The 8 Best Whiskey Glasses of 2021

What to Look for in a Whiskey Glass

By Nicholas McClelland

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.

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 because of lead's health risks—wines and spirits can leach lead over time—and the fact that 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 coupes, since our usual guests love to start an evening off with a Manhattan.

Design 

There is no shortage of designs for whiskey glasses. You can find barware in nearly every shape and size, double-walled, adorned with etchings, monograms, bejeweled, patterned crystal, or even colorful 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 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; Target typically has tumblers that cost a dollar or two. 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.

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 from 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 healthy portion of soda on top. Also, holding a big, ice-cold highball glass on a hot summer day is remarkably refreshing.

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 simply 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.    

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.    

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. 

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.