The Best Whiskey Glasses – The DifferenTypes, Top Rated, and More

Choosing the best whiskey glasses for your whiskey tasting is not just an aesthetic option, as the shape of the glass highly influences the way a person picks up aromas and, consequently, how flavour notes are discovered.

Whiskey is one of the most well-known and highly appreciated spirits throughout generations. To drink it is somewhat easy – after handling that alcohol punch, the flavour lingers and that’s what it is all about. To properly taste whiskey, however, takes more than it seems.

To fully enjoy a whiskey expression, it is necessary to give attention to certain details, such as the whiskey glass and its preparation. The material of the glass is significant so that it doesn’t impact the flavour, but it’s the shape of it that matters the most.

After all, it’s the format of the glass that will allow you to appreciate all whiskey aromas, and science can prove it: the scents and ethanol vapors interact with the air above the drink, making a difference in what we notice when we take a sip.

In this article, we’ll go through the different types of whiskey glasses, the top-rated ones and the best whiskey glasses according to the kind of whiskey you’re tasting.

How does a whiskey glass affect a tasting?

When it comes to the sense of smell, several factors play a significant role in our perception of aromas: airflow, the amount of surface area exposed to aroma molecules, and the concentration of aromas in the air.

A wider bowl, for instance, will help oxygen mix with the aromas, releasing scent compounds. On the other hand, a narrower glass may be the best whiskey glasses, since they don’t let much air in, while the ethanol vapors drive all the scents right up to your nose.

Why is this important for whiskey tastings? First, because smelling the whiskey is one of the most important steps in a tasting. And, secondly, because up to 80% of what we taste comes from what we smell.

Scientific studies, such as “Active Compounds from a Headspace of a Novel Whiskey Glass (2020)” and “Comparing 3 Glass Vessels for Evaluation of Aroma Attributes Using Descriptive Analysis (2019)”, have compared glass shapes to measure the effects on how people perceive aromas, and these are some of the highlights:

• Narrowed-rim glasses boost our olfactory perception and let whiskey show its whole bouquet.
• Using tapered glasses reduces the ethanol harshness while enhancing fruity and sweet notes.
• Tulip-shaped glasses balance intense aromas, like peat or spice, with subtler scents, like fruit.
•  Wider glasses or snifters may amplify alcohol vapors, but they may emphasize wood aroma notes. 

Types of whiskey glasses – Shaping the scent of whiskey

Tulip-Shaped whiskey glasses

These types of whiskey glasses may be the best whiskey glasses for whiskey tastings or drinking whiskey neat, for single malts or high-proof whiskey. After all, there is a reason why this design is the most widely recognized and often seen in professional and enthusiast contexts.

Glasses with a tulip shape create a “funnel effect, allowing the whiskey to breathe. The ethanol vapors rise, but they are partly trapped, reducing a nasal burn. Besides, these glasses capture and direct aromas toward the nose, allowing more subtle scents to rise and shine.

Other sensory advantages:

• The bowl helps blend flavors smoothly.​
• Their stem or thick base prevents the hands from warming up the spirit.
• They preserve aromas for a longer time than other shapes.

The Glencairn Whiskey Glass

A favorite among whiskey enthusiasts, the Glencairn whiskey glass was the first glass designed specifically for whiskey. And, to this day, it is still the most iconic whiskey glass in the world.

Glencairn is the name of the brand – Glencairn Crystal -, an expert in the design and production of crystal and glass decanters for premium whiskey. From the decanters, the brand’s team studied and designed one of the best whiskey glasses ever made.

The tulip-shaped bowl and narrow rim that channels and concentrates aromas toward your nose make it one of the best whiskey glasses for “nosing” the whiskey and general tastings. This bowl is perfect for observing the whiskey’s colour and its legs (the drops running down the glass after swirling), and if the solid base is comfortable to handle, while avoiding the warmth of the expression. The crystal used to produce this whiskey glass is lead-free, making it quite clear, durable, and dishwasher safe.

For all those characteristics, this whiskey glass is considered the best option for those wanting the authentic whiskey tasting experience.

Here’s how you should use a Glencairn whiskey glass:

1. Pour about 1.5 ounces (or around 45ml) – roughly the widest part of the bulbous bowl, so that you still have room for swirling.
2. Hold the glass by the base to avoid warming the whiskey.
3. Gently swirl the whiskey to release aromatic compounds.
4. Get your nose close to the narrow opening and take a deep breath.
5. Smell the aroma deeply by placing your nose at the narrow opening, which funnels the aroma notes.​​
6. Take a small sip and let the whiskey coat your palate.

