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I like to think of glassware as the translator between myself and a spirit. The glass isn't just a necessary vessel; it's an active player in conveying a liquor's character. Differently shaped glasses might yield different interpretations of the same spirit — and some do an objectively better job than others.
At a Glance: The Best Whiskey Glasses to Buy Online
Since whiskey is the most popular spirit to drink neat, there's a lot of debate around the best whiskey glasses. Some drinkers like a classic cylindrical tumbler for its versatility and wide opening, while others prefer a tasting glass like the Glencairn or Riedel Single Malt glass.
The best course of action, according to Maximilian Riedel, the 11th-generation CEO of glassware staple Riedel, is to start with a tumbler and then get more specific if you know what you like. “Most people want a tumbler. Go with a tumbler that suits your budget, and you like the look and feel and style of it,” he says. “If you want to zoom in on a specific whiskey, like a single malt whiskey — which still today are the most expensive whiskeys — I highly suggest you go with something more defined, like the Riedel single malt whiskey glass.”
One word of warning from Riedel, though: Don't make the mistake of using Cognac snifter for whiskey. “A the Cognac snifter is the worst you can do for any kind of spirit,” he says. “It only promotes the alcohol when you put your nose in there. It's like Mike Tyson giving you a punch.”
The Best Whiskey Glasses to Buy Online
Whether you're just getting into whiskey or looking to expand your glassware collection, read on. Below are some of the best whiskey glasses to add to your shelf, including everything from classy tumblers to purpose-built glasses.
Editor's Pick
Riedel Spey Whiskey Tumbler
My favorite all-around whiskey glasses are these Spey tumblers from Riedel. They're on the larger side, which means I can use them for old fashioneds and other cocktails, as well as neat pours. But the thing I like most about the tumblers is their heavy, solid feel, and the slightly thicker lip. Plus, even though they're made of high-quality crystal, you can throw them in the dishwasher with all your other glasses.
Budget Whiskey Glass
DeeCoo Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses
Looking for a more affordable set of whiskey glasses? Pick up these DeeCoo tumblers on Amazon. They're just $17 for a set of four, making a great entry point for new whiskey fans or anyone shopping on a budget. The glasses come very highly reviewed, boasting a 4.7/5-star rating with more than 1,300 reviews. However, some reviewers say the cheaper crystal isn't as clear as nicer glasses, but that's a fair trade for such a low price tag.
Fun Design
Whiskey Peaks International Mountains
It's easy to get overly serious about glassware, which is why this set of glasses from Whiskey Peaks is so refreshing. Each of the four crystal glasses has a different iconic mountain rising out of the bottom. They're handblown using high-quality unleaded glass, resulting in a thin, light feel.
Best for Single Malts
Riedel Vinum Single Malt Glass
If you're a single malt fan, Riedel's purpose-built Vinum Single Malt glass is an easy way to make your dram shine. “The Riedel single malt whiskey glass deals extremely well with acidity, and also with alcohol,” explains Riedel. “It's not that you can make [the alcohol] disappear, but you don't have it in your face.” In other words, the glass helps you smell the good stuff — the pea and fruit notes — without much less alcohol punch than you get with a Glencarin. For this reason, I'm especially fond of this glass for any higher-proof whiskeys (or even whiskEys).
The Classic
Glencairn Whiskey Glass
The Glencairn glass is the whiskey traditionalists choose. Some (like Riedel) are not fans of the glass, which concentrates the spirit's aroma thanks to its small opening. Still, I think everyone should have, or at least try the classic tasting glass. There are plenty of knockoffs, but I recommend getting one from the real thing from the Glencairn brand.
How I Chose the Best Whiskey Glasses
I've used dozens of whiskey glasses over the years, including all the most popular shapes and designs. Here's what I considered while testing a glass:
Aroma: The main purpose of any alcohol glass is to deliver its aroma to your nose, but different glasses cure the aroma in different ways. The Glencairn, for example, intensifies, while a tumbler will disperse it a little more, and the Riedel Single Malt glass will curb the alcohol notes and intensify the core aromas. The best way to find out which style of aroma delivery you like is to sample different glass shapes. If you don't want to buy all of them, head to a good local whiskey bar and ask what they have.
Weight: I'm a big fan of heavier whiskey glasses. It's not a direct correlation, but they feel more expensive, and staking sips feels more intentional. However, some drinkers like a more delicate feel — like you find in some high-end wine glasses — so pay attention to every glass' weight when shopping.
Looks: Like everything else in my home, I want to enjoy looking at my whiskey glasses. They usually make an appearance when I have guests over, so I want something I'm proud to pull out. And there are plenty of options, from old-style tumblers to thin, elegant sippers to fun options like the Whiskey Peaks glasses above.
