Shtox Rotating Glasses

SHTOX is a brand of high-quality glass products. It specializes in the production of whiskey glasses. Their distinctive feature is that they can rotate on the table. Let's talk in more detail about how such glasses appeared and why they need to be rotated.

The Origin of the Shtox Whiskey Tumbler

The author of the concept is Russian designer Evgeny Bushkovsky. He has noticed more than once that people, when in company and drinking whiskey, constantly try to spin them on the table. This is a kind of meditative process that pacifies and calms. But the design of a traditional glass does not allow it to rotate freely, so it is not possible to give the glass the inertia that will rotate it at least one turn. Then Evgeny came up with the idea of ​​creating a glass that would have good rotation ability.

From words to deeds. In 2008, the designer developed a vessel that could freely rotate on the table. This was achieved thanks to the special design of the product. Very soon, Evgeny Bushkovsky patented his development and launched mass production of the glasses he had developed. Production branches are located in Germany and St. Petersburg.

The Reason for the Popularity of Rotating Glasses

Bushkovsky's products quickly became popular among lovers of noble strong drinks. It is hardly possible to explain this by rational reasons. Probably, the leading role here was played by the psychological factor - during gatherings with friends and good whiskey, many want to do something with their hands. But why look for an additional item if you already have a glass in your hands?

Another reason for its popularity is that SHTOX cookware has a beautiful design. It is quite universal and can fit into any interior. Therefore, it will decorate any kitchen, regardless of the style in which the room is decorated.

In addition, the design of Shtoks products is optimized for rotation. Each rotating glass for whiskey of this brand has special stripes or geometric shapes on the side walls. When rotating, they merge together and form a beautiful intricate pattern that attracts the eye.

Why and what for do Shtoks glasses spin?

Shtoks products rotate thanks to the special design of the lower part. Where ordinary dishes have a bottom, Bushkovsky's product has a recess. A glass hemisphere protrudes from this recess, the top of which is in direct contact with the table. The edges of the bottom, the width of which is about one millimeter, also rest on it. Thus, contact with the table is minimal. This allows for the development of sliding, sufficient for prolonged inertial rotation.

As already mentioned, swirling plays an important psychological role – it is a calming process, similar to meditation. However, its functions are not limited to this. Swirling helps to saturate the drink with oxygen, as well as evaporate some volatile compounds. This makes the aroma of whiskey more subtle and pronounced, and the taste – brighter and more original. If you swirl the alcohol before drinking, you can get much more pleasure.

What types of rotating glasses are there?

Today, the Shtoks catalog includes 11 models of rotating glasses. They do not have a name - a digital index is used to designate each. The differences between the different versions are in the different patterns on the walls.

All models have the same bottom design, allowing them to rotate freely on a flat surface, and the same shape.

Below is a complete list of the different types of SHTOX whiskey glasses available for purchase.

• 001. It has a cylindrical shape and a pattern in the form of two parallel lines passing very close to each other.
• 002. Similar to the first model, but has a different pattern. The lines on the walls are of a completely different shape - they have smooth curves, reminiscent of the bends of a bindweed stem.
• 004. A model for lovers of classics. It resembles the Soviet faceted glass familiar to everyone from childhood. This similarity is achieved by using straight vertical grooves as a pattern, evenly applied to the walls. But the shape of the vessel differs from the prototype - it is immediately obvious that it is intended primarily for drinking whiskey and brandy.
• 005. The lines on the sides of this product resemble a model of the solar system with the paths of the planets drawn. It looks very impressive.
• 006. A simple and minimalist model for lovers of a strict style. The pattern on the walls is three inclined lines that run parallel to each other.
• 007. Reminds me of the product with index 005, but there are only two lines applied.
• 010. Another variation of the faceted glass. The difference from 004 is that the grooves are wider and deeper.
• 011. A model with many grooves intersecting at right angles, which resemble frost patterns on a window.
• 014. An item with a pattern that is a rectangular grid of straight lines.
• 015. This model has a pattern made in the form of several ellipses of different sizes arranged in a row. There are five such rows in total. They form spirals on the walls of the dish.
• 017. Reminds me of the product with index 015, but there is only one spiral here and it consists of three rows of short lines, located relative to each other in a checkerboard pattern.