The Copita whiskey glass

Originally designed to taste sherry, this glass started to be popular in the whiskey world for its perfect characteristics for nosing and observing the color of the spirit. It comes as no surprise that the Copita whiskey glass is mainly used by the master distillers and master blenders for precise aroma evaluation.

Its shape features a narrow opening and a rounded bowl that concentrates the aromas, making it easier to detect subtle notes and whiskey nuances without overwhelming the senses.

Some people find the Copita one of the best whiskey glasses to nose the most delicate or complex whiskey expressions, as it mostly emphasizes citrus and fresher scents. And, since it has a stem, this whiskey glass allows for natural swirling of the whiskey without warming it up.

The Copita and the Glencairn whiskey glass are both optimal for whiskey tastings, although the first allows for a slightly more aroma concentration than the second.

Using this type of whiskey glass is similar to the Glencairn, with just a few adjustments to the quantities and nosing:

• Hold the glass by the stem to preserve the ideal tasting temperature and keep aromas from the fingers from interfering with the whiskey’s aromas.
• Pour around 20ml (0,7oz) for brief tastings or between 25 and 30ml (0,8oz and 1oz) for longer tastings.
• Swirl the whiskey to release of hidden scents of more complex spirits.
• Nose the whiskey with the glass at a 45º angle and take a deep but gentle breath.
• Sip the whiskey mindfully to coat the palate and discover the flavor layers in that expression.

Other types of tulip-shaped whiskey glasses

• Riedel Vinum Single Malt Glass – This crystal glass is a high-end piece, has a long tulip-shaped bowl and a small stem. It was crafted in 1986 to boost the nosing and mouthfeel of the whiskey.
• NEAT Glass – With or without a stem, it was designed with a compressed tulip shape to reduce ethanol vapor interference. The NEAT glass is mostly used by people who are interested in discovering the whiskey’s nose with an analytical take.
• BrüMate NOS’R – Made with stainless steel in a tulip shape, but with a contemporary design, this glass is becoming more popular for its durability and aroma-locking.
• Amber Glass G500 – Designed specifically for peated Scotch whiskies, it comes with a tapered mouth to enhance the nosing and the most delicate smoky aromas. It also preserves evaporation, keeping the aromas’ integrity even with higher ABV.
• Norlan Whisky Glass – A double-walled glass that enhances aeration, while protecting whiskey from hand warmth. The outside wall resembles a tumbler, but the inside wall has the tulip shape, making it perfect for nosing.

Whiskey Tumbler

With sturdy glass, a wide mouth and a thick base, the whiskey tumbler is a classic glass for whiskey and one of the best whiskey glasses for drinking it either neat or on the rocks.

This glass may be round or square, but what ensures its quality as a whiskey glass throughout the years is the wide opening. Due to this characteristic, one can drink a whiskey “on the rocks” with as many rocks as they enjoy (although we advise two regular ice cubes, maximum).

Regarding the overall advantages of a whiskey tumbler, its large mouth allows the spirit to come in contact with a lot of oxygen, smoothing the intensity of ethanol. In its turn, the thick base is important to hold the glass without warming up the whiskey.

On the other hand, if oxygen softens the alcohol punch, it also makes it more difficult to uncover the bouquet of the whiskey. That is why this whiskey glass is not used in detailed whiskey tastings.

Among all the different whiskey tumblers, here are the top-rated glasses:

Norlan Glass Rauk Heavy Tumbler

Contrary to the Norlan Whisky Glass, the Rauk Heavy Tumbler has just one wall. However, it was created with the same passion and high-end materials that Norlan got us used to.

As a tumbler, it has all the features of the classic type of whiskey glass: a heavy and squared base and a wide and round mouth. As a Norlan glass, its features go a little bit beyond that:

• Made from non-lead crystal.
• Geometric design and curved surfaces for a contemporary and unique design.
• Balance and a comfortable grip, provided by the heavy base
• The internal radial pattern grips extra ingredients, making it perfect for whiskey cocktails or whiskey with a twist.

Although this may not be the best glass for whiskey tastings and nosing, it is perfect for casual and relaxed social contexts.

The Norlan Rauk Heavy Tumbler is also suitable for different types of whiskey, but it has been pointed out as the best Bourbon Whiskey glass. In addition, this tumbler is one of the best whiskey glasses for when you’re having whiskey on the rocks or a whiskey cocktail (especially those that are bourbon-based).

RONA Classic Whiskey Glass

This glass is considered a professional-grade tumbler, with all the reasons to be that.

The RONA Classic Whiskey Glass was created in Slovakia, and its design can be either Classic (smooth) or “Brilliant” (textured glass). To better appreciate the whiskey’s color and legs, you should choose the classic design. But if you want a visually attractive piece of glassware, go for the RONA Brilliant Whiskey Glass.

