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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Fred Noe, Beam Family Seventh Generation Master Distiller, puts it pretty simply: “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.”
Mr. Noe is right. The whiskey—spelled "whiskey" when it's made in America or Ireland and "whisky" when made in Scotland, Japan, or Australia—glass you choose comes down to personal taste. Pouring some fine Scotch or bourbon at the end of the day is a tiny but satisfying ceremony for a whiskey drinker, and the glass should add a touch of joy to the ritual.
In order to give you expert insights and observations to help you decide on the whiskey glass that's best suited to your taste, we sent some top-rated options in a variety of price points and styles to be tested in a home bar setting. Each glass was rated on its size, design, durability, quality, and overall value.
Whether you prefer a glass that feels substantial in the hand, one that helps you better enjoy the aromas, or a glass that just looks cool, here are the best whiskey glasses to elevate the drinking experience.
Best Overall
Riedel Tumbler Collection Spey Whisky, Set of 2
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Courtesy of Williams Sonoma
Large enough for a cocktail
Versatile enough for everyday use
Dishwasher safe
Clear, cut crystal
Not stackable
Riedel Crystal has been designing some of the world’s most exquisite glassware since 1756. (The company is older than America!) Those centuries of experience have led to the craftsmanship that can be seen in the brand's Spey Whisky Tumblers.
This glass offers a rare combination of quality and style at an affordable price. Taking its name from Scotland’s River Spey, an area that is renowned for producing fine whisky, the glass features a chic Art Nouveau-inspired design full of diamond and wedge cuts. Even when you’re not drinking, these glasses, which come in a set of two, are so stunning that they'll work as a showpiece in your den, kitchen, or dining room.
The Spey Tumblers are heavily weighted at the bottom, guaranteeing a sturdy, measured sip every time. They're dishwasher safe, hold up to 10 ounces, and—the best part—come at an unbeatable price. Our tester found the glasses could handle a large portion of ice for all your old-fashioneds, Boulevardiers, and Manhattans on the rocks. They're also big enough to accommodate a beefy rock if you prefer to use large single cubes with those mixed drinks.
Price at time of publish: $40
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Material: Crystal glass | Capacity: 10.4 ounces | Quantity: Set of 2
"Versatile and great for everyday use, they add a touch of fun and flair whether you’re having a drink solo or offering a guest a tipple in any form."
Best for Single Malt
Glencairn Whiskey Glasses
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Courtesy of Glencairn
Nosing-optimized design
Dishwasher safe
A cost-conscious option
Solid feel
Unsuitable for cocktails or ice
Not stackable
If you’ve been to a legit whiskey tasting, odds are you have sampled the wares from a Glencairn glass. The tulip-like design funnels aromas to the nose to better help you appreciate the nuanced notes of your bourbon, malt, or rye. Glencairns are also easy to hold and swirl. Plus they’re affordable, so it won’t cost a fortune to keep a good number on hand for you and some friends to sample a few varieties of whiskey. Made from lead-free crystal, the glasses are dishwasher safe.
Our tester called the weight of the glass "substantial but not excessive" and also enjoyed the tapered rim, which makes sipping easy. While these glasses aren't big enough for cocktails and ice, their classic design is perfect for anyone who enjoys their whiskey neat.
Price at time of publish: $30
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 6 ounces | Quantity: Set of 4
"I’m not a snob—not every tipple I pour goes into a Glencairn—but when I’m trying something new, contrasting a few different drams, or engaged in a full-on tasting, these are my go-to."
Best Crystal
Lorren Home Trends Opera RCR 11 Oz. Crystal Whiskey Glass
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Substantial weight
Beautiful formal look
Large enough for an old-fashioned
Not stackable
A classic double old-fashioned glass is a must for every home bar, and nothing feels quite like crystal when you’re sipping whiskey. The weight of the glass makes even a dull dram feel more substantial. This handsome set of six RCR crystal glasses from Lorren Home Trends is a great value, and since their 11-ounce capacity makes them excellent for cocktails as well as whiskey, they're also versatile.
Our tester reported that these glasses are great for daily use. The design elevates cocktails and the drinking experience, and ice melts at a very predictable rate.
While they are dishwasher-safe and lead-free, washing by hand is recommended to preserve the glasses’ sparkle and translucence. Our reviewer didn't notice any durability issues during testing.
Price at time of publish: $25
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Material: RCR crystal | Capacity: 11 ounces | Quantity: Set of 6
“These truly do feel luxe at an affordable price point. They have a nice weight in the hand and easily fit a large ice cube for even your fussiest craft cocktail.”
