The desire to break into the high-brow world of whisky drinking is a great one, without a question. But if you're serious about getting the most out of your single malt, then spending some time thinking about the appropriate drinking vessel is non-negotiable.
And while you're certainly free to drink whisky however the hell you please, we've made a few inclusions in our latest Buyer's Guide below that will (hopefully) take your enjoyment to the next level. Here are our favourite whisky glasses, all of which will make for fine additions to your home bar set-up, for this World Whisk(ey) Day (May 17th) and beyond.
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Glencairn Crystal Whisky Glass
Glencairn set the standard for premium crystal glasses and now, the design is synonymous with its namesake and reigns true across multiple manufacturers. With a thick-cut “tartan” or “hatch” design and tapered mouth, they'll make those delicate nose elements easy to experience than a standard short glass.
Everest Whiskey Glass
The Everest whiskey glass is no novelty – this meticulously crafted drinkware boasts a 3D scale replica of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. Make no mistake: this is a bold design detail that's sure to be a strong talking point at your next whisky-themed get-together.
Denver & Liely Whisky Glass
Rated the number one whisky glass by Forbes, the Denver & Liely vessel has been self-titled as "the best possible, highest performance whisky glass in the world." They also do a dedicated bourbon whiskey glass which shows the brand's dedication to delivering both a unique malt and corn experience. With top-notch customer service from an Australian brand, Denver & Liely is worth supporting.
Norlan Whisky Glass
The Norlan whisky glass is one of the best in the business. Made using a hand-blown, double-walled borosilicate construction; the design is unapologetically modern.
The hand-blown double-walled borosilicate glass embraces a modern design and a concave outer rim fits the lower lip of the mouth perfectly. As a bonus: Cape Byron master distiller Jim McEwan consulted on the glass's shape and final design.
Malt + Brew Whisky Wave Glass
Malt + Brew is a family-owned business from Melbourne that is inspired by the world of Japanese aesthetics when it comes to its beautiful, sculptural whisky glasses. The range is wide and takes in many different styles, but these 'Wave' numbers are a particularly unique bestseller.
Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge Glass
Say goodbye to overly watered-down whisky with this unique take on the whisky glass that captures the best of chilled scotch or bourbon with a strategically designed ice wedge. Lower ice surface area means slower melting, so you won't be drinking punch by the time you get to the bottom of your glass.
Norlan Rauk Heavy Tumbler
Norlan's Rauk heavy tumbler is seriously heavy in the hand and could stop a charging elephant if used as a projectile. Despite its heft, the design is balanced and articulate, sure to leave your mates asking what it's called and how they can get their own.
Anchor Hocking Glencairn Crystal Canadian Whisky Glass
Designed to be enjoyed specifically with Canadian whisky, this hybrid between a neat glass and snifter allows for the fullest appreciation of colour, with a flat bottom providing reliable stability.
Viski Seneca Faceted Crystal Tumbler
This angular, mid-century crystal design looks great on any bar cart and can be rested upright or even on an angle without fully capitulating.
Royal Scot Crystal Scottish Thistle Tumbler
This crystal tumbler is a classically hand-cut whisky glass with a distinctive 'Scottish Thistle' diamond motif. The kind of glass you'd expect to see a certain secret agent being handed after a job well done – with a price to match the clandestine budget of British intelligence.
Riedel Shadows Tumbler
While Riedel is best known for its world-class stemware, the legendary Austrian purveyor of hand-blown crystal also knows its way around a Scotch glass – the Shadows Tumbler being a perfect example. With old-world art deco design cues and a charming in-hand weight, there's quite a bit to be enjoyed here.
Enjoyed this Buyer's Guide to the best whisky glasses? Then why not take a moment to peruse some of our wine & spirits-related stories?
