If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Reach us at shop mensjournal. Sponsored content. Ever had someone ruin a fine scotch by serving it in a coffee cup? So, what are the best whiskey glasses you can buy? The whiskey experience differs with different types of glasses. Appearance — The design and composition of the glass have a strong effect on the whiskey inside it.
How does it feel in the hand? How does it look on the shelf? All of these characteristics are important in the grand whiskey drinking experience. Drinkability — Drinkability is the ease of drinking from the glass. Nosing — Smell and aroma are an essential aspect of the whiskey drinking experience. There are several basic types of whiskey glasses. The Tumbler is the most common. It has straight, thick walls and a heavy base that prevents it from breaking easily.
Its drinkability is fantastic, but the nosing is somewhat compromised. The delicate Snifter is tulip-shaped, with a thin stem and broad pedestal. A Glencairn is a specially developed whiskey glass that maximizes the three main facets of glassware mentioned above with an easily drinkable mouth, a thick glass pedestal, and a tulip shape that lets the liquor breathe, but directs the aroma right into your nose when lifted to the mouth.
Like a fine wine, whiskey needs room to breathe and relax. And the more you swirl it and let it breathe, the smoother and mellower the flavor and body become. Do they do what they say, and cool the whiskey without watering it down? Is this a good thing? Not at all. A whiskey stone or bullet, or any frozen thingamajig will sure cool the spirit—and do nothing for its flavor.
If anything, it may make your whiskey seem harsher on the palate. Hard pass. These crystal shot glasses evoke the style of elegant barware, thanks to patterned designs and classic coloring including pale blue, bright red, rose and grey , yet they boast the fun of a solid shot glass.
Each glass also has a 2. Related: The Best Shot Glasses. This NUDE glass is a more modern take on the traditional snifting glass, with an angular silhouette and lead-free crystal construction. Designed by Swiss glassware expert Tomas Kral, the glass has taken home top awards for design. Pick up the matching carafe to decant your favorite whiskeys in style, and choose from a traditional clear color, a smokey grey hue or a striking purple.
The handmade glass measures 3 by 3 inches and has a 3-ounce capacity. It would definitely make a great gift for the whiskey-loving golfer in your life. Even though the glasses resemble a golf ball, they are abstract enough to fit in with any home bar. Available in a set of two, each ounce whiskey glass is handcrafted in the Midwest. This set includes three of the brand's lead-free crystal glasses, along with a wooden tray. Each glass is 2. Use this set for a tasting test by selecting some drams in various styles—perhaps an array of Islay whiskies , or a range of Highland, Lowland, and Islay whiskies , new world and old world drams.
These tasting glasses will help you distinguish the different nuances of the nose and palates. Try out the flight with gin, vodka, rum or bourbon. A solid Old Fashioned glass is a must-have for any bar, like this one from Waterford. It doubles as an excellent vessel for tasting spirits and is large enough to build out Old Fashioneds and other cocktails. These ounce glasses are made from lead-free crystalline with elegant detailing that will withstand the test of time.
They're part of Waterford's Marquis line, which offers more affordable crystal pieces than the brand's other glasses. Whiskey distillers love these glasses because they have weight to them—they're a particularly excellent glass to swirl. Related: The Best Irish Whiskeys. Glass is the standard option for whiskey glasses. Outside of glass, your options are endless. There are metal vessels, plastic options, wood cups, and crystal glasses.
That said, if you are known for being clumsy or if you have children or feisty pets around, perhaps opt for a more durable alternative.
Prices for glassware can range wildly. There are plenty of budget-friendly rocks glasses, just as there are loads of elegant snifters with sky-high price tags.
As a general rule of thumb, consider what you are using your whiskey glasses for. Are you a serious Scotch fanatic who likes to understand the nuances of a dram? Maybe a higher-end snifter is the best call. Do you like the occasional neat pour, but also enjoy cocktails? Consider a more versatile rocks glass. Are you prone to breakage? Maybe the paper-thin, uber-pricey crystal glass isn't the call for you.
While we wish you could just pop a glass in the dishwasher, often these whisper-thin tasting glasses require more rigorous care.
That said, a few options on this list can be washed in a dishwasher, but make sure to check before you do so! Anything made with Murano glass or anything with a metallic rim requires gentle hand washing. Crystal will need to be further polished after washing, so consider adding a polishing cloth to your order. The short answer is nothing.
The closest thing to a designated Scotch glass is the tulip-shaped Glencairn, which is used for a variety of whiskeys. The tulip shape of the glass is designed to enhance the flavors of a spirit. Whiskey stones are controversial. Simply store one in your freezer and break it out when you pour your dram. Kate Dingwall is an experienced spirits writer and glassware collector. She has been writing about the bar and spirits world for five years, including extensive coverage on glassware.
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Kate Dingwall. Kate Dingwall is a freelance writer whose work focuses on food, drinks and travel. She is based in Toronto. Learn about Liquor. Pin Share Email. Buy on Huckberry. Pros Made from hand-blown glass Can pick between different topographic impressions Durable. Cons No warranty. What Our Editors Say "The peaks at the bottom of these glasses are what originally won me over, but the lightweight feel and easy sipping experience keep me reaching for them again and again.
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