Whiskey is the sophisticated man's drink of choice. Especially in the colder months of winter and early spring, a glass of whiskey neat warms the spirit. The complex aromas, the wide-ranging flavor profiles, the varying origins, and the rich traditions are all reasons why it's a spirit that deserves special accessories. In a nutshell, if you're drinking any type of whiskey out of standard bar glassware, you could be doing yourself and your high-priced booze a disservice.
Whether you're a whiskey snob or only occasionally indulge in a nightcap of bourbon or scotch, it's essential to know how to drink whiskey properly. It's also good to know your options regarding the different vessels available to elevate your whiskey drinking experience. There's a staggering amount out there to choose from. Some are aesthetically pleasing, some are designed based on the science behind the spirit — giving you the best experience, and some are a little of both. We'll get into how to choose the perfect glass for your specific needs a little later. But first, let's go over some of the best whiskey glasses we found out there.
We've also got you covered with the best whiskey quotes from writers, actors, athletes, and other celebrities to inspire your next drink.
The Best Overall Whiskey Glass
Norlan Glass VAILD Black Edition
This glass is a perfect combination of functionality and fashion. It has a gorgeous design, and there's no other glass out there that will do more for your whiskey to give you the best drinking experience possible.
You won’t be able to tell from the darkened outside, but holding the new VAILD Edition of Norland Glass creates a recursive infinity mirror within. Stray photons find their way into the “light trap” and bounce around, taking with them the distinct notes of your favorite whiskey. In other words, whiskey nerds will go ham over this glass, $58 for a set of 2.
“Through specially developed protrusion forms inside the glass — adapted through studying bio-mimicry — when swirled around the glass, the fluid (whiskey) forms a standing wave shape which increases the surface-to-air ratio and rate of oxidization. The effect here is that considerably more ethanol evaporates. This resulting increase in volatility allows the whiskey to become significantly more expressive,” say experts at Norlan. These guys really did their homework, comparing their glass to other shapes in an epic test of quality and aromatics.
The only downfall of this glass is not seeing your beautiful brown liquor from the outside. If that's a dealbreaker for you, Norlan offers a clear version set. The only difference is you won't get the infinity mirror benefits.
Best Glass for Neat Whiskey
"The Experience" by The NEAT Glass - Official Competition Judging Glass
These unusual glasses are used in official spirits competitions thanks to their hidden scientific design. After meticulously researching the science of how alcoholic spirits drift to the nose, NEAT was born. "Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology," and a distaste for the burning "ethanol vapor" that "tickles" your nose before taking a sip of whiskey. Opting for an open-mouth shape that helps diffuse sharp alcohol fumes, NEAT lets you enjoy the sweetest aromas of the spirit and detect hidden tasting notes. Made in the U.S. with super-flint, lead-free crystal, this glass can work overtime with tequilas, cognacs, and types of rums, too. It also comes in a fancy burgundy soft-touch box with a silver foil hot stamp. You can pick up a set of two at a reasonable price of $31.
The Best Whiskey Glass for Single-Barrel/Malt Whiskies
The Glencairn Whiskey Glass
You are not a true whiskey connoisseur until you own your own set of traditional Glencairn-style glasses. The tulip-shaped bowl was revolutionary when introduced, letting its drinker savor the complexity of fine whiskeys (suggested use being sipping aged bourbon or single malt Scotch.) Said to bring out the spirit's full value and aroma, the Glencairn is for the whiskey lover fascinated with the art of distilling and the subtle nuances of each barrel and bottle. The glass sits comfortably in hand with a tapered pedestal sham.
The Best Rocks Whiskey Glass
DUO Whiskey Glass by Aged & Ore
Think of this whiskey glass as the Megazord (yes, that’s a Power Rangers reference) of the whiskey glass world. First, it is double-insulated, allowing your whiskey to stay chilled for a long, long time. Second, the bell-shaped inner portion is similar to a Glencairn and helps when nosing and tasting your whiskey. Finally, the lines you see in the glass aren’t just for decoration — they mark ounces, making it easy to know how much you’re putting in your glass.
Best Stone Whiskey Glass
NUDE - Chill Whiskey Glass
If you're looking for stability in your whiskey glasses, look no further than the Nude Chill Whiskey Glass. This glass has won both an iF Design Award (2017) and a Red Dot Design Award(2017), and it's not hard to see why. This beautiful glass features an oval, lead-free crystal glass attached to a polished marble slab, which will cool your whiskey naturally. Nude also offers other "Chill" products, like a decanter and a snack bowl, so you can build out a complete bar set. But, at $99 a glass, you may need to be serving the best whiskeys under $50.
