Perfect for the best of times, shared with your the people you love; for good conversations by the fireplace; for those melancholy moments when you just want to reminisce; and perfect for unwinding after a long day at work. Regardless of the occasion, you can make even your favorite whiskey taste better with a well-designed whiskey glass. We’ve put together a list of the 20 best whiskey glasses, to help you see what we mean – and maybe even convince you to upgrade your home bar with designer barware. Before we delve into the list, here are some of the most common questions regarding whiskey glasses.
Are hand blown whiskey glasses better?
When it comes to whiskey glasses, quality matters as much as the design. While you can find good, mass-produced whiskey glasses that are specially made to enhance the drinking experience, nothing compares to an artisan-made product. Hand blown whiskey glasses from experienced craftspeople and established brands provide the perfect solution to make the most of your favorite whiskey. A well-made hand blown glass should feel good to hold and have a balanced weight. Crafted by hand, these glasses are one of a kind and come in all the popular shapes and designs.
What type of glass is best for whiskey or bourbon?
Among all whiskey glasses, a few designs stand out as being the preferred choice of whiskey drinkers. Perhaps the most popular one is the Glencairn, which features a tulip shape and a heavy base to enhance the flavors of whiskey. Likewise, the Tulip glass has a curved shape and a tall stem that ensures the user doesn’t warm up the liquid with their hand. The most popular whiskey glass used in bars, the tumbler (also called the rocks glass or the Old Fashioned glass) is ideal for those who love to drink their whiskey with ice. Like its name suggests, the Snifter concentrates the scent of whiskey or bourbon through a narrower opening. Other popular whiskey glasses include the Neat glass that allows the ethanol to evaporate and leave behind only the deep, rich aromas, and the Shot glass that delivers all the aroma with a punch.
Are bourbon and whiskey glasses the same?
Whiskey and bourbon glasses are the same. Different designs and the shape of the glass change the drinking experience in the same ways. American whiskey is also called bourbon and needs to be made from corn in specific ways in order to be legally designated as “bourbon.” Likewise, Scotch whiskey can only be made in Scotland and it’s made from malted barley. One distillery can produce whiskey in different ways, which further changes the taste and flavor. Choosing a bourbon or a Scotch glass depends on whether you like whiskey neat or on the rocks, with a softer flavor or a more intense aroma profile.
What size whiskey glasses are used in the U.S.?
Whiskey glasses in the U.S. usually have a capacity between 7 and 12 fl oz. For example, an old fashioned glass, also called a lowball, has a capacity of around 6 to 10 fl oz. A double old fashioned can hold from 12 to 16 fl oz. A snifter has a capacity of 6 to 8 fl oz, while a classic copita glass can hold up to 6 fl oz.
How many ounces are in a whiskey tumbler?
A whiskey tumbler, or an old fashioned glass, lowball, or rocks glass, has a capacity of 7-12 fl oz. Usually, bars and restaurants serve whiskey in 10 fl oz tumblers. However, the perfect size of the glass depends on the way you like to enjoy your spirits. For example, if you prefer your whiskey neat, you should choose a smaller glass of up to 6 fl oz. For whiskey on the rocks, a 6-10 fl oz glass. Whiskey cocktails and larger drinks require glasses of more than 10 fl oz.
Why do whiskey glasses have thick bottoms?
Whiskey glasses have a thick bottom for one main reason: to maintain the temperature of the drink. As the glass is thicker on the bottom, the user’s hand doesn’t warm up the liquid and thus change its flavor. Thick bottoms on whiskey glasses also ensure that ice doesn’t melt as quickly. Finally, the solid base provides more stability which comes in handy when preparing whiskey cocktails with non-liquid ingredients.
Apart from their perfect balance, weight, and feel, each and every one of these tumblers has something special. Safe to say, this selection of best whiskey glasses will surprise even a design enthusiast. Find your new favorite glass below:
Genio Spirits Glass
Grab Genio, your favorite whiskey, and make a wish. Inspired by the shape of Aladdin’s lamp, designer Leonardo Borra created this ingenious whiskey glass with a double chamber design. As the user pours the whiskey in the upper chamber, the liquid makes its way to the lower compartment, releasing its flavors in the process. Holding the rounded glass in one’s hand also warms up the whiskey and enhances its complex aromas for a more enjoyable drinking experience.
Caldera Set of 4 Whiskey Glasses
Istanbul-based glassware manufacturer Nude produces minimalist products that celebrate the beauty of simple, pure forms and the quality of a handmade product. The Caldera series is no exception. Creative and refined, these whiskey glasses feature a V-shaped motif framed by vertical cuts on the base. Filling the glasses with amber-colored whiskey highlights the elegance of the design and brings it to life. Made from lead-free crystal glass, the Caldera set comes with 4 whiskey glasses with a capacity of 9 1/4 oz.
