Fred Noe, Beam Family’s Seventh Generation Master Distiller, famously states, “I always say you can drink bourbon any way you want to, and that goes for the glass. There are no set rules, but I like to enjoy mine in a nice rocks glass with a few cubes of ice or with a little water, too.”
Noe’s perspective reflects a fundamental truth in whiskey enjoyment: the choice of glass is largely a matter of personal preference. Whether you’re pouring a fine Scotch or a robust bourbon, the glass you use can enhance your drinking experience. It’s not just about function; it’s also about adding a touch of joy to the ritual of enjoying your favorite spirit.
To guide you in finding the perfect whiskey glass, we tested a range of top-rated options across different price points and styles. Our testing involved evaluating each glass on its size, design, durability, quality, and overall value. Here’s a detailed look at our top picks for whiskey glasses in 2024.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Riedel Spey Crystal Tumbler
- Price: $39 at Amazon, Walmart, Williams-Sonoma
- What We Like: Large enough for a cocktail, versatile for daily use, dishwasher safe, clear, cut crystal.
- What We Don’t Like: Not stackable.
The Riedel Spey Crystal Tumbler represents the pinnacle of quality and style at a reasonable price. Riedel, a company with a storied history dating back to 1756, brings centuries of craftsmanship to this product. Named after Scotland’s River Spey, renowned for its whisky production, the Spey Tumbler features a sophisticated Art Nouveau-inspired design with diamond and wedge cuts. These glasses are not only beautiful but functional, offering a heavy base that ensures stability while sipping. They hold up to 10 ounces, making them perfect for serving large ice cubes or generous pours of your favorite whiskey. The affordability and versatility make them ideal for both everyday use and special occasions.
Best for Single Malt: Glencairn Crystal Whisky Glass
- Price: $30 at Amazon, $32 at Target, $13 at Wayfair
- What We Like: Nosing-optimized design, dishwasher safe, cost-effective, solid feel.
- What We Don’t Like: Not suitable for cocktails or ice, not stackable.
The Glencairn Crystal Whisky Glass is a staple in whiskey tasting circles. Its tulip shape is engineered to concentrate aromas, enhancing the sensory experience of single malts and other fine whiskies. This design helps funnel the complex scents to your nose, making it easier to appreciate the subtleties of your drink. The glasses are made from lead-free crystal and are dishwasher safe, adding to their practicality. Although they’re not ideal for cocktails or ice, their design is perfect for savoring whiskey neat.
Best Crystal: Lorren Home Trends Opera Crystal Whiskey Glass
- Price: $28 at Amazon, $34 at Wayfair
- What We Like: Substantial weight, formal appearance, large enough for cocktails.
- What We Don’t Like: Not stackable.
For those who prefer crystal’s luxurious feel, the Lorren Home Trends Opera Crystal Whiskey Glass is an excellent choice. This set of six RCR crystal glasses features a classic double old-fashioned design, ideal for both whiskey and cocktails. With an 11-ounce capacity, these glasses are versatile enough to accommodate large ice cubes and deliver a substantial drinking experience. Although hand washing is recommended to maintain their clarity, the glasses are lead-free and durable. Their elegant design adds a touch of sophistication to any home bar.
Best Design: NEAT Glass Official Competition Judging Glass
- Price: $23 at Amazon, available on Theneatglass.com
- What We Like: Unique design, excellent for nosing, dishwasher safe.
- What We Don’t Like: Not suitable for cocktails.
The NEAT Glass is a standout for its innovative design. Developed over nine years with 52 design revisions, this glass is crafted from lead-free crystalline and is designed to enhance the aroma experience of whiskey. The wide bowl holds a small pour and helps funnel the aromas to your nose without exposing it to harsh alcohol vapors. While the design is striking, it may feel a bit fragile compared to more traditional options. However, its stackability adds convenience for storage.
Best Double Wall: Norlan Whisky Glass
- Price: $28 at Amazon, $28 at Norlanglass.com
- What We Like: Unique double-walled construction, maintains temperature, aesthetically pleasing.
- What We Don’t Like: Not stackable, not dishwasher safe.
The Norlan Whisky Glass is a marvel of modern glassware technology. Made from two layers of borosilicate glass, this double-walled design helps keep your whiskey at the ideal temperature while preventing heat transfer from your hand. The visual effect of the glass reflecting the whiskey’s color is impressive, adding to the drinking experience. Although delicate and not dishwasher safe, the Norlan glass offers a unique combination of aesthetics and functionality.
Best for Bourbon: Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses
- Price: $30 at Amazon, $32 at Walmart, $10 at Wayfair
- What We Like: Aroma-concentrating shape, large enough for ice, stackable, dishwasher safe.
- What We Don’t Like: Not ideal for cocktails.
As the official glasses of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, these Libbey glasses are designed with bourbon enthusiasts in mind. The ClearFire glass construction is thin but sturdy, and the wide bowl allows for easy swirling. The shape of these 8-ounce glasses helps concentrate aromas, enhancing the bourbon tasting experience. They are stackable and dishwasher safe, making them practical for both everyday use and entertaining.