Best Customizable Whiskey Glass
Well Told Design Maps Glass
Well Told takes your favorite places and puts them on glassware. While you can get your hometown or favorite city on a pint glass, coffee mug, and wine glass as well, our favorite is the whiskey glass. Each glass holds 11.2 ounces while depicting the city's major streets, neighborhoods, and latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. These are great gifts for people moving away or moving to a new place.
Best Glass with Tilted Design
Dragon Glassware Diamond Whiskey Glasses
Get tilted in more ways than one with this 10-ounce Diamond Whiskey Glasses from Dragon. Despite how these may look, they are anti-rocking and spill-proof. However, anyone can figure out a way to spill some whiskey after a few rocks pours. Another advantage to these glasses is that they aerate while you pour, making the aroma of your fine scotch or bourbon bloom.
Best Whiskey Glass w/ Rocks Feature
Rox and Roll Glass
A one-two punch, this package contains not only a glass but also a steel ball for chilling your whiskey (as well as a pair of tongs for getting it in and out without breaking the glass). For those who like some mild, repetitive entertainment with their whiskey, the Rox and Roll glass is for you. Enjoy rolling the steel ball around the bottom of the glass (which is shaped to facilitate this) while simultaneously giving you something to stare at while deep in contemplation, and keeping your whiskey cool.
Best Unbreakable Whiskey Glass
Cruvina Shatterproof Tritan Plastic Glasses
A lot of guys are naturally clumsy, and a nice bourbon only enhances that trait. Suppose you fall into this category and are tired of replacing fancy glasses that are $20 and up. In that case, these Curvina shatterproof glasses may be the way to go. Made out of Tritan plastic, these whiskey glasses give you the elegance of a classic rocks glass without the worry of lost investment. Or, maybe you're not clumsy at all but just want some glasses that can travel easily with you on your next camping outing. These glasses fit that description as well. They're also affordable; a set of four is only $30!
Most Unique Whiskey Glass
YESBYHAND Handmade Vintage Drinking Rocks Glasses
These wild-looking rocks glasses are hand-made by a family company in Ukraine. Every glass it makes is different and has its own unique twist. The company uses medical titanium elements that cover the outside of the glasses; thus, the light refracting from different angles makes your whiskey appear to be multi-colored. Want to play a prank on your friends? After a few drinks, switch a regular rocks glass with one of these bad boys and record their reaction.
Best Value Whiskey Glasses
Farielyn-X Crystal Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses (Set of 6)
These Farielyn crystal whiskey glasses don't have any high-tech features that enhance the flavor. Still, they're elegant, sturdy, and affordable. The thick, lead-free crystal design will keep your whiskey colder longer than your average glass while also giving the glass a nice weighted feel. You can get this set of six, old-fashioned x-patterned glasses for under $30! So stock up on these now for this year's Christmas gifts for your friends, family, and co-workers.
Most Artistic Whiskey Glasses
Huckberry Whiskey Peaks Glass
Do you need a constant reminder to conquer your "Everest," whatever that might be? If so, these Huckberry Whiskey peaks glasses are perfect. This image depicts Mt. Everest, but you can choose from six different topographical impressions to emerge from the bottom of your whiskey. Choose from famed peaks like Denali, Grand Canyon, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Everest, Mt. Rainier, and Mount Washington. You can pick up a set of two at Huckberry for $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you like your whiskey untainted by foreign substances, your best bet is a Glencairn-style glass or the featured “neat” glass. You can also have it cold, minus the ice, if you chill a soapstone glass or get one that comes with a chillable “rocks feature.”
The answer to this is tied to the question above. Some types of whiskey, like scotch, lend themselves to being better on the rocks. While others, like bourbon, are typically best enjoyed neat.
Some of the glasses we suggested are pretty pricey, and the cost escalates if you’re looking to have enough matching glasses to entertain guests. Before you get that one really nifty glass for yourself, consider if it matters to you whether or not your friends are okay with drinking out of Solo cups.
In a word, yes. Whiskey glasses, like the Neat or the Norlan glasses mentioned above, do provide added benefits through scientific design that are said to make your whiskey taste better.
As we mentioned, aside from specially designed glasses that refract, ionize, and direct aromas to enhance flavor no one glass has proven to be better than the other. Style, price, and sturdiness are just a few factors that can affect a person’s whiskey glass selection.
Crystal whiskey glasses, especially leaded crystal, will be heavier due to the composition of the glass. Whiskey glasses made from normal glass, yet still seem heavier than usual, are made that way because most people simply prefer the added weight.
