This Glencairn Collector has over 2,000 glasses

Monday, 27 October 2025 at 08:03

If you think your whisky cabinet is well stocked, you haven’t met André Schermer yet. A true Rotterdammer (77), he’s been collecting everything whisky-related since the 1990s from miniatures and water jugs to his great love: Glencairn glasses. His collection now runs into the hundreds, all thanks to one chance encounter in Scotland.

André, could you briefly introduce yourself?

'My name is André Schermer, born on July 6, 1948. A real Rotterdam native, though I’m not exactly sure where my roots lie, because my wife tidies everything away, haha.'

Where did your love of whisky begin?

'It started in 1997, during our first holiday in Scotland. We walked into George Strachan’s shop in Ballater, and a whole new world opened up for me. I bought my first miniature there: a Glenfiddich.'

And how did you start collecting Glencairn glasses?

'That began in 2004 with a glass from the International Whisky Festival in Leiden (now The Hague). I loved the design, the sturdy base, and how easy it is to handle. And just as important: it really brings out the complex aromas.'

How big is your whisky collection now?

'At first I collected everything to do with whisky: miniatures, glasses, trays, water jugs, ashtrays, hip flasks, you name it. At one point I had 2,000 whisky glasses and 500 water jugs. The whole house was full, which my wife liked a bit less, haha. I sold a lot after that, but the Glencairn glasses stayed. That’s where my heart is.'

Have any glasses ever been broken?

'To my own surprise, I’ve never broken a Glencairn glass! Other glasses, yes—usually while washing up.'

Where do you keep them all?

'I’ve got a special place for them at home. Everything is neatly arranged and polished.'

What’s the best reaction you’ve ever received to your collection?

'A fellow collector once told me he had six hundred and fifty Johnnie Walker water jugs. It’s great to be in touch with other collectors. We sometimes trade glasses and help each other find rare pieces, for example at distilleries.'

What does a hobby like this cost?

'Every hobby costs money, and so does mine. This year I’ve spent quite a bit on the glasses. A highly valued fellow collector did a whisky tour through England and Scotland and managed to pick up about 40 for me. The average price of a Glencairn glass is 6 to 8 pounds, so not cheap. All in, it runs me about 1,000 euros a year, including festivals and tastings.'

Are you actively looking for new glasses?

'Absolutely! I regularly scour the internet for special pieces. That’s how I found you as well. One was given away and three were kept in-house. I completely understand, but I would have loved to see one go to an enthusiastic collector (c’est moi), ha ha ha.'

What are your three most special glasses?

'I cherish every Glencairn glass I own, but the one that gives me the most joy is the Stauning glass. It took me two years to get hold of it. They’re all welcome, and I appreciate each and every one of them.'

In short, what started with a miniature Glenfiddich in a village shop in Scotland grew into an impressive collection of Glencairn glasses and a lifelong love of whisky. André Schermer, thank you for the joy you radiate—and for your time!

(Our response to one of the questions: It was a personal gift from my husband when I founded Whisky Monkeys, because he was proud of me. He had a few Glencairn glasses made especially with the Whisky Monkeys logo on them).