Ah, whiskey. We’ve been excited to go over the best whiskey glasses with you. In this article, you’ll get to learn about what makes for an excellent whiskey glass and pick up some tips for enjoying whiskey like an expert.
We’ll also give you our top picks for the best whiskey glasses you can buy based on their affordability, design, and quality. Without further ado, let’s dive into happy hour with our amazing whiskey glasses guide. Cheers!
What Makes a Whiskey Glass?
Not every regular old glass is intended for whiskey. Why is this? You want a glass that allows you to enjoy the aroma of whiskey, including all its hidden notes, without being punched in the nose with ethanol vapors (the strong scent of alcohol.)
Here are some defining features that make for an excellent whiskey glass:
- Bulbous body
- Narrow rim
- Narrow stem
Not all whiskey glasses are designed this way. Some glasses, such as the ever-popular whiskey tumbler, have a wide base and even wider stem.
Features to Look for in a Whiskey Glass
What features you want in your whiskey glass greatly depends on how you plan to drink your whiskey. Do you like ice? Do you like it plain? Do you want to enjoy the whiskey as a mixed drink? We’ve come up with a quick guide when you want to raise a glass:
Tumblers
- Wide base
- Wide body
- Wider rim
- Dense glass at the bottom
- Enough room to add ice
- Enough room to swirl the glass without spilling
Glencairn Glasses
- Small base
- Bulbous body
- Small rim
- Usually smaller than tumblers and highball glasses
- Not enough room to comfortably fit ice
- Enough room at the top to swirl the whiskey
Highball Glasses
- The tallest glass of the 3
- Small base
- Wide rim
- Can fit ice, whiskey, and enough of the mixer of your choice
- Should be able to hold at least 12 ounces
How Do You Drink Whiskey?
How you drink whiskey also depends on how you like your whiskey. If you’re not sure which glass to use with which style of whiskey consumption, stay tuned! We’re going to walk you through 3 ways to drink whiskey so you can enjoy this drink to the fullest.
Plain Whiskey
If you don’t believe in muddling the flavors and aromas of whiskey with any other drinks or even ice, we recommend a Glencairn glass. The shape of this glass makes it ideal for enjoying the subtle notes of aroma that give whiskey richness. Here’s how to drink like a professional:
- Pour enough whiskey to fill up the glass just under the widest part of the bulbous body.
- Swirl the whiskey in the glass and smell it, keeping the glass a few inches from your nose
- Swirling the whiskey again, notice if the streaks running down the sides of the glass disappear quickly or tend to linger (which indicates density)
- Swirl and smell the contents of the glass another time before bringing the glass to your lips
- Take small sips instead of downing the whiskey like a shot so you can enjoy the flavor.
With Ice
There’s nothing like the sound of ice crackling in a tumbler when you pour amber whiskey over the top. For all those fans of ice-cold whiskey, we recommend buying a tumbler. The short, wide body is ideal for holding ice while still offering some aromatic benefits. Here’s how to drink:
- Put 1-3 ice cubes in the tumbler
- Pour enough whiskey to fill the tumbler halfway
- Swirl the drink in the glass and hold it inches away from your face to appreciate the aroma
- Take small sips, but try to drink fast enough that the ice does not entirely melt and muddle the whiskey’s flavor
As a Mixed Drink
Perhaps you love whiskey, but you think it tastes like gasoline when it’s all by itself. You’re not alone. Many people only like whiskey when it can be mixed with ice and another drink, like cola. If this description fits you, we have the perfect way you can enjoy whiskey, just like the sippers and shot takers. All you’ll need is a highball glass and to:
- Fill the glass ½ to ¾ of the way with ice
- Measure out how many shots of whiskey you’d like to include in your mixed drink
- Pour the whiskey over the ice
- Fill the glass the rest of the way with cola, lemonade, sweet tea, or any other beverage you prefer
- Thoroughly mix your drink before taking a sip. Enjoy!
Best Whiskey Glasses
These whiskey glasses are sure to raise your spirits! We’ve meticulously combed the internet for the eight best suggestions for amazing whiskey glasses to bring to you. After our search, we’re proud of the glasses on the list for their price, design, and ingenuity. We’ll drink to that!
KANARS Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses with Luxury Box
Best for: Whiskey Night with Friends.
About
You’ll get four whiskey tumblers in this set that comes with a gift box. The tumblers are made of crystal and feature diamond-like detailing. All four glasses are clear and uniform in appearance. They can each hold 9.92 ounces of alcohol, which is perfect for adding ice, too.
- Material: Non-leaded crystal
- Warranty: 30 days money-back guarantee
- Best Feature: Diamond-like detailing
Care
Since these glasses are dishwasher safe, you can safely wash them with ease. Before putting these whiskey glasses into the dishwasher, rinse them out with warm water. To prevent the crystal from becoming spotty, dry the glasses with a microfiber cloth once they’re done being washed.
Pros
- Beautiful detailing in the crystal that looks like diamonds
- Gift box, which makes it a perfect present
- High-quality lead-free crystal
Cons
- Not the best shape for capturing the aroma of whiskey
Libby Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses
Best for: Overall
About
You’ll get four whiskey glasses in this set of Glencairn glasses. They are all made of glass and feature a classical design. What makes these whiskey glasses stand out on the list is they are the best for enjoying whiskey by itself. The body and rim make it ideal for capturing the aroma and taste profiles of whiskey. Each glass holds 8 ounces.
