Gold Whisky Tumbler

Traditionally, whisky is served in a clear glass to showcase the spirit’s scent and rich, amber colour. But Quin Cheung, the talented Calgary ceramicist behind Quinspired Ceramics, wondered if there was a way to emulate that same drinking experience with a ceramic tumbler.

After exploring the idea for around a year, she debuted her gold whisky tumblers in late 2020. They’ve been selling out quickly ever since. The wheel-thrown tumbler’s raw, dark-clay exterior offers a striking contrast to the bright, glazed gold inlay interior. The tumblers sit at an angle, allowing your eyes and nose to take in the drink.

Cheung makes the tumblers using a meticulous process that can take several weeks. She even dons a gas mask for the most difficult part, which involves carefully hand-painting liquid gold evenly along the rim and inside of the tumbler. “It’s super tricky to get it right,” Cheung says. “It is a little bit of a labour of love, but worth it in the end.”

It’s hard to argue with that assessment. When whisky is poured into the tumbler, reflections of its amber, orange and yellow hues flicker against the gold interior, turning a simple drink into a dazzling, multi-sensory experience.

“Whatever ceramic piece I have out there, I hope that when people use it, it’s something more than just a plain vessel,” Cheung says. “It can bring beauty, and it can bring joy, and it can just bring a new experience to whatever you’re eating or whatever you’re drinking.”

$150
quinspired.com