Best Design
NEAT Glass Official Competition Judging Glass
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Courtesy of Amazon
Nice conversation piece
Thoughtful design
Dishwasher safe
Not for cocktails
If you're serious about enjoying the nose of your whiskey and want to get the most out of the bottles you buy, you might want to try the Neat glass. Particularly great for Japanese whisky, this is a vessel made with love—development lasted nine years and took 52 design revisions. Made from Slovakian's finest lead-free, dishwasher-safe crystalline, the glass features a wide bowl that holds a 1.5-ounce pour at the apex. Neat recommends swirling and placing your nose at the center of the rim so you can smell the whiskey without exposing your beak to unwanted alcohol burn, which can impair your ability to pick up on aromas.
Our tester reported a nice weight and hand feel, though the glasses might skew slightly fragile. They are stackable, which is convenient for storage purposes.
Price at time of publish: $22
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Material: Crystalline | Capacity: 2 ounces | Quantity: Set of 2
“The design is funky but fluid and the experience is similar to a Glencairn. Also, the Neat glasses are surprisingly stackable.”
Best Double Wall
Norlan Whisky Glass
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Wine Enthusiast
Great showpieces
Double-walled so your hand won’t warm the spirit
Nice weight in hand
Not stackable
Not dishwasher safe
The Norlan whisky glass is all the rage with double-wall enthusiasts. To construct each glass, the company takes two molded pieces of borosilicate glass and fuses them together by spinning them across a linear flame. The result reflects the hue of the whiskey back up through the rim, giving it the shimmering appearance of gold paint. While the Norlan holds 5.9 ounces, you won’t want to fill it up or add aroma-killing ice to allow your senses to take full advantage of the glass’s design. Sold in pairs, the glasses are delicate, and the company does not recommend putting them in the dishwasher.
Our tester reported that the shape funnels aromas well and the double-wall construction seems to keep your hand from increasing the temperature. They also have a nice weight in the hand.
Price at time of publish: $48
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Material: Borosilicate Glass | Capacity: 5.9 ounces | Quantity: Set of 2
“These are a fun way to share a dram with friends. They actually feel sturdier in the hand than you’d expect. But because Norlan doesn’t recommend them for the dishwasher, I probably wouldn’t use them on a daily basis.”
Best for Bourbon
Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses
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Amazon
The shape funnels aroma well
Large enough to add a little ice
Stackable
Dishwasher safe
Not good for cocktails
These are the official glasses of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which is probably all that needs to be said. Made from ClearFire glass, they are thin but hearty and feature a wide bowl, so you can swirl while you sip. The shape also tapers toward the top to help you draw in aromas. These 8-ounce bourbon glasses come in a set of four, so you can easily pour yourself a flight. In addition, they're dishwasher safe and stackable for easy cleanup and minimal storage.
While they look like they might be the Glencairn’s little brother, they are a bit different. Our tester, a long-time user of the Glencairn glass, found the Libbey distinct enough that you may want to own both. The mouth is wide enough to fit a medium-sized cube of ice, but not large enough for a big craft ball or rock.
Price at time of publish: $33
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Material: ClearFire glass | Capacity: 8 ounces | Quantity: Set of 4
"The shape of the glass helps funnel aromas to the olfactory, which helps the drinker engage with more of the flavors in the drink, and because of its deliberate design, it gives you the feel of a serious tasting experience, even if you’re only drinking good-old Maker's Mark."
Best Gift
Well Told Urban Map Glass
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Courtesy of Uncommon Goods
Cool design
Nice hand feel and weight
Versatile
All cities aren't available
Hand wash recommended
Need a cool gift for a whiskey drinker? Consider these Urban Map glasses from the Boston-based Well Told design shop. The vessels themselves are made in Ohio and then etched in New Hampshire. Each detailed design flows around the glass. From Atlanta to Los Angeles and Miami to Pittsburgh, there's a large number of cities from which to choose, whether your recipient left his heart in San Francisco or she calls the Windy City home sweet home. The glasses are 11 ounces, so they are big enough to hold a sizable drink.
The glass is versatile: ice melts at an average rate, and each glass easily holds a dozen small cubes or one large one. You certainly could sip whiskey neat, but this glass is better for a drink on the rocks or a cocktail. Our tester reported that the glass has a nice hand feel and weight, and the shape is fine for tasting—though connoisseurs will most likely prefer a Glencairn for sniffing/tasting.
