These are the best whisky glasses (to do your Scotch justice)
From delicately designed, flavour-enhancing vessels to works of whisky-holding art, these are the best glasses for the finest spirits...
Words: Jonathan Wells
Great whisky makes us want to celebrate. The artistry! The aromas! The sheer Scottish beauty of it all! It’s as spirited as spirits come; the neatest nip and most delightful dram this side of Shetland. So join us in raising a glass to the best…
Hold on a minute. Call that a glass? It’s not worthy of the Scotch you’re about to splash into it. And this is a problem. Across the world, people understand the importance of investing in great bottles of whisky. We start funds and save up to afford special Scotch bottlings — and then bring them out for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.
But we don’t take enough care with our glassware. These tumblers, these vessels, these chalices that carry our precious, peaty whiskies — they deserve that same level of investment. So, below, we’ve rounded up some of the finest options to give your Scotch the send off it deserves…
The Glencairn Glass
Let’s kick things off with a classic. This iconic whisky glass, launched by Glencairn Crystal in 2001, is the result of lots and lots of research. Five master blenders, from some of Scotland’s biggest whisky brands, were consulted for its creation — and the general design takes inspiration from the traditional nosing ‘copitas’ used in whisky flavour laboratories from Stranraer to Stornoway.
Norlan Whisky Glass
Inspired by nature and crafted digitally, this meticulously designed glass was designed by former master distiller of Bruichladdich, Jim McEwan, to capture every single one of your whisky’s complex flavours and aromas. Double-walled, ergonomically-curved and lightweight, it dynamically encourages aeration so you don’t need to add water to unlock further flavour.
Riedel Vinum Whisky Glass
This isn’t some arbitrary shape. In early 1992, a panel of international whisky experts descended on Riedel’s Austrian headquarters to test a range of 19 different glass shapes. This meeting resulted in the machine-blown, lead crystal glass you see before you — complete with elongated thistle shape, truncated stem and slightly out-turned lip.
Denver & Liely Bourbon Glass
Because not all whiskies are Scotch. Denver & Liely’s elegant ‘Bourbon Glass’ was created after an in-depth research trip to Kentucky and Tennessee. It’s hand-blown, hand-cut and hand-polished from lead-free crystal. And, thanks to a smaller-than-usual opening-to-base ratio, it’s a glass that provides a bolder body and smoother, more bourbon-focused experience.
Seletti Kintsugi Glass and Gold Tumbler
What Seletti’s tumbler lacks in meticulously crafted and dynamically aerated design, it makes up for with the glinting goodness of gold. ‘Kintsugi’ is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with precious metals — and this glass will serve your finely aged whisky in the regal way it deserves.
Baccarat Harcourt Talleyrand Tumbler
Revisiting the regal architectural form of Baccarat’s Harcourt 1841 collection, this ‘Talleyrand’ tumbler looks a little like a miniature vase. But it’s better than a vessel for flowers — this is a powerful, classic design that makes a perfect choice of glass for the devoted whisky drinker. The fluted rim directs the spirit directly onto your tongue, ensuring the most potent sips possible.
Edo Kiriko Whisky Cup
If the Baccarat tumbler above looks like a vase, then this Edo Kiriko cup looks like a tealight holder. The first of our two Japanese picks, it’s the perfect option if you enjoy the drier, smokier, and peatier characteristics of far-eastern whiskies. That funnel shape allows the spirit to aerate, and opens up flavours in much the same way a wine decanter might.
Yamazakura ‘Leaf’ Whisky Glass
This is an interesting one. Rounding out our Japanese duo, this ‘leaf’ glass takes after the classic tulip nosing design. But, crafted from recycled glass and very subtly ribbed, there’s a clear Japanese design influence here. It’s very small; and looks almost like a shot glass. But, whereas the Edo Kiriko cup above opens up flavours, this innovative design intensifies and concentrates them. One for serious flavour chasers.
Wooden Mountain Whiskey Glass
There aren’t many flavour benefits to this wooden-based design — but it doesn’t half look cool. On a chunk of black walnut, the peaked design will ensure you set your drink down straight no matter how many drams you’ve had. And, though those straight-walled sides don’t offer much in terms of flavour-boosting, the borosilicate glass is clearer than lead crystal. So pick your best shade of Scotch, and enjoy the view.
Nude ‘Chill’ Whisky Tumbler with Marble Base
While we’re on the subject of striking, stylish bases, let’s take a look at Nude’s ‘Chill’ tumbler. Crafted from pure crystalline glass, the hand-hewn marble base is the star here; cool enough to keep your whisky at the optimal temperature for the flavours to best be showcased. Whether you’re a bourbon, rye or single malt man, this glass will let your selected spirit sing.
Waterford Aras Whiskey Glass
And, finally, to round out your roundest, richest whisky, we turn to Ireland. The Irish spin on the classic spirit is typically known for its smoother flavour and hints of vanilla. That means you can sit back and enjoy its easy taste without any dynamic curves or fluted lips helping you on your way. Instead, look for timeless design — such as the striking vertical cuts of the ‘Aras’ style.
Looking for something special to splash into your new glass? These are the best boutique Scotch whiskies…
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