Partnering with Coca-Cola, renowned Austrian glassmaker Riedel has designed a luxurious drinking glass meant for the more refined tastes of a true Coca-Cola connoisseur. Apparently modeled after the shape of the original Coke glass, the glassware giant promises to accentuate and enhance all of the classic soda’s familiar flavors.
Conjuring up a veritable olfactory and gustatory dream sequence, Riedel’s CEO Georg Riedel envisions the drinking experience as being akin to a fine wine or sophisticated ale: “This glass starts with the introduction of the aromas, beautiful lemon, citrus, lime character, malt characteristics, the mouth feel, the effervescence”
Of course there are skeptics who scoff, from a scientific basis, at the idea of a glass in any way contributing to flavor. Are Riedel’s purported methods and theories of taste genuine or is it all just trickery used to create a luxurious experience?
In any case, Coca-Cola has no real financial incentive to make this kind of a brand move from populous to luxury. They’ve pretty much had a vice grip on competitors like Pepsi and the widespread appeal of their soft drink does not hurt profits. Given this dominance, it’s clear Coke can afford to have some fun and Riedel is obviously reveling in the exposure.
A single glass runs at $20 with a double pack costing $30. But, can this ridiculously fancy glass make Coke taste better?