What roles do the narrowing rim and the lid of the whiskey tasting glass serve?

The first things that catch your eye about the Kimura Glass whiskey tasting glass are the slender, narrowing rim and the dedicated lid placed on top. The rim, meaning the opening of the glass, features a tulip shape that narrows toward the top, and below the bowl extends a pillar-shaped stem that can be held with your hand^[1]. Generally, when tasting whiskey, the shape where the glass opening narrows reduces the harsh sting of alcohol and gathers the diverse aromas rising from the spirit to deliver them fully to the nose. In addition, being able to hold the stem at the bottom with your hand prevents body heat from directly touching the bowl and changing the whiskey's temperature.

The lid included in the set has a knob on top, making it easy to open and close over the glass^[2]. The glass measures 4.6cm in diameter and 13.4cm in height, and the lid measures 5.3cm in diameter and 4.2cm in height, fitting properly over the top of the glass^[3]. When the glass is covered with the lid, delicate aromas that easily volatilize into the air stay inside the glass without dissipating. Keeping the lid on when pausing the tasting or before taking the next sip allows you to preserve the whiskey's original aromas and flavors for a long time.