designed specifically for that spirit's characteristics.

A traditional brandy serve is 25-50ml, which should fill only the widest part of the bowl. This leaves substantial headspace above the liquid for aromatics to develop and concentrate. Pour less rather than more – brandy is meant to be savoured slowly, and the generous bowl size allows you to warm it gently in your hand whilst swirling to release complex flavours.

Riedel Vinum glasses are dishwasher safe, but regular machine washing can gradually reduce clarity compared to handwashing. Use a gentle cycle, avoid harsh detergents, and ensure glasses don't touch during washing. Many customers alternate between dishwasher and handwashing to balance convenience with longevity.

Authentic Riedel glasses typically feature subtle branding etched into the base. The Vinum collection glasses carry the Riedel mark, confirming authenticity. All glasses purchased from The Riedel Shop are genuine Riedel products sourced directly from the factory.

Riedel Vinum Brandy glasses are sold in sets of 2, 4, 6, or 8. For replacement of broken glasses, our Half-Price Replacement guarantee provides the most cost-effective solution within 2 years of purchase. Contact us directly to discuss your specific needs.

Riedel Vinum glasses come in Riedel's standard packaging, which is suitable for gifting.