THE BEST WHISKY GLASSES GLOBALLY & MY PICKS

 WIDE SELECTION OF WHISKY GLASSES

Which type of glass suits whisky drinkers most has always been a focal point of argument. Many preach that the tulip-shaped copita glass is ideal for presenting the spirits’ aromas and flavours, and is seen in the hands of master tasters and blenders across most websites. Others prefer a classic Glencairn glass for nosing and tasting whisky, though savvy drinkers say that any glass that arcs in at the top is good enough. And of course, the unitiated who will drink whisky from a tumbler or shot glass.

Remember that the glass you pick can change your whole drinking experience. Some are designed to highlight the spirit, while others are versatile enough for cocktails, neat pours and beyond. Still, all are good options, and a well-stocked bar should carry a few different types. Irrespective of which whisky is your drink of choice, here are my picks of  whisky glasses to augment your collection.

Characteristics of the Best Whisky Glasses

Appearance – The design and composition of the glass have a strong effect on the whisky inside it. Look for the overall quality of the glassware, as well as the cup’s physical properties such as weight, girth, and grip. How does it feel in the hand? How does it look on the shelf? All of these characteristics are important in the grand whisky drinking experience.

Drinkability – Drinkability is the ease of drinking from the glass. It’s dependent on the base weight, wall slope angle, and the diameter of the brim. There’s nothing worse than having to tilt a glass so far that when the whisky does reach your mouth, it does so in a bomb and goes up your nose. That isn’t fun.

Nosing – Smell and aroma are an essential aspect of the whisky drinking experience. Some drinkers prefer a narrow mouth, so the liquor’s aroma smacks them right in the nose when the glass is lifted. Others prefer a wider bowl to let their spirit breathe, which allows the ethanol fumes to escape and mellows the whiskys’ overall mouthfeel.

These qualities are discussed in the video infra.

Popular Types of Glasses

                              

There are several basic types of whisky 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. Used mainly for cordials, it’s well suited for sipping fine whiskies and spirits thanks to the narrow mouth that accentuates the nose. A Glencairn is a specially developed whisky glass that maximises 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.

No matter what type you choose, it’s important that your whisky has room to move around in the glass. Like a fine wine, whisky needs room to breathe and relax. And the more you swirl it and let it breathe, the smoother and mellower the flavour and body become. Time to look at the glasses now and my picks deinde.

Glencairn Lead-free Crystal Whisky Glass

My first is the traditional Glencairn glass. A Glencairn glass really lets you fully appreciate the notes you get on the nose and the layers of the flavours as they change in the glass.

                              

These Glencairn glasses are picked by whisky drinkers as they concentrate the aromas—something a rocks glass does not. Each 6-ounce glass is designed to show off the colour and the aroma of the spirit. The ideal glass for nosing and tasting is a stemmed glass that has a wider base than the clearly marked tapering at the nose. You can see the spirits well—the taper focusses or concentrates the smell when you nose it, and the stem removes any unintentional heat to the spirit. This is the standard tasting glass used at most distilleries and it does that job well.

There is another aspect of this glass that hardly any people know about. Pour exactly 60 ml, today’s standard measure, into the Glencairn glass. It will fill the bowl of the glass to the last ml. Now lay the glass on its side. The whisky will reach a mm short of the lip of the glass without a single drop dripping out! Push it gently and the glass will move in an arc around its heavy base without spilling a drop.

The Double-Walled Norlan Whisky Glass

My second is the Norlan. A recent entrant to the field, the double-walled Norlan isn’t your ordinary whisky glass. Initially launched by a successful Kickstarter campaign, Norlan’s original glass models were each conjured up via a 3D printer. Although the design process sounds unconventional, the company created the glass with some of the most well-respected figures in the Scotch world. Now, the glasses are all hand-blown into these tried-and-tested shapes.

                              

The founders usedbiomimicry and fluid dynamic modelling to produce an excellent whisky glass, combining the easy-sipping nature of tumbler glasses with the technical qualities of nosing glasses. It is 3.7" tall, 3.2" in diameter reducing to 2.5" diameter at its rim. Plus, the 6-ounce glass’ double-walled design keeps hand heat away from liquid: The round curves of the outer wall nestle the glass comfortably in your hand while the tulip-shaped inner wall focuses and diffuses the aroma to reveal nuanced flavours.