Fred Spirits Glass
Specially designed to make your whiskey drinking experience one of a kind, this creative glass is as fun to use as it is to admire. Designer Leonardo Borra gave the Fred Spirits Glass an unconventional shape that allows users to “hold” the whiskey between their fingers. Apart from its striking design, this glass is also crafted to be a part of your home bar for a long time. Made from hand-blown borosilicate glass, Fred can handle higher temperatures and even impact better than a standard glass.
Glasscapes Tumblers – Set of 2
Transform your favorite whiskey into a beautiful landscape feature with the Glasscapes set from Aruliden. Designed with “mountains” that rise from the bottom of the glass, these tumblers give a captivating twist to the whiskey savoring experience. Pouring the amber-colored drink inside the glass animates the scene and brings the mountainous landscape to life. The set includes two dishwasher-safe tumblers made of borosilicate glass, which is tougher than standard glass. Each tumbler has a capacity of 8 fl oz, or 236.5 ml. Perfect as a gift for a whiskey drinker who appreciates creative glassware.
Rare Whiskey Glass, Set of 2
We start off our list of 20 best whiskey glasses in style. Designed to enhance the flavors of whiskey, the Rare Whisky Glasses focus aroma through their elegantly tapered silhouette. Minimal and refined, this set of two glasses designed by Felicia Ferrone feature a functional hollow base that allows the user to stack them. Each glass is carefully handmade by master glassblowers from premium quality Borosilicate glass. While elegant and seemingly delicate, the Rare Whiskey Glasses are safe to wash in a dishwasher. Set of two tumblers with a capacity of 9 ounces each.
Norlan Whisky Glass
Undeniably, the Norlan Whisky Glass makes a lasting impression at a glance, even before you fill it with double or single malt Scotch whisky. Designed by Sruli Recht and refined with the help of master distiller Jim McEwan, this sculptural glass draws inspiration from nature. It features a transparent double walled vessel, made with an ingenious glass blowing technique that creates a ‘glass within a glass’ effect. This whiskey glass also has a superior nosing performance and fantastic aeration properties to improve the aromas of whiskey.
Single Old Fashioned, Diamond Collection
Ideal for virtually any home bar, the Diamond Single Old Fashioned glass from award-winning designer Richard Brendon manages to look both vintage and contemporary. The refined design upgrades a classic pattern of diamond whiskey glasses with hand-cut diamond shapes across the lower part of the glass. This allows the light to refract as it passes through the crystal, giving rich amber colored drinks a jewel-like effect of gleaming sparkles. Part of the Diamond collection which also includes decanters and cocktail glasses.
Seletti Kintsugi Whiskey Glass, Set of 3
Avant-garde Italian brand Seletti never makes boring products. Take the Kintsugi Tumbler for example. Inspired by the ancient Japanese art of mending broken porcelain with gold, the tumbler is a piece of art that will enhance any home bar. The glass boasts the traditional lines of gold that seem to mend different pieces to recreate the tumbler in a more beautiful and precious form. Perfect for fans of creative design, these tumblers are also a great way to give your favorite whiskey an artistic flavor.
The Neat Whiskey Glass
Specifically designed to eliminate alcohol burn and thus allow the different aromas of a good whiskey to shine through, the revolutionary Neat Whiskey Glass has become one of the most respected tasting glasses in the industry. Even the most prestigious industry event in the US, The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, has adopted the Neat glass as an official tasting glass. So we had to include it in this list of best whiskey glasses. The distinctive curved shape – a patented design – separates the ethanol from the flavor profile of the drink, intensifying flavors and nuances. Yes, your favorite whiskey may be even better than you thought it was!
Rocks Facet Whiskey Glasses
Put a twist on your liquor savoring experience with the Nouvel Rocks Facets set. Designed by Michael Kramer, the glasses feature an irregular, faceted base that makes them stand in a slanted position. The extra-thick base keeps the contents cool for longer, which comes in handy if you like your drinks on the rocks. The Rocks shot glasses come in different colors, but all of them are expertly mouth-blown from quality glass. This set comes with four equal pieces. Perfect as a gift, the set is a great way to transform a home bar and serve a wide range of drinks in style.
Angled Rim Whiskey Glass
A beautiful glass for the traditional whisky, either straight or on the rocks. The glass is thin and delicate. The range consists of a number of elegant, harmonious glasses which are each designed to enhance the experience of drinking different types of whiskey and spirits.