To produce this tumbler, the brand only uses high-end materials such as lead-free crystal and techniques like laser treatment. These give the whiskey tumbler its clarity, balance and durability necessary to be one of the best whiskey glasses on the market.

This whiskey tumbler is usually used for drinking whiskey on the rocks, with a twist, or whiskey cocktails.

Other Top-Rated Whiskey Tumblers:

• Hemswell Crystal Whisky Glasses – A lead-free crystal tumbler glass with a traditional cut and a heavy base. That’s what makes this tumbler perfect for observing the whiskey’s colour and its legs.
• Crystalia Luxury Whiskey Glasses – Made with premium crystal, these glasses are perfect for drinking either Scotch or Bourbon on the rocks, given their heavy base and wide opening.
• KANARS Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses – The lead-free crystal and the diamond-like details make them elegant for those who see design as an important feature of a whiskey glass. Besides, their heavy base and durability are crucial features in whiskey tumblers.

Whiskey glasses with a stem

Besides being elegant, whiskey glasses with a stem are functional and the first choice of distilleries for their whiskey tastings and of master distillers and blenders to taste their high-quality spirits.

Whiskey glasses with a stem are, therefore, highly popular among whiskey enthusiasts to the point that many brands have released the stemmed option for the best whiskey glasses in their range.

Stemmed whiskey glasses come in many forms, from the classic snifters to the tulip-shaped bowls, and even the Glencairn have its own stemmed version. With a few exceptions, this type of whiskey glass usually has a long, slender stem – just like the Copita tulip-shaped glass. Other designs became famous, such as the barley twist stem glass and the thistle-shaped stemmed glass.

The whiskey glasses with a stem became a recurrent presence in whiskey tastings in the many distilleries due to their design, but also because:

• The stem keeps the hand away from the bowl, preventing the whiskey from warming and, consequently, from altering its flavor and scent.
• The swirling of the whiskey is easier with a stemmed glass, boosting aeration and aroma release.
• When the bowl has a tulip shape, it facilitates aeration and concentrates the whiskey’s aromas.

Although they all have this feature and the advantages that come with it, there are a few stemmed whiskey glasses that won their seat at the “best whiskey glasses” table:

Ridel Vinum Single Malt Glass

With an out-of-the-box design, the Ridel Vinum Single Malt Glass is one of the best whiskey glasses with a stem due to its shape and short stem.

This glass was designed by Riedel for Single Malt Scotch Whisky tastings, although it has been used for most types of Scotch whisky and most types of whiskey, in general. The aim behind the design of this stemmed whiskey glass was to boost the bouquet and flavor’s presentation.

The long bowl and short stem allow a balanced and stable swirl, maximizing aeration (and reducing the ethanol punch) and observation of the whiskey’s legs.

As for the elongated bowl, it was designed to accentuate the smoky, peaty or earthy notes characteristic of several single malt whiskies.

Other types of whiskey glasses with a stem

• Glencairn Nosing Glass – The stemmed version of the classic whiskey glass. The characteristic tulip-shaped bowl encourages swirling to reduce ethanol aromas while releasing volatile and more subtle scents.
• Norlan Whiskey Glass – As the double-walled stemless version, it intensifies flavor and color by aerating the whiskey and softening the alcohol burn.
• NEAT Glass – Created to reduce ethanol aromas and focus nuanced scents, this glass is especially used for cask-strength and high-proof bourbon whiskeys.

The snifters

The most classic. The iconics. The ones everyone has drunk whiskey from at some point in their life. Whether snifters really belong in the “best whiskey glasses” list or not is debatable. But they have been around for some reason, and, for their legacy and some outstanding designs, they deserve to be highlighted.

Although they were created for brandy, during the time whiskey didn’t have its own glass (the Glencairn), the snifters were used for tasting alongside the Copita glasses. The features of these glasses made them perfect for tasting rich and aromatic, strong character expressions or heavily aged whiskeys, such as Single Malts and Bourbons.

Characterized by their balloon-shaped bowl, with a wide body and narrow rim, and a short stem, the snifters were designed to deliver balance while swirling the whiskey and capturing the aromas.

However, the snifters’ shape and short stems become a disadvantage when tasting an expression, because they might raise the whiskey’s temperature.

