Words: Felicity Carter
Fine Scotch deserves only the best glassware and, while we know that ideally we’d be serving every dram in a nosing glass, there’s something about a weighty crystal tumbler that just feels right. And now your home bar is getting more use than ever, if you’re still sipping your single malt from whatever glass happens to be at hand, it’s time to upgrade.
Specially designed for short drinks, channel your inner Don Draper with our pick of the best Mad Men-style tumblers. From intricate hand-carved numbers to sleek, minimal designs, all are guaranteed to take your nightcap game to the next level. After all, is there anything more satisfying than the clink of ice on glass and the soft swirling of Scotch?
Nude Glass Alba Whisky Glass
Minimalist who has a penchant for a heavy tumbler? These glasses are for you. Created by award-winning designer Joe Doucet for Nude, a firm that specialises in high-quality classic barware, they’re handmade from lead-free crystal and are finished with an engraved tartan pattern in an ode to Scotland.
Soho Home Roebling Cut Crystal Rocks Glass
Designed specifically for Soho House’s Brooklyn outpost, Dumbo House, these elegant glasses are named in homage to John Augustus Roebling, the designer behind the Brooklyn Bridge. Each is cut with beveled straight lines inspired by the bridge’s cables and, made from 24% lead crystal, each Roebling glass has a weighty feel to add some gravitas to cocktail hour.
Waterford Marquis Crosby Whisky Glass
For real mid-century vibes, these glasses by crystal expert Waterford do just the trick. Featuring a classic geometric cut pattern, the Crosby design features slightly larger dimensions than the average tumbler meaning each glass weighs in at a hefty yet pleasing 539g. For a truly impressive home bar, partner with the matching ice bucket and high ball glasses.
Villeroy & Boch Ardmore Club Whisky Tumbler
German brand Villeroy & Boch is known for its top-notch table and glassware and these Ardmore Club glasses – which share their name with a fine Highland distillery – are a case in point. Simple in design, the wedge-cut finish of each glass refracts light, highlighting the amber hues of the spirit within. Just how a good whisky should be enjoyed.
LSA Whisky Cut Tumblers
A modern interpretation of cut glass, the beauty of these tumblers from LSA is in their handblown construction. The result? A wide-based glass with a tactile groove carved across the sides and base making for a design that’s comfortable to cradle. There’s attention to detail, too, as each tumbler is hand finished with a fire-polished rim.
Fornasetti Glasses
Italian brand Fornasetti may be best known for its whimsical surrealist candles, but it also does a fine line in conversation starting tableware, glasses and accessories too. These deceptively simple-looking glasses are made in Italy, using the brand’s longstanding techniques, with bases that depict a Fornasetti signature, close-ups of the Italian soprano Lina Cavalieri.
Seletti Kintsugi Tumbler
Established in 1964, Seletti is known for adding an arty ’60s touch to everyday items, including eye-catching objet d’art, furniture and lighting. It’s applied this thinking to these broken-not-broken gilded glass and gold tumblers which are made using the Japanese method of kintsukuroi – an ancient art of mending broken items with gold to create something more beautiful than the original.
Nkuku Abeeko Tumbler
Made in India, these intricately etched glass tumblers by Nkuku are finished with a smoky gold hue to add a touch of Art Deco glamour to your drinks trolley. However, despite their aged look, their construction is thoroughly modern. Using recycled glass, impurities are removed before the glass is crushed, melted down, and hand blown to create an object that is both sophisticated and sustainable.
Now you’ve got your glasses sorted, these are the international whiskies to be trying…
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