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I recently came across an article on this very question.
If you have read my bio then you would know that I spent many years working and managing bars, in a small hotel and many other types of outlets for drinking in good company.
In all of my years in the licenced industry, I have never come across these little unusual glasses, well they are called sippers, I guess because that is what you do with the port. That is why when I was in the trade, the glass was always a smallish glass.
On my journey to find out more about them, I came across a couple of articles that purport to know of their origins, which I would like to share with you.
The first came from Argyle Wine Tools Pty Ltd of Australia. This is an extract of the full article.
just a quick note for your information...my company Argyle Wine Tools Pty Ltd is the patent holder and inventor of the Port Sipper.
We invented it in the early 1970s, patented it and started selling it.
The interest that was shown immediately by the wine industry and retail industry in many countries amazed us, especially in Australia and the USA. In nearly 40 years, we have manufactured over 2 million port sippers and sold them to over 50 countries that we are aware of.
Interestingly, after inventing the port sipper, we discovered a long history of a somewhat similar item called a Schnapps, which was traditionally made of ceramic material. The one thing that I have found, is that these little glasses were manufactured for drinking liqueurs and fortified wine.
The Argyle port sipper is made of hand-blown glass, which is scientific glass, the same glass used to make test tubes. Despite its fragile appearance and feel, it is strong and, of course, dishwasher-proof.
Danny Simmons
Managing Director
Argyle Wine Tools PL
The other article that I have got some more information from is an article written by David Nivala who writes for exine articles.
This is also an extract from the original, Port sippers which were first used in Europe during the 17th century, and known as "Schnapps Pfeiffe" and made from a ceramic material.
The unique design allows the spirits to be sucked from the bottom of the glass at all times, ensuring that oxygen does not come into contact with most of the liquid.
This effectively reduces the oxidation of the liquid, delivering it how the maker intended and increasing the enjoyment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/657865
With all of that information in mind, let's look at what all the noise is about. In this posting, I have picked several types of glasses, some with decanters.
5 Piece Decanter and Port Sipper Glass Set
4PC Port Sippers Glasses in Gift Box
Port Decanter and Sipper Box Set 5 PCE
Port Glass glass with Drinking Tube
Jumbo Port Sipper Glass 250ml Large Size
5 Piece Decantus and Sipper Glass Set