Tank Whiskey Glasses Copper
Minimalist yet also decorative, the Tank Copper Whiskey Glasses give a stylish accent to any home bar. To design these glasses, renowned designer Tom Dixon looked to scientific glassware for inspiration. The Tank collection features sculptural silhouettes and eye-catching metal detailing, with decanters and vases also included. These whiskey glasses have a simple, elegant form, with a hand-painted copper band on the mouth-blown glass. Available in a set of two, the Tank Whiskey Glasses are perfect for whiskey lovers who are also fans of contemporary design.
Rocking Whiskey Tumbler Glasses
If you like fun designs, you’ll probably fall in love with the Sagaform Rocking Whiskey Tumbler Glasses. They have a rounded base that makes them rock from side to side on the table, without ever falling over or spilling even one drop of whiskey. Apart from bringing some playfulness to your home bar, the design also allows the flavors of your drink to develop as the movement aerates the whiskey and brings all of the aromas to life.
Vista Alegre Blue Ming Old Fashioned
Old fashioned but designed with a contemporary soul, this whiskey glass is a great choice for your home bar. Marcel Wanders’ design draws inspiration from the Blue Ming porcelain collection he previously created for Vista Alegre. Crafted using corrugation techniques, this glass features creases and leaf-like shapes embedded in the crystal. Like other modern whiskey glasses from the renowned Portuguese brand, Blue Ming Old Fashioned is handmade by highly skilled artisans.
Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Glass
An elegant whiskey glass that hides more behind its refined aesthetic. This glass features a patented Tritan® crystal material, developed by Schott Zwiesel and unique to this leading glassware brand. Unlike traditional glasses, the Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Glass has no lead or barium. Instead, it features titanium and zirconium oxides. Made using a high-temperature process which effectively tempers the material, this whiskey glass is significantly more durable than other glasses, as well as scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and resistant to chipping. It’s one of the best whiskey glasses you can buy. Plus, the design looks fantastic in any interior.
Viski Seneca Faceted Crystal Tumblers
Designed with a mid-century modern feel, the Viski Seneca Faceted Crystal Tumblers are as stylish as they are practical. The geometric design combines a triangular base with a multi-faceted body and a beautifully rounded top. As the light passes through the filled glass, it enhances the design further. An ideal choice for design lovers who are looking for cool glassware to make a home bar stand out. Available in a set of two, each tumbler has a capacity of 11 oz.
Ashcroft Fine Glassware Twist Whiskey Glasses
A gorgeous addition to our list of best whiskey glasses. Sculptural and stunning, the Ashcroft Fine Glassware Twist Whiskey Glasses can actually create a focal point in a room, all on their own. They feature a creative design, with a ‘twist’ shape that gives a new dimension to drinks. Made from lead-free glass, these tumblers have a superior clarity and quality. The capacity of 8 ounces allows the user to add a whiskey stone to the glass. These high-end designer glasses are perfect as a gift for whiskey lovers who appreciate more artistic glassware.
Vista Alegre, Fantasy Old Fashioned
Drink your favorite whiskey from a glass that elevates the entire experience. Like this Vista Alegre Fantasy Old Fashioned, created by Gerald Gulotta. Elegant and timeless, this design also puts the high-quality crystal in the best light thanks to cuts that run alongside the height of the whiskey glass. Handmade in Portugal, the Fantasy Old Fashioned complements its refined good-looks with impressive craftsmanship.
Dragon Glassware Diamond Old Fashioned Tumblers
By now, you’ve probably realized that we weren’t kidding when we said that this selection of 20 best whiskey glasses will surprise you. The Dragon Glassware Diamond Old Fashioned Tumblers are no exception. Designed with a tilted shape, these whiskey glasses reference the shape and the brilliance of diamonds. The creative silhouette is not only eye-catching, but it also enhances the flavors of whiskey, bourbon, brandy, or rum by aerating the drink. These glasses are also lead-free, spill-proof, and anti-rocking. Plus, they’re also conveniently dishwasher, freezer, and microwave-safe.
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue DOF
Winner of the International Tabletop Design Award, the Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Double Old Fashioned glass is elegantly simple. Created by Swedish artist Erika Lagerbielke in 1985, the glass features a blue color sphere embedded in the base. Orrefors Intermezzo Blue DOF is handcrafted by master glassmakers from lead-free glass, providing the perfect blend of style and quality. One of the most successful designs from the Swedish brand’s collection, the popular Orrefors Intermezzo Blue glasses complement your whiskeys with a minimalist style and a pop of color.
New Vintage™ 4-piece Duncan Double Old Fashioned Glass Set
A timeless design that suits both casual and more formal occasions. Designed by Thomas O’Brien, the New Vintage™ 4-piece Duncan Double Old Fashioned Glass Set takes design cues from classic glassware, upgrading beloved forms for contemporary bars. The lead-free crystal glasses feature window pane patterns and vertical lines, bringing a touch of old fashioned refinement into modern interiors. Each glass has a capacity of 12 oz, providing plenty of space for whiskey cubes or stones.
