Best Whiskey Glasses
Quick Answer
The best whiskey glass depends on how you drink. For sipping whiskey neat and getting the most aroma, a tulip-shaped nosing (or “copita”) glass concentrates the scent toward your nose; for whiskey on the rocks or an Old Fashioned, a heavy-bottomed rocks glass is the classic choice; and for everyday casual pours, a simple tumbler does the job. Double-walled glasses keep your drink at temperature without condensation, while a neat glass is designed to open up flavor for tasting. If you mostly sip neat, prioritize a nosing or neat glass; if you love cocktails and whiskey over ice, a good rocks glass earns its place. The table below breaks down the main glass types and what each is best for. Looking at cocktail glassware more broadly? See our guide to the types of cocktail glasses.
Whiskey Glass Types at a Glance
| Glass type | Best for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Nosing / copita glass | Sipping neat and nosing aromas | Tulip shape narrows at the top to funnel aroma toward your nose |
| Rocks / Old Fashioned glass | Whiskey on the rocks and stirred cocktails | Wide, heavy-bottomed, and roomy enough for a large ice cube |
| Neat glass | Tasting and evaluating a pour | Curved bowl designed to spread and soften the alcohol vapor |
| Tumbler | Everyday, casual drinking | Simple, sturdy, and easy to hold; nothing fussy |
| Snifter | Rich, aged, higher-proof whiskeys | Wide bowl and narrow rim trap and concentrate aroma |
| Double-walled glass | Keeping temperature steady | Insulating layer holds the drink’s temperature and prevents condensation |
Ahh, the ever-elusive perfect whiskey glass. Every whiskey drinker has their own preference - some like it neat, some like it on the rocks, and some like it with a splash of water. And how could we forget about those who prefer their whiskey with a mixer?
No matter how you like your whiskey, there's one thing we can all agree on - the perfect whiskey glass can make all the difference. But with so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether you're looking for a classic rocks glass or something a little more unique, we've got you covered.
In this article, we'll discuss 6 of the best whiskey glasses on the market in 2022. From traditional to modern, there's something for everyone. And with our help, you're sure to find the perfect glass for your next dram. Cheers!
1) Huckberry Whiskey Peaks Glasses
If you're looking for something a little more modern, these hand-blown glasses from Huckberry are a perfect choice. The topographic impressions on each glass give them a unique look that will impress your guests and make a statement during your next tasting.
With their durable construction, you can rest assured knowing they won't break if dropped in the sink—making them a great choice for everyday use. This one also is perfect if you need a glass to make a smoked whiskey drink.
Want to try your hand at smoking a bourbon or whiskey drink? See what makes our kits the best cocktail smokers.
2) Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass
The Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass is the perfect choice for those who want to focus on the aroma of their whiskey. The wide bowl and narrow rim concentrate the aromas, making it easier to pick out individual scents. And since it's made from lead-free crystal, you can enjoy your whiskey without worrying about any harmful chemicals.
Plus, it's dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Overall, a great choice for those who want to enjoy the full flavor of their whiskey without sacrificing quality or safety.
3) Norlan Whisky Glass
If you're looking for a high-quality whiskey glass that can also be used as a cocktail or juice glass, the Norlan Whisky Glass is a perfect choice. It has all the features of a traditional whisky glass (a narrow rim to focus aromas and hand-blown glass) but with added benefits like its double-walled design and its ability to be used as a cocktail glass.
The double-walled design not only keeps your drink warmer than other glasses but also adds an extra layer of protection from breakage: If it does get knocked off your table when you're having one too many drinks, you'll still have a perfectly good glass left. The only downside we found with the Norlan Whisky Glass is that it's not dishwasher safe, which may be an issue for some.
4) Riedel Drink-Specific Rocks Glass
For those who prefer their drinks on the rocks and want to avoid over-pouring, Riedel's double old-fashioned glass has a 2-ounce pour line. Unlike the Norlan whisky glass, it can be put in the dishwasher and is also shatterproof.
Related: 15 Types of Cocktail Glasses Explained
We loved that this non-lead crystal glass was made specifically for drinking whiskey on the rocks, as larger ice cubes fit perfectly within its 9-ounce capacity. It also has a nice weight to it without being too cumbersome or heavy.
5) Dragon Diamond Whiskey Glasses
Want to make your evening or night extra special? Then check out the Dragon Diamond Whiskey Glasses. These stunning glasses have a unique shape and diamond design that makes them exceptionally strong and much more difficult to break or crack than other types of whiskey glasses.
Further enhancing their quality, the glasses are made from lead-free crystal and are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Moreover, the 10 ounces capacity is quite large and perfect for whiskey, tequila, brandy, cognac, or scotch. However, they have a relatively small opening that makes it hard to add ice cubes.
6) The Experience Neat Whiskey Glass
Experience the authentic Japanese way of drinking whiskey neat with this beautiful glass. Resembling a traditional Japanese teacup, it has a wide opening to capture all the delicate aromas and flavors of your drink while still maintaining its temperature.
The lead-free crystal is mouth blown for exceptional clarity and weight, making it durable enough for everyday use. This glass is available individually or in sets of two at a higher cost but comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Final Verdict
So, there you have it, our top 6 picks for the best whiskey glasses of 2022. From traditional tumblers to unique Japanese sipping cups, there's a glass for every drinker out there. Whichever glass you choose, you'll want to keep in mind that the most important part is what's in the glass and who you share it with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best glass for drinking whiskey?
It depends on how you drink it. For appreciating whiskey neat, a tulip-shaped nosing or neat glass is best because it concentrates the aroma. For whiskey on the rocks or an Old Fashioned, a heavy rocks glass is the classic pick. If you just want an everyday glass, a simple tumbler works fine. Many enthusiasts keep one nosing glass for tasting and a rocks glass for cocktails.
Does the shape of a whiskey glass really matter?
Yes, more than you might expect. A narrow, tulip-shaped rim funnels aromatic vapors toward your nose, which makes a huge difference in what you taste, since most of flavor perception is smell. A wide-mouthed tumbler lets those aromas disperse. For casual drinking it matters little, but for tasting and comparing whiskeys, glass shape genuinely changes the experience.
What is the difference between a nosing glass and a rocks glass?
A nosing glass is a small, tulip-shaped tasting glass built to capture and concentrate aroma for sipping whiskey neat. A rocks glass is a wide, short, heavy-bottomed tumbler made for whiskey over ice and for stirred cocktails like the Old Fashioned. One is for evaluating the spirit, the other for enjoying it long and cold.
What glass should you use for an Old Fashioned?
A rocks glass (also called an Old Fashioned glass) is the classic choice. Its wide mouth fits a large ice cube and makes room to express an orange peel and add a cherry, and the heavy base feels good in the hand while you stir. It is the same glass you would reach for with most whiskey cocktails.
Are expensive whiskey glasses worth it?
For serious tasting, a well-designed nosing or crystal glass can genuinely improve aroma and enjoyment, so it is worth it if you sip neat often. For everyday drinking or cocktails, a good-quality rocks glass or tumbler is more than enough — you do not need to spend a lot to drink whiskey well. Buy the glass that matches how you actually drink.