Best Gift: Well Told Urban Map Glass
- Price: $20 at Uncommon Goods
- What We Like: Customizable design, good hand feel, versatile.
- What We Don’t Like: Limited city options, hand wash recommended.
For a unique gift, the Well Told Urban Map Glasses are a great choice. Featuring detailed city maps etched onto the glass, these 11-ounce glasses make a personal and thoughtful present. They are versatile enough for whiskey on the rocks or cocktails, though the hand-washing requirement and occasional glass flakes upon unpacking may be minor drawbacks. Their design adds a personal touch that’s perfect for someone who cherishes their hometown or favorite city.
Best Personalized: Home Wet Bar On the Rocks 12 oz. Whiskey Glass
- Price: $17 at Wayfair
- What We Like: Customizable, suitable for cocktails, durable.
- What We Don’t Like: Lacks a luxury feel.
If personalized glassware is what you’re after, the Home Wet Bar On the Rocks glasses offer customization options that make them a perfect gift. With a 12-ounce capacity, these glasses are great for both cocktails and whiskey on the rocks. The durability and stackability of the glasses add practical benefits, though they may not have the luxury feel of higher-end options.
Final Verdict
After testing each of these whiskey glasses, the Riedel Spey Crystal Tumbler emerged as our top overall pick. Its blend of versatility, style, and value makes it an excellent choice for any whiskey enthusiast. For those seeking a specialized tasting experience, the Glencairn Whiskey Glasses stand out as the best option for savoring single malts and other fine whiskies.
How We Tested
Nicholas McClelland, a whiskey and spirits writer, conducted thorough testing of each glass. This involved sipping whiskey and other cocktails from the glasses, assessing their performance in terms of size, design, and durability. He also evaluated how well the glasses maintained temperature and how easy they were to clean. The results are based on a combination of practical use and aesthetic appeal, helping you make an informed choice for your whiskey-drinking needs.
What to Look for in a Whiskey Glass
Materials
- Glass: Traditional glassware is durable and easy to clean. It allows you to appreciate the color of the whiskey and does not affect the flavor.
- Crystal: Adds elegance and sparkle to the drinking experience. Opt for lead-free crystal to avoid potential health concerns.
- Other Materials: Plastic, metal, and wood can also be used, but they may affect the flavor or aroma of the whiskey.
Quantity
- Set Size: Determine how many glasses you need based on your entertaining habits and storage capacity. Sets of four are common, but larger collections can be practical for frequent gatherings.
Design
- Personalization: Custom or monogrammed glasses add a personal touch. Consider the design and how it fits with your style or that of the gift recipient.
- Decorative Elements: Intricate designs or unique shapes can enhance the visual appeal but may require more careful maintenance.
Maintenance and Storage
- Dishwasher Safety: Look for glasses that are dishwasher safe for convenience. For delicate materials, hand washing is recommended.
- Storage: Stackable glasses help save space. Ensure they are stored in a way that prevents accidental breakage.
Types of Whiskey Glasses
- Tasting Glass: Ideal for savoring the aromas of whiskey. Examples include the Glencairn and NEAT glasses.
- Tumbler: Versatile for neat whiskey or drinks with ice. The classic rocks glass is a popular choice.
- Highball Glass: Suitable for whiskey mixed with soda or other mixers. It holds a generous amount of ice and liquid.
- Coupe: Perfect for cocktails and mixed drinks. It has a broad, shallow bowl that allows for easy mixing and a sophisticated presentation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right whiskey glass can significantly enhance your drinking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the glass you use can impact not only the enjoyment of your whiskey but also the overall aesthetic of your drinking ritual. From classic tumblers to specialized nosing glasses, each type has its own benefits and ideal uses.
Our comprehensive review of the best whiskey glasses of 2024 has highlighted options that cater to various preferences and needs. The Riedel Spey Crystal Tumbler stands out for its blend of elegance, functionality, and affordability, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. For those who appreciate the nuances of single malts, the Glencairn Crystal Whisky Glass offers an unparalleled nosing experience. The Lorren Home Trends Opera Crystal Whiskey Glasses are ideal for those who value a luxurious feel, while the NEAT Glass provides a unique approach to enhancing aroma.
The Norlan Whisky Glass offers modern innovation with its double-walled design, and the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses are a great choice for bourbon enthusiasts. For personalized gifts, the Well Told Urban Map Glasses and Home Wet Bar On the Rocks glasses offer thoughtful and customizable options.
Ultimately, the best whiskey glass for you will depend on your personal preferences, the type of whiskey you enjoy, and your lifestyle. Consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s the ability to enhance aromas, maintain temperature, or simply add a touch of elegance to your drinking experience.
With the right glass, you can elevate your whiskey enjoyment and make every sip a memorable one.