You'll definitely want to wash these a few times before you use them, as our tester had a few tiny flakes of glass come off on his fingers while he was admiring the design right out of the box. They are not dishwasher safe, in order to protect the design.
Price at time of publish: $18
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Material: Glass | Capacity: 11 ounces | Quantity: 1
“This is a fun piece for a collector. The etching actually makes the glass easier to hold. ”
Best Personalized
Home Wet Bar On the Rocks 12 oz. Whiskey Glass
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Easy customization
Big enough for mixed drinks
Durable
Missing a luxury vibe
For some traditionalists, having monogrammed glasses is imperative. Home Wet Bar's 12-ounce version comes in a set of four that get etched to your specifications—which might give a few friends a chance to learn your middle name. But remember, when requesting your initials, go first name, last name, then the middle, so your family name ends up bigger than the others. The glass is dishwasher safe, but the company recommends handwashing.
This glass is ideally suited for cocktails and whiskey on the rocks: you can pack in numerous small cubes or even a large hunk of ice. Our tester liked the size and weight of the glasses. Plus, they are stackable for easy storage.
Price at time of publish: $63
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Material: Glass | Capacity: 4 ounces | Quantity: Set of 2
“After a couple of washes, durability seems good."
After sipping whiskey out of each vessel on this roundup, our tester chose the Riedel Tumbler Collection Spey Whisky Set as the best overall pick. The glasses are versatile, work well for everyday use, and look great whether on the bar or in your hand. For those looking for a true, authentic tasting experience, the Glencairn Whiskey Glasses can't be beaten.
How We Tested
The author of this roundup, whiskey and spirits writer Nicholas McClelland, personally tested each recommendation on this list by sipping whiskey and other cocktails out of the glasses, storing them, and cleaning them. He assessed the way each glass felt in the hand, the sipping/sniffing experience, and how long it took ice to melt in the glass. He then rated them on their size, design, durability, quality, and overall value. Finally, he considered which type of whisk(e)y drinker might gravitate toward each one.
The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
What to Look for in a Whiskey Glass
Materials
Most barware is made from glass. While some makers produce various metal vessels, plastic versions, and even wooden cups, we prefer glass to more opaque vessels because it allows the drinker to appreciate the nuanced colors of different whiskies and won’t impart any flavor to the spirit the way some metals and wood can. Humans have been using glass cups for millennia; it’s inexpensive, durable, and typically easy to clean.
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The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
A bit fancier, crystal is a type of glass that adds a bit of sparkle to any drink, and the material allows the maker to craft more intricate designs. Of course, it’s typically handwash-only and can be rather expensive. While crystal has traditionally been made with lead oxide because it makes the glass more refractive, we recommend searching out lead-free versions as wines and spirits can leach lead over time—plus, lead can impart some unwanted flavors. However, according to the FDA, the occasional drink taken from a leaded crystal glass shouldn’t pose too much of an issue, unless you’re pregnant or plan on becoming so.
Other materials like plastic, wood, metal, and even ceramic can make good, attractive whiskey glasses, but you’ll want to think about what best serves your lifestyle and aesthetic, and go from there.
Quantity
How many glasses you should buy really depends on how often you entertain, your storage capacity, and how often you want to wash them. Typically, glasses are sold in packs of four. You may be able to get away with a single set, but even a modest gathering will require a few more. We like to keep eight to 12 Glencairn-style glasses for sipping, a dozen or more stackable, highly versatile tumblers, and at least eight coupés, in case your guests ask to start the evening off with a Manhattan.
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The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
Design
There is no shortage of designs for whiskey glasses. You can find barware in nearly every shape and size, as well as double-walled, adorned with etchings, monogrammed, bejeweled, patterned crystal, or even colored glass. The world, in terms of aesthetics, is truly your oyster. But keep in mind that crystal, Murano glass, or anything with a metallic rim likely won’t be as easy to care for as types of whiskey glasses that are a little less precious.
Price
You can certainly find a whiskey glass for less than the price of a Big Mac; tumblers that cost a dollar or two are plentiful. Or you could shell out a tidy sum for a single piece of handmade crystal from Ireland or France; the cost of a set can reach four figures. Prices vary widely depending on what you want, but a set of four handsome glasses that you’ll enjoy in your hand and will fetch compliments from guests can easily be had for under $50.