- Material: Glass
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best Feature: Narrow rim
Care
You’ll want to be careful with these because they are made of glass that can shatter if dropped. It’s best to hand wash these glasses and dry them with a microfiber cloth to prevent watermarks.
Pros
- Perfect for enjoying whiskey by itself
- Bulbous body and narrow rim
- Simplistic and functional style
Cons
- Glass easily shatters
GLASKEY Rocks Glasses Set of 4
Best for: Low Price
About
Each of these four whiskey glasses holds 10 ounces of liquid. That’s a lot for their low price! These crystal glasses have detailing by the base that reflects light in a beautiful pattern. Since they are dishwasher and microwave-safe, they are very easy to keep clean.
- Material: Non-leaded crystal
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best Feature: Dishwasher and microwave safe
Care
These whiskey glasses are microwave-safe, but it’s best to rinse them out before placing them in the dishwasher. When your dishwasher is done running, dry the glasses to prevent watermarks from appearing.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Pretty pattern in the crystal
- Easy to keep clean
Cons
- Not an ideal shape for enjoying the aroma of whiskey
JBHO Hand Blown Crystal Double Old Fashioned Cocktail, Solid Whiskey Glasses
Best for: Detailed Crystal
About
The detailing in these two whiskey glasses is incredible. They are made of hand-blown crystal that reflects light from the inside of the glass to display a gem-like pattern. These two glasses provide another inexpensive option on the list without sacrificing quality. Each glass holds 12 ounces.
- Material: Non-leaded crystal
- Warranty: 1-year satisfaction guarantee
- Best Feature: Crystalline angles reflect light in a gem pattern inside of the glass
Care
To take proper care of these whiskey glasses, it is best to hand wash them with warm water and dish soap. Once they’re clean, dry them with a microfiber cloth to ensure you won’t get any pesky watermarks.
Pros
- Beautiful design with hand-blown crystal
- Two large tumblers that hold 12 ounces of liquid
- Perfect for enjoying whiskey with ice
Cons
- Only two glasses come in this set
KANARS Whiskey Rocks Glass, Set of 4 Crystal Bourbon Glasses in Gift Box
Best for: Unique Twisting Base
About
These four whiskey glasses are made of crystal and feature a twisted design. Each glass holds 9.92 ounces of liquid, which makes them the perfect size for adding ice. These whiskey tumblers come in a gift box, so they make a perfect Father’s Day or birthday present.
- Material: Non-leaded crystal
- Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Best Feature: Twisted crystal design
Care
It is perfectly safe to put this set of whiskey tumblers in the dishwasher. After they’ve gone through the washing and rinsing cycles, simply use a microfiber cloth to dry them off. This will prevent water spots from forming.
Pros
- Elegant, modern design
- Extremely durable, “virtually indestructible.”
- It comes in a beautiful gift box
Cons
- Not the ideal shape for appreciating the aroma of whiskey
Whiskey Glass Set of 2
Best for: Gifting
About
If you need a perfect gift stat, these two glass whiskey tumblers that come in a pinewood gift box are a perfect choice. These two elegantly designed glasses come with eight whiskey stones, one pair of steel tongs, two slate coasters, and a black velvet carry bag.
- Material: Glass
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best Feature: Comes with pinewood gift box and accessories
Care
To take the utmost care of these two whiskey glasses, hand wash them with warm water and dish soap. When they’re clean, you can dry them off, so watermarks won’t form.
Pros
- Beautifully designed glasses
- Pinewood gift box
- Many extra accessories
Cons
- This set only comes with two glasses
Msaaex Whiskey Glasses
Best for: Casual Drinking
About
These four crystal glasses have a textured pattern on the sides that makes them easy to grip onto. If you need glasses for a casual party night, these glasses are durable and look beautiful. Each glass holds 11.3 ounces, making these larger than many of the other glasses. This set comes with a gift box.
- Material: Lead-free crystal, glass
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
- Best Feature: Durability
Care
These whiskey tumblers are dishwasher safe, but it’s best to rinse them off before loading them into the dishwasher. When the dishwasher is done running, dry your glasses with a microfiber towel.
Pros
- Gorgeous textured pattern
- A durable crystal that’s hard to break
- Each glass holds a lot of liquid
Cons
- These glasses are not an ideal shape for appreciating the aroma of whiskey
Dragon Glassware Diamond Whiskey Glasses
Best for: Design
About
These uniquely designed whiskey glasses come in clear or iridescent glass. They are shaped like a diamond and have a pointed bottom, which adds to their aesthetic appeal. They can hold 10 ounces of liquid. 2 come in a set.
- Material: Glass
- Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
- Best Feature: Unique design
Care
These whiskey glasses should be hand washed with warm water and dish soap. Dry these glasses with a microfiber cloth.
Pros
- Beautiful and unique design
- Available in 2 colors
- Spill-proof
Cons
- Only two glasses come with this set
To Cap It Off
You’re an expert now that you’ve completed our helpful guide for picking out the best whiskey glasses! We hope our guide has given you the liquid courage to try drinking whiskey in a whole new way. You’ve learned about how to enjoy whiskey like a pro, and we’ve taken you through our best whiskey glass suggestions.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns about whiskey glasses, please leave us a comment below. For even more great tips and suggestions, check out our guide to the best cocktail shaker sets!