Best in glass: Glencairn Crystal
Glencairn Crystal continues to set the standard for world-class crystal glassware and decanter design.
Celebrating more than four decades in business, Scotland’s Glencairn Crystal continues to set the benchmark for decanter and glassware design. The family-owned crystal glassware specialist, founded by Raymond Davidson in 1981, has been recognised with an industry award this year, reinforcing its standing as a world leader in ultra-premium spirits containers, as well as a pioneer in the decoration and application of metalware on glass and crystal. In May, the company was awarded The King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, marking the fourth time it has picked up a royal award for Enterprise; following wins in 2006 for innovation, and in 2012 and 2017 for international trade.
Then in July, this accolade was followed with a shortlisting as a finalist for the Department for Business and Trade Exporter of the Year Award at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2025, the UK’s largest and most prestigious business awards programme.
Entrusted by brands
Glencairn’s work is prevalent in the spirits industry, and its decanters, bottles and glassware designs are entrusted by brands around the world as the perfect vessels for holding their liquids. Innovation is at the heart of the company, Glencairn created the Glencairn Glass in 2000, which celebrates its 25th birthday this year. The first glass to be designed and shaped specifically for whisky, it is now used globally as the designated glass for tasting the spirit. The glass is used by both consumers and distilleries alike and is the world’s official whisky glass, selling more than five million units across international markets each year. As the recent awards demonstrate, the company continues to evolve on the world stage, but Glencairn remains true to a mantra that has served it over the past 40 years – “a proud family business, driven by a valued team of talented employees with innovation at the core”.
Scott Davidson, the company’s new-product-development director, who leads the company with his brother, Paul Davidson, said: “This year’s recognition through the King’s Award reflects the passion, creativity, and dedication of everyone here, as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in crystal and glass. Rooted in Scotland, yet operating worldwide, we’re immensely proud of how far we’ve come.”
Distillers One of One Auction
Glencairn Crystal has supported the Distillers One of One Auction, the industry’s largest charity event, taking place this year on 10 October, as a sponsor since the inaugural charity auction in 2021. Over the years, it has created bespoke decanters for many of the lots of extraordinary, never-to-be-repeated whiskies from distilleries around Scotland.
This year Glencairn has crafted various decanters for the auction, including the Laphroaig Capsule – a-40-year-old Laphroaig created from spirit distilled in 1980 and 1981, and presented in a stunning, flawless, green 1.5l crystal decanter. For the first time, the Scottish family-run business is also creating a commemorative Founders Reserve decanter to house a special blend of the Founder Donors’ whiskies by master whisky blender Richard Paterson.
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