A protrusion inside the glass creates a wave when whisky is swirled, increasing the rate of oxidisation and ethanol evaporation, resulting in a smoother, softer aroma. The glass is formed by mouth-blowing borosilicate glass into two separate moulds: one for the inner wall, and one for the outer wall. When both volumes are ready, the inner wall is inserted into the outer, at which time the rims are joined by spinning the glass rapidly across a linear flame. A distinctive result of the double-walled construction is the intensity of colour added to spirits in the bowl, which is further carried up into the rim of the glass.

This hollow body glass promises a scientifically performing inside with an aesthetically beautiful outside. The outer tumbler allows for easy grasping and drinking, while preventing the whisky from absorbing warmth from your hand. Plus, it’s made of handblown borosilicate glass (Pyrex), which is great for maintaining a steady temperature. Its black edition features a matte black lacquer exterior coating.

Riedel Vinum Whisky Glasses

Riedel’s 7-ounce Vinum whisky glasses are good for nosing spirits, and suited to tasting through barrel samples. The design incorporates a small, slightly outturned lip that directs the spirit onto the tip of the tongue, where sweetness is perceived, and serves to bring out the elegant creaminess of a top quality single malt. Every Riedel glass is finely tuned to increase the enjoyment of spirits by showing the unique character of beverage; highlighting the tempting fruitness and de-emphasising the evidence of alcohol on the nose and palate.

These elegant glasses were designed in collaboration with Scotch whisky experts back in 1992 when the Riedel family brought in Scotland’s finest master distillers to help fine-tune every step of the design process. The final product has an elongated thistle shape on a truncated stem. The shape of the glass really allows you to get the top notes as you smell and a full sip across the palate. It is pricey, and its sides are extremely thin. The rims are “cut”, which allows the whisky to flow smoothly onto the tongue vs. being “rolled” which obstructs the smooth flow of the whisky which accentuates acidity and harshness.

It is dishwasher safe. For perfect glass care, Riedel exclusively recommends using a Miele dishwasher. All Riedel glasses are made of crystal glass and are lead free.

Stolzle Tasting Glass Set

This set includes three of the brand's lead-free crystal glasses, along with a wooden tray. Each glass is 2.5 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches in height and holds 6 ounces of liquid.

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. This glass is perfect for a range of spirits and captures the essence and aromas perfectly.

                            

As the German version of the Glencairn Glass, it is almost identical to the Glencairn and the tray is, frankly, superfluous. They are, however, cheaper than the Glencairn.

Dragon Diamond Whisky Glasses

Not only are these diamond-shaped glasses from Dragon Glassware aesthetically pleasing, but they're also made to enhance your whiskey drinking experience. The unique shape of the glass helps aerate your drink as it is poured or swirled in the vessel. Even more, it rests at a 50-degree angle that's both anti-rocking and spill-proof. With a 10-ounce capacity, these lead-free crystal glasses are also dishwasher and freezer safe.

                             

The glasses hold 10-ounces and are available in sets of 2, 4 & 6. Inspired by diamonds, the unique shape allows your drink to aerate as it is poured and swirled inside the glass. Perfect for whisky, bourbon, scotch, wine and more.

Its gravity-defying design see it beautifully positioned at an anti-rocking, spill-proof, 50 degree tilted angle for a unique drinking experience. Experience them with Diamond Chilling Stones for an on-the-rocks experience without watering down your alcohol. A stunning addition to any glassware collection or as an essential bar accessory, and comes in ready-to-present luxury gift packaging.

Of professional quality, it is a crystal clear, lead-free, high quality glass that is dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer safe. Suitable for daily use and cleans easily.

Tom Dixon Tank High-End Whisky Glass

Made in Poland, the set of glasses are ornamented with hand-painted copper detailing. Tank glasses take their sculptural cue from the functional shapes and volumes of scientific glassware, featuring a hot-cut edge and an etched Tom Dixon logo.

Crafted from mouth-blown clear glass with hand-painted copper detailing, these Tom Dixon Tank whisky glasses are the beautiful final touch when it comes to pouring a whisky. Ornamental and minimalistic, they’re stunning whisky glasses that accentuate the amber glow of your drink with the iconic copper tones. These glasses are both chic and contemporary, with a modern design that’s built to allow your whisky to breathe.

The handmade nature of each glass means each one is truly unique and their nod towards traditional luxury influences makes Tom Dixon Tank whisky glasses a statement to any whisky lover’s bar cart.