Pairing whiskey glasses with types of whiskey

The best glasses to drink Bourbon whiskey:

• Glencairn – Tulip-shaped glass ideal for 90-proof and higher, and for aged Bourbons, since it enhances sweet and spicy aromas and flavors.
• ​Norlan Double-Walled – Tulip-shaped glass that suits mid to high-proof Bourbons (from 95 to 105-proof).
• NEAT – Suitable for Bourbons up to 100-proof, given that it softens the alcohol vapors of more intense whiskeys.
• Copita – Perfect for highly aromatic Bourbons, like cask-strength, and detailed sensory experiences.
• RONA Whiskey Tumbler – Ideal for lower-proof bourbons (from 80 to 90-proof) and more casual contexts.

The best Scotch whisky glasses:

• Glencairn – Endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association, it is the gold standard for precision and detailed Scotch whisky tasting.
• Copita – Ideal for analyzing complex single malts, especially if they are sherried or peated scotch whisky.
• Ridel Vinum Single Malt Glass – Ideal for Single Malt Scotch, as it accentuates the smoky and earthy notes of this type of Scotch whisky.
• Amber Glass G500 – Designed for peated Scotch whiskies, it brings up the more volatile and delicate aroma notes.

The best glasses for Irish whiskey:

• Túath – Specifically designed for Irish whiskey, this glass is best suited for the smoother and fruitier whiskey characters. It also delivers a gentle nosing experience.
• Copita – Irish whiskey benefits from this shape, since it captures delicate aromas, like floral and fruity notes that characterize this type of whiskey.
• Glencairn – It boosts overall sensory experience, since it allows the detection of subtle aroma notes and other complex flavors.

The best Japanese whisky glasses:

• Edo Kiriko – Traditional and aesthetically pleasing, these handcrafted cut glasses are ideal for classic and highly aromatic Japanese whiskies.
• Glencairn – Best suited for the most nuanced Japanese whisky expressions, as it enhances the nosing experience of a tasting.
• Copita – Perfect for aged and more complex expressions of Japanese whiskies, since it concentrates more fragile aroma notes.

Cleaning and maintenance of the best whiskey glasses

Cleaning a whiskey glass properly may seem like a not-so-important task when tasting whiskey expressions is the main activity. However, doing it properly is key to preserving the pure aromas of the whiskey and clearly observing the whiskey’s color and texture.

Moreover, having the best whiskey glass isn’t enough. You have to treat it like the best to ensure its longevity.

Here are our recommendations on how to properly clean your whiskey glass:

1. Rinse with warm water immediately after finishing your whiskey, so that whiskey residue doesn’t settle and to avoid dull clarity of the crystal.
2. Hand-wash it with warm water with a mild, non-scented, non-abrasive detergent, since dishwashers can cause etching and leave residues over time.
3. Use a very gentle scrub or sponge, but make sure you remove any whiskey oils and residues. Scratching the glass might compromise the observation of the spirit and accumulate oils and odors in the scratches.
4. Rinse with warm or distilled water. The last will avoid water spots, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Ensure no soap residue remains.
5. Briefly air-dry the glass upside down on a clean cloth.
6. Wipe the glass with a lint-free microfiber or polishing cloth designed for crystal.

Pro-tip: If the whiskey glass already has stains or the crystal is cloudy, try soaking it in a 1:1 mixture of warm water and white vinegar for a few minutes.

Regarding the maintenance and storage of the best whiskey glasses, you should:

• Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as from hot to cold water, so that it doesn’t crack.
• Avoid the dishwasher, since it might cloud the crystal.
• Avoid stacking when stored.
• Keep the whiskey glasses upright.
• Keep them in a dust-free, well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight.

The Finish of This Article

The shape of the whiskey glasses will allow you to appreciate all whiskey aromas that, consequently, will affect how it tastes.

Wide bowls help oxygen mix with the aromas while minimizing the alcohol vapors. But a narrow-rimmed whiskey glass will make the ethanol drive all the scents to the nose.

That is why most distilleries choose tulip-shaped whiskey glasses, especially the ones with a stem for their tastings: those have a wide (tulip-shaped) bowl and a narrow rim, reducing the ethanol vapors’ burn, and allowing the more subtle aromas to rise. The stem will keep the hand warmth away from your whiskey and help maintain the spirit at the right temperature.

The Glencairn, the Copita, the Norlan, the Riedel Vinum Single Malt, the NEAT and the Amber G500 are examples of the best whiskey glasses on the market with a tulip shape and a stem. These glasses are optimal for aroma precision and temperature control, which makes them perfect for tasting complex and full-bodied Scotch whisky expressions as well as cask-strength and higher-proof Bourbon whiskeys.

As for whiskey tumblers, those classic whiskey glasses let a lot of air come in contact with the whiskey, smoothing the ethanol vapors entirely. Their heavy base and overall comfortable grip make those the perfect whiskey glasses for whiskey cocktails or casual sipping.