Whiskey experts understand that the glass you drink picnob from is important to enjoy this drink and its many tastes. When choosing the best glasses for whiskey, there are many things to consider, like the shape. How heavy are they, and how big or thick is their glass?
The type of glass you pick can change how much you enjoy your drink. Some glasses are made to show off the drink, while others work better for straight drinks or whiskey mixed with other spirits. Keeping this in mind, we have listed some of our favorites below.
1. American Made, 308 Whiskey Glass – The Choice for America.
This US-made bullet whiskey glass is excellent for a whisky enthusiast’s cup collection. It lets you drink and hold your glass high for America in style! This glass is both simple and works well. They’re also hand-blown in the United States and free from unwanted lead chemicals. The unique selling factors? This glassware boasts a real .308 bullet, which is embedded into the glass!
These heavy-duty American flag glasses both look the part to serve your thirst and make an ideal gift for yours truly or a loved one. They’re available in two designs. These comprise Nine Line’s classic American design and the brand’s new flag offering.
2. Yarai Rocks Glass – The Sturdy One
Another solid-built glass, complete with a unique etching that boasts grip! Despite their expensive look, these glasses are safe for dishwasher use. The unique name of these glasses is down to the classic Japanese diamond-like pattern, which resembles that of a bamboo fence. This 7.5-ounce glass is better suited to single pours, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer neat spirits and whiskey on the rocks.
3. Glencairn Crystal Whisky Glass – One for the Nose
This is the perfect choice for those looking for glassware designed to highlight whisky aromas. Made from lead-free crystal, these dishwasher-safe glasses are smaller than others but still get high ratings.
People like these glasses because they help you taste all the different tastes and smells in fancy whiskies. Furthermore, stemmed cups with wider bottoms let whiskey lovers truly enjoy the different gold colors of this drink. The stem is a unique form that stops heat from touching the spirit. This makes it common to drink glasses in places that make alcohol, such as large factories named distilleries.
4. Whiskey Peaks Whiskey Glasses – A Different Choice
This glass is a good choice for special glasses that look the part and sit well in pubs or houses. Made from hand-blown glass, it’s strong despite being thin like paper. This means that everyone can find the one they like the most.
These include famous mountains and hills from the Grand Canyon to Mount Everest, Denali, Mount Rainier, and more. There’s one for everyone: Kilimanjaro or Washington mountain tops are great, too! You can see everything when you drink whisky from the base of each glass. This unique aspect and their 11.5-ounce size make them a perfect choice for gifts for those who wish to elevate their drinking experience.
5. Riedel Crystal Spey Whisky Glass – A Classic Choice
Riedel Crystal is famed for producing some of the most exquisite glassware in the world. They’ve been in this game since 1756, which makes this company older than America!
This heavy-weight glass boasts a rare combination of style and quality, all at a pocket-friendly price. They are named after the River Spey, an area in Scotland famous for producing quality whisky. To be given the title of Scotch Whisky, the spirit must mature in oak casks in Scotland for at least 3 years.
A unique aspect of this glass? It showcases a sophisticated Art Nouveau-inspired design crafted from wedge and diamond cuts. Even when not being used, these glasses pose as a perfect showpiece in your home or bar. Another benefit? They’re dishwasher-safe and hold up to 10 ounces!
Most use this glassware for whisky tipples that require larger portions of ice or hefty whisky stones, including our Manhattans on the rocks, Boulevardiers, and old-fashioned.
6. Neat Glass – Style and Function
Looking to up your game in the whisky world and serious about embracing the nose of your drink? The Neat Glass is a great choice. It’s especially popular with those fond of Japanese whisky.
One of the most notable assets of these glasses? The time and development that has gone into crafting them. All in all, it took 52 design revisions and nine years to produce the final prototype.
They are crafted from a lead-free, dishwasher-safe crystalline from Slovakia, and the glass boasts a wide bowl that can encase a 1.5-ounce measure at the apex. For best results, when using neat glasses, you should practice a swirling motion and place your nose at the center of the rim when enjoying your drink. This will allow you to smell the whisky’s aroma without exposing your nose to unnecessary alcohol burns. The design is fluid yet stylish, making this glassware a perfect option for homes and bars. They also possess a sturdy weight, which makes them easy to hold. Another point to note? They’re stackable, which makes them suitable for commercial use.
The Bottom Line
Whatever your tipple of choice, whether Scotch, bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey, the glass you drink it from can change the flavor and experience. This is why it’s important to pick the right one.
From tulip-shaped copita glasses, perfect for showcasing these unique spirits’ flavors and aromas, to traditional Old Fashioned or rocks glasses, ideal for slow sipping, there is a glass to suit all tastes and styles. Picking the right one requires a little research.
