Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses Review

We purchased the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses so our reviewer could put them to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

It is believed that having the right whiskey glass can elevate your drinking experience. While what kind of glass you choose lies largely in your personal taste, a good whiskey glass will allow you to relish in the aroma and flavor of the spirit. The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses, as one might guess, are the official tasting glasses of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and were created in collaboration with that organization. So they are designed to nose, taste, and sip the quintessential American spirit. Ahead, I took them for a spin to see how they fared.

Design: Classic

Blown from ClearFire glass, the walls of these nearly 4-inch tall and 3-inch wide glasses are thin but feel rather beefy. The shape is reminiscent of a Glencairn but wider and shorter with less tapper. The rim is beadless while the base is nicely weighted and etched with the words “Kentucky Bourbon Trail.” That base is also designed to fit into the mouth of another from the set, making them stackable. That is the great thing about the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses compared with Glencairns, tulip glasses, or snifters, which aren't stackable. So those with limited storage space can load up on a set or two and not worry about eating up too much of their cabinet. 

Performance: Solid

I tested a set of four, and as with all barware, you'll want to wash them before using. These glasses are dishwasher safe, so I popped them on the top rack and washed them on the "pots and pans" cycle, which is my typical selection, and let it run. Later that evening, I poured some bourbon.   

The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses are a fantastic glass for sipping bourbon, or any other spirit. 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, they give you the feel of a serious tasting experience, even if you’re only drinking good-old Makers Mark. The mouth is wide enough for a medium-sized cube, if that’s how you want to enjoy your tipple, but it’s not quite large enough to accommodate a big craft ball or rock.  

While giving the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses a thorough evaluation, I poured some samples of Old Forester 117, Pinhook Tiz Rye Time, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, that good-old Makers Mark, and Agave de Cortes Mezcal.

With each drink, they were enjoyable to sip from. As a long-time user of the Glencairn glass, I found the Libbey a bit derivative but different enough that I could imagine wanting to own both. The wide bowl and mouth make for a subtly different experience, and I did get a little less alcohol burn in my olfactory when nosing some of the higher-proof bourbons.  

Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher safe

The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses are dishwasher safe. They are blown from ClearFire glass, so I set them in the top rack and washed them with some of the usual barely-rinsed glassware, plates, Pyrex, pots, and pans. I did ensure they weren’t touching each other or anything else to prevent any impact that could cause breakage, but I do that for all my dishes as well. 

Price: Good value

At around $5 per glass and $38 for a set of four, Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses are an excellent value. Sure there are cheaper options out there, including the slightly less costly Glencairns, but not only are these fun to sip from, they are also cool conversation pieces when you're serving guests.

Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses vs. Glencairn Whisky Glasses

Yes, you can sip whiskey and spirits from pretty much any glass you want, and there are makers and brands aplenty. I've been sipping out of the slightly less expensive Glencairn Whisky Glasses for years and gave them a rave review. However, the one advantage of the Libbey glasses over my beloved Glencairns is the fact that they are stackable. It all comes down to personal preference, but bourbon drinkers might also get a kick out of the fact that these are the official tasting glasses of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.