Denver & Liely Whiskey Glass
Specially designed to highlight the full character of good whiskey, the Denver & Liely Whiskey Glass combines a tumbler and a snifter in one. The glass boasts a wider base and a tapered body to enhance the flavor of every sip of whiskey. An extra-thick bottom minimizes the heat transfer between the user’s hand and the whiskey, preventing ice cubes from melting too quickly. Hand-blown and hand-cut, this lead-free crystal glass is also hand-polished to perfection. It’s no wonder that it has been featured in publications like Vogue, Forbes, or Men’s Health.
Vitreluxe Stump Cocktail Set
The Vitreluxe Stump Cocktail Set has a captivating organic feel. No wonder, since this set was actually modeled after a real oak branch. The design aims to celebrate both nature and the use of solid wood barrels in the whiskey manufacturing process. Naturally, this set looks unlike any other and it’s a natural choice for our selection of 20 best whiskey glasses. Handmade in Oregon with a creative technique that uses the mold of an oak branch, the surface of the glass boasts the textures of bark. The Vitreluxe Stump Cocktail Set comes with two glasses, a cocktail vessel, and a stirrer.
Malt Whisky Set
Designed by award-winning Finnish designer Mikko Laakkonen for NUDE, the Malt whiskey set blends simple forms and clean lines in a graceful silhouette. The base provides a comfortable grip, while the perfectly rounded body allows the user to swirl the whiskey to aerate it and open up its flavors further. This set comes with two tumblers. Thanks to their minimalist design, these glasses can complement any decanter with a similarly understated aesthetic.
Lismore Tumbler, Set of 4
The Waterford Lismore Set pays homage to craftsmanship and to the whiskey drinking experience. Classic but perfect for a modern home bar, these glasses feature the signature Lismore wedge and diamond cut pattern that has a 60-year heritage. Combined with the exquisite quality of Waterford handcrafted crystal, this set of four tumblers is as sophisticated as it is high-quality. Whether you want to surprise a friend with a whiskey-themed gift or want to transform your own home bar with some stylish tumblers, this set is a natural choice.
Chill Tumbler
Featuring a marble base, the Chill glass from NUDE’s own design team provides a creative twist on classic whiskey glassware. These tumblers boast the line’s signature blend of glass and marble that creates a play between contrasting textures. Made with a chunky marble base, each glass is one-of-a-kind. The rounded glass builds upon the shape of the base, in a weighty design that is both distinctive and elegant. Following NUDE’s design principles, the Chill collection is perfect for everyday use, special occasions, and any decor.
Cut Crystal Whiskey Glass, Set of 2
One of the best whiskey glasses available. Featuring a marble base, the Chill glass from NUDE’s own design team provides a creative twist on classic whiskey glassware. These tumblers boast the line’s signature blend of glass and marble that creates a play between contrasting textures. Made with a chunky marble base, each glass is one-of-a-kind. The rounded glass builds upon the shape of the base, in a weighty design that is both distinctive and elegant. Following NUDE’s design principles, the Chill collection is perfect for everyday use, special occasions, and any decor.
Matterhorn Whiskey Glass
You’ve now seen whiskey glasses that reference vintage designs, oak bark, and scientific glassware. The Matterhorn Whiskey Glass draws inspiration from the majestic beauty of nature. More specifically, it recreates the silhouette of the Matterhorn peak in the Pennine Alps mountain range located at the border between Italy and Switzerland. Inside the glass, you can admire the mountain peak in a miniature form, and surround it – or submerge it, we’re not judging – in quality whiskey. Made of crystal, this glass has a capacity of 7 ounces.
Simon Pearce Ascutney Double Old Fashioned Set
Minimalism lovers, meet the perfect whiskey glass to bring into your home bar. The Simon Pearce Ascutney Double Old Fashioned set explores the purity of form with a strikingly simple design. Featuring a weighty build, the glasses have hefty base and a wide rim. They’re handmade in the US by skilled glassblowers who use centuries-old techniques to bring each elegant glass to life. Thanks to the capacity of 10 ounces, these tumblers are perfect for neat drinks or drinks with whiskey stones.
Shade Skull
The whiskey glasses to die for. Made with a skull sculpture inside the base, the Nude Glass Shade Skull Double Old Fashioned Glasses will add Gothic vibes to any home bar. Because the best whiskey glasses should delight in more ways than one. The bold design enhances the whiskey drinking experience while bringing some creative style to your favorite tipple. Made of mouth-blown, lead-free crystal, every glass has an ultra-clear and bright surface. This set comes with four tumblers and it’s dishwasher-safe.