What are rotating glasses made of?

Each whiskey glass rotating, released under the brand SHTOX, is made of a modern material called crystallite. In its molecular structure, it is very close to crystal, but, unlike the latter, does not have toxic additives. In the production of crystal, to improve the refractive properties of glass, as well as its plasticity, special additives are added to the molten glass mass:

• lead oxide;
• barium oxide.

These substances are carcinogenic and can be harmful to the human body.

No compounds potentially dangerous to humans are used in the production of crystallite. The necessary properties are given to the material by means of a special effect on the molten glass mass. This eliminates any harm to health.

Where are spinning glasses most commonly used?

SHTOX – rotating whiskey glasses are most often used in the following ways:

• In various entertainment venues. Bars, restaurants, cafes often buy the brand's tableware. Such a purchase is quite justified - the ability to rotate a vessel with a drink invariably attracts visitors. However, not all establishments can afford to buy the development of Evgeny Bushkovsky. This is due to its high cost (more than 5,000 rubles for one glass). Therefore, Shtoks can be found only in the most popular or expensive places.
• As a gift. A whiskey and brandy glass, which has a well-thought-out design and excellent appearance, is a great gift for your significant other, friend, colleague or relative. That is why recently Shtoks products have become very often presented as a gift.
• Personal use. Many people like to have get-togethers with friends. Of course, such events rarely take place without strong whiskey or brandy. Alcohol allows them to be more informal. SHTOX products are perfect for such a pastime. That is why many people have products from Bushkovsky's company in their kitchens.
• Use as a decorative item. Oddly enough, even those who do not like whiskey or brandy buy products under the SHTOX brand. This is due to the fact that the products have an original design and are suitable for decorating a kitchen or living room. The Shtoks model range is quite wide and there is plenty to choose from, so finding a suitable glass that will add a special touch to the interior will not be difficult.

Choosing a quality model

To choose a truly high-quality product, you need to pay attention to several important parameters before purchasing.

• Integrity. The material from which the product is made must be completely intact. This means that it must not have chips or cracks, and must have the same thickness over the entire surface of the container. This will ensure the reliability and long service life of the product.
• Bottom geometry. The bottom must be of a special design, which was mentioned above. In this case, the spherical protrusion must be at the same level with the walls of the product and slightly touch the surface of the table. The slightest deviation from this requirement in either direction will lead to the impossibility of rotation or insufficient inertia.
• Testing the item. Before buying, ask the seller to demonstrate how the product rotates. Sometimes even glasses with perfect geometry, which have no defects, do not want to rotate as they should. Spin the vessel two or three times. If everything is in order and it rotates well, you can safely buy it. But if it slows down, does not develop sufficient speed, it is better to take a closer look at another one.

Rules for proper care of rotating glasses

Crystallite is a special material, so when handling and caring for items made from it, you need to follow a few simple rules.

• Crystallite is more fragile than ordinary glass. Therefore, this material must be handled with great care. Mechanical impact, which glass can easily withstand, will lead to cracks in the case of crystallite.
• When washing, do not use abrasive detergents that contain small particles. This primarily concerns various powders. They can cause microscopic scratches or cracks to appear on the surface of the material.
• When washing, do not allow sudden changes in water temperature. This can also lead to cracks. It is better to wash crystallite products in warm water, the temperature of which is from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius.
• After washing is complete, the glass must be wiped dry. The fact is that the evaporation of water from the surface of the product also causes a sharp decrease in temperature, and this is fraught with the appearance of defects.
• It is better to wipe crystallite items wearing fabric gloves. Otherwise, fingerprints and greasy stains will be clearly visible on the surface, which will make the item look unsightly. This rule is especially important to follow if the vessel is in a visible place.
• Be careful when you spin the glass. It can easily get damaged at this time.

Let's sum it up

SHTOX are whiskey or brandy glasses. They have an unusual feature – they can rotate well on flat surfaces. This was achieved thanks to the special design of the bottom. Rotation has not only a psychological aspect – thanks to it, the drink is more saturated with oxygen and improves the taste.

VIDEO: What Shtox rotating glasses look like.