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Types of Whiskey Glasses
"Tasting" Glass
For sipping, we recommend something akin to the Glencairn or the NEAT, which are essentially whiskey-specific snifters that are much smaller than the brandy version. Glasses of this style are frequently used at serious whiskey tastings and competitions. Similar to a tulip glass—though stemless, with a heavier base, and generally featuring a wider bowl—the floral shape helps funnel aromas to your olfactory receptors so you’re better able to appreciate the nuances of your whiskey. It's also easy to eyeball a full dram pour, and the heavy base feels nice in the hand.
Tumbler
Classic tumbler-style or rocks-style glasses work for sipping neat as well, but are particularly great for a drinker who takes their bourbon, Scotch, or rye with a cube or two. The large mouth makes it easy to add ice and top with whiskey. While you can find an incredible number of handsome designs, you’ll want a set that isn’t too thinly blown with a good, stable base.
Highball Glass
For whiskey soda aficionados, highball glasses are a solid addition to any bar. Long and tall, these glasses will hold a stack of ice, a few ounces of liquor, and a portion of soda on top. Also, holding a big, ice-cold highball glass on a hot summer day is remarkably refreshing.
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The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga
Coupé
A large number of folks prefer their brown spirits mixed in a cocktail. While rocks glasses are great for an old-fashioned or a Vieux Carré, we think a drink served "up" requires something a little more delicate, like a stemmed coupé glass that doesn’t slosh quite as much as a martini glass.
Shot Glass
Don’t bother with these unless you hate the taste of whiskey and just want to chase it with beer. No connoisseur would deign to throw their expensive expression down the hatch in one big gulp. Sure, you could sip from a shot glass, but why would you? Its small size makes it hard to handle and too easy to spill your precious dram.
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The Spruce Eats / Nicholas McClelland
Brands
Glencairn
Originally created in the early 2000s, the Glencairn quickly became the first choice of many distilleries and bars across Scotland and Ireland. Its distinctive glasses have become standard issue at whiskey tastings across the globe. Glencairn makes its glasses from lead-free crystal in a design that funnels all the amazing whiskey smells to the nose, informing the way you appreciate the drink's flavor.
Libbey
Founded in Massachusetts as the New England Glass Company in 1818, Libbey later relocated to Toledo, Ohio, and at the beginning of the 20th century became the first firm to make machine-blown glass. It currently produces an incredible number of barware designs that are widely available at numerous retailers everywhere.
Norlan
New on the scene, Norlan is an international brand that has quickly become known for its stunning, narrative-driven Sruli Recht designs. While the firm only produces a precious few products, all from lead-free crystal, it offers unique and highly conversational accoutrements to the whiskey-drinking experience.
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The Spruce Eats / Claire Cohen
Maintenance and Storage
Handwashing large numbers of crystal or delicate glassware can be tedious and annoying. For everyday use and large parties, consider finding versatile whiskey glasses that are dishwasher safe for no-fuss, no-muss cleanup. If you do choose crystal or a more delicate material, be sure to check the care label before you order. But generally, for all handwash-only glass and barware, you’ll want to use a soft sponge and non-abrasive soap. Never use steel wool, because you risk scratching or even severely damaging your piece.
As for storage, if you want to keep a large number of glasses available for gatherings, consider those that are stackable. Barware can eat up cabinet space rather quickly. Also, leave some distance between glasses or stacks so they aren’t touching, to help prevent accidental breakage.
FAQs
Are whiskey and Scotch glasses the same?
There is not really a difference between Scotch and whiskey glasses. You can drink bourbon from a Glencairn and you can drink Scotch from a tumbler. It’s really a "choose your own adventure" situation.
What kind of glass is used for a whiskey sour?
A whiskey sour on the rocks is typically served in a double old-fashioned glass, while one served "up" may come in a coupé. The same goes for a Manhattan or a Boulevardier.
How many ounces does a whiskey glass typically hold?
Whiskey glasses come in a variety of sizes. A shot glass, for example, usually holds between 1 and 2 ounces, while a double old-fashioned glass typically has between a 10- and 12-ounce capacity. The iconic Glencairn glass, used by many distilleries and bars, holds 6.5 ounces—but filling these to the brim is not recommended.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Nicholas McClelland is a passionate whisk(e)y drinker who has written about spirits for Men’s Journal, Fatherly, and Inside Hook. His bar is deep with rare single malts, hard-to-find bourbons, and ryes, but he doesn't believe there's anything too precious to share with friends. His home bar is stocked with at least 20 Glencairn glasses and he also tested every other option on this list.