The Waterford Connoisseur Gold Collection includes cognac glasses.
In 2006, Waterford Crystal launched its Connoisseur Gold Collection, a line of hand-made and mouth-blown crystal glasses. The collection includes several designs, including Port/Cognac VSOP (6 ounce) and Cognac (20 ounce) glasses. VSOP stands for Very Special Old Pale.
Manufacturing
The Connoisseur Gold stemware is handcrafted in Brazil. Glassworkers blow the bowls by mouth and pull the stems, adding a gold band around the ankle. The gold tint at the base of the stem is to indicate its lineage as "Connoisseur Gold" and is the only marking on the clear crystal.
Design
Each glass in the collection is shaped to capture the aroma and taste of the spirit. The glasses have a clean, classic shape and, despite the delicate appearance, are meant to feel durable and sturdy when held.
Blowing the Glass
Before the glass can be blown, the molten mix must first be created. The "cocktail" of ingredients is melted in a furnace and red-lead oxide is added to the mix to give it the "crystal" qualities. Once melted, a chief blower then starts blowing and spinning the glass in the mould. Once the glass has been blown to the right shape and size, it is then cooled.
Cutting and Finishing
Once cooled, the glass is ready for cutting. A design is first traced onto the glass and the design is crudely cut with a cutting wheel. For the detailed cutting, different shaped edges on different sized wheels are used. A sandstone wheel is then used to finish the piece and it is dipped in a sulphuric and hydrofluoric acid mixture.
Waterford History
In 1783, brothers William and George Penrose founded Waterford Crystal, which is based in Waterford, Ireland. At that time, Waterford Crystal Glassworks employed 70 people. However, a lack of capital and high taxation took its toll on the company and by the end of the 19th century the company closed its doors. In 1947, the brand of Waterford Crystal was revived and a factory was established in Waterford 10 miles from the original location.
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