The Best Whiskey Glasses
When you first started drinking whiskey, you might not have been too concerned with its delivery. But as you get older and start exploring finer bourbons, you want your glass to match the quality of the drink. Whether you prefer a neat pour or a simple whiskey cocktail, the right glass can tie the whole experience together. That's why we've done the research to bring you our top selection of whiskey tumblers out there today. Ditch the shot glasses and red Solo cups and make sure your whiskey tastes the best that it can with one of our contenders.
Glencairn Whiskey Glass (Set of 2)
Swirl and savor
There’s much contention around which type of glass is proper when it comes to whiskey-sipping. While some folks swear by the traditional nosing tumbler, others only sip their distilled drink from a proper snifter. But it all really comes down to your personal preference. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur who only drinks the spirit neat or an amateur slowly familiarizing yourself with different pours, then you can’t go wrong with the classic Glencairn whiskey glass. The wide, stemless bowl is designed to capture the warmth of your hands, which in turn releases the fullness of the whiskey flavor. And unlike standard rocks glasses, the tapered mouth of the Glencairn will direct these aromas directly to your nose.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality, lead-free crystal
- Wide bowl to emphasize color
- Comfortable to hold
Cons:
- Too narrow to hold ice balls
- Glass is thinner than other tumblers
Venero Crystal Whiskey Glasses (Set of 4)
Everyday elegance
There’s a reason most whiskey commercials feature the timeless whiskey tumbler. Known as a rocks glass, old-fashioned glass, or lowball, this type of glass lets you add ice, muddle cocktails, and display a neat pour all in one vessel. And in the world of whiskey tumblers, crystal glasses like these four represent the best of the best. Blown from solid, sparkling crystal, these tumblers will emphasize the look of your drink while also feeling sturdy in your hand. The thick sides and base make the glasses durable and help to keep your pour at the exact temperature you left it, whether you like it ice cold or at room temperature.
Pros:
- Comes in a satin-lined gift box
- The glass keeps your drink insulated
- Eye-catching design
Cons:
- Glasses don’t stack together neatly
Cruvina Shatterproof Plastic Glasses (Set of 4)
Finesse without the stress
While every whiskey connoisseur should have a set of proper tumblers to bring out the flavor of their pours, it can be a lot of work maintaining a set of tumblers. From dishwasher chips to unexpected drops, elegant crystalware only lasts so long. That’s why we’re so impressed by this set of anti-tipping shatterproof glasses by Cruvina. Have your cocktail hour anywhere you want, be it by the pool or next to the bonfire, without the worry of shattered glass or messy clean-ups afterward. And just because these tumblers are designed to endure party after party doesn’t mean they don’t look like the real thing; the high-quality polymer design of the glasses makes them look and feel much more expensive than they are.
Pros:
- Large twelve-ounce capacity
- BPA-free Triton plastic
- Stain- and odor-resistant
Cons:
- Water collects on the bottom of the glass when placed in the dishwasher
Spotted Dog Company Personalized Whiskey Rocks Glass
For whiskey worshippers
The older one gets, the more they tend to appreciate practical gifts, especially those that have to do with universally adored activities like eating and drinking. That’s precisely why a specially designed whiskey glass makes such a great present for any scotch-sipping fanatics in your life. And this particular tumbler by Spotted Dog Company takes your great gift one step further by adding a fully customized monogrammed etching on the glass. When you place your order, simply type in the initials, name, any optional text you want on the glass, and when it’s delivered, you’ll find it expertly engraved for all to see. You can even add more text on the back for an additional fee. Best of all, each glass comes nicely wrapped, making the gift-giving process easier than ever.
Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe
- Made in the USA
- Clear and balanced glass
Cons:
- Higher cost
RCR Cristalleria Italiana Crystal Glass Drinkware
More drinks for less
If you’re dishing out big bucks on a fine spirit collection, then you need the proper glassware to match, which unfortunately adds even more stress on your budget. Thankfully, the folks over at RCR Cristalleria Italiana have figured out a way to help. For roughly half the cost of other brands, you’ll get a total of twelve elegant whiskey glasses, six of which are classic tumblers and six of which are highball glasses. And because the whole set is made from the same eco-friendly crystal glass, you can use the same set for any party. That means some guests can sip their pours neat while others can take them in a mixed drink form, depending on their preference.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- Shiny, transparent design
- Sturdy but not too heavy in weight
Cons:
- Packaging may be slightly damaged
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I hold my whiskey glass?
This depends mostly on what kind of glass you have and what type of drink you’re sipping on. If you have mainly rocks glasses or Glencairns, then holding the glass by the base will give you the most stability while still showing off the particular spirit’s color. Plus, you’ll be able to warm up and release some of the whiskey aromas in doing so. On the other hand, if you have stemmed glasses, then you can hold your drink by the stem or by the bottom. The latter makes the most sense if you’re looking for bigger swirls.
What are some beginner’s tips for drinking whiskey?
Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned scotch expert just yet, because tasting your whiskeys properly is the first step in getting there. You’ll want to start by taking a small sip and letting it sit on your tongue before swirling it around in your mouth and swallowing. If the taste is too strong, take a breath and try again. You can also add some ice to reduce the flavor until you are more used to it.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.