How does the type of glass impact your whiskey drinking experience?

Whiskey is not just about taste. Whiskey is a full sensory experience. Appearance, temperature, and aroma all combine with taste to fully enhance the whiskey drinking experience and unlock all attributes of an individual whiskey. Whiskey glasses are specially designed to enhance these senses so that the experience is more enjoyable and memorable.

Top end whiskey glasses are meticulously crafted to emphasize the desirable characteristics of the whiskey while softening or even hiding less appealing aspects. With the right type of whiskey glass, even a lower-quality whiskey can be made to taste better, while the best qualities of a high-end whiskey will truly stand out.

Learn about the most common types of whiskey glasses below.

Common Types of Glasses

The Tumbler

AKA the rocks glass or the lowball glass. This is the gold standard of whiskey glasses and includes a wide, sturdy base that is perfect for a whiskey on the rocks, neat, or for cocktails like the old fashioned.

The tumbler is a versatile glass that can be plain and simple, round or square, or more ornate with intricate and unique glass designs. The perfect glass for displaying the beauty of the whiskey within.

The Tulip

AKA the copita glass or the dock glass. Traditional glass that was designed with a bowl and narrowed rim to concentrate aromas, making it easier to detect subtle flavors and scents. It also has a long stem to prevent the drinker from putting their hand too close to their nose and interacting with the drink’s aroma.

The glass is commonly used for drinking sherry and other fortified wines but is also popular among distillers and enthusiasts alike to experience all the nuances of a fine dram of whiskey.

The Glencairn

The gold standard for enjoying a dram of single-malt whiskey, Scotch, or any whiskey really. Based on the Tulip glass, but with a short stem, sturdy base, and more robust build overall. The Glencairn retains the bowl shape and narrow rim to concentrate aromas, but is easier to swirl and better open up the whiskey’s aromas.

The Snifter

AKA the Brandy Glass, is a wide-bottomed glass with a narrow top. The shape of the glass allows for swirling of the whiskey, which releases its aromas. It also allows the drinker to warm the whiskey with their hands, which can enhance the drinking experience.

While these glasses were originally designed for brandy, today, they are commonly used for any dark, aged spirits. They also pair great with a cigar.

The NEAT

The NEAT glass has a unique shape that is wider at the base and then narrows towards the top, similar to a tulip shape. What sets this glass apart, however, is the rim of the glass which is flared outwards. This allows the whiskey to hit different parts of the tongue and palate for a more enhanced taste experience.

The design of the NEAT glass reduces the impact of ethanol on the nose and mouth by separating out the harsher ethanol vapors from the more desirable aromas and flavors.

It's a great choice for whiskey enthusiasts and novices alike who want to experience the full range of aromas and flavors in their whiskey without being overwhelmed by the harshness of the alcohol.

The Highball

The Highball Glass is a tall and narrow type of glass that is commonly used for serving whiskey-based cocktails. The glass typically has a capacity of 8 to 12 ounces, and it's characterized by its cylindrical shape and straight sides.

The Highball Glass is often used for serving cocktails like the whiskey and soda (or as they call it in Japan, a Highball) or the whiskey and ginger ale. The tall and narrow shape of the glass allows the drink to be layered, with the mixer at the bottom and the whiskey on top. The straight sides of the glass also make it easy to add ice cubes or garnishes like a lemon twist or a sprig of mint.

One of the benefits of using a Highball Glass for whiskey cocktails is that it helps to preserve the carbonation of the mixer, creating a refreshing and effervescent drink. The glass also allows the drinker to appreciate the color and clarity of the cocktail, which can be an important aspect of the drinking experience.

What type of glass should I choose?

The choice of whiskey glass ultimately comes down to what you like and how you want to experience your whiskey.

If you're interested in savoring the nuances of the whiskey's flavors, aromas, colors, and other qualities, then a glass such as the Glencairn, Tulip, Snifter, or NEAT glass would be the ideal choice. Complex whiskies - think of your single-malt scotches - are ideal here to really appreciate the depth and breadth of the whiskey's characteristics.

On the other hand, if you prefer to enjoy your whiskey with a rock or mixed in a cocktail, a wider-mouthed whiskey glass like the Classic Tumbler Glass or Highball Glass would be a more suitable option. Higher proof bourbons and rye whiskeys or cocktails like the Old Fashioned are great choices for the Classic Tumbler Glass.

Whatever your preference, it's recommended to use different glasses with the same whiskey. It's surprising how different the same whiskey can taste neat in a Glencairn glass, opened up with a few drops of water, in a Tumbler Glass with a rock, and in a cocktail.