Sure, you could drink your whiskey out a plastic cup. You could even drink it straight of the bottle. But if you really want to be civilized as you enjoy one of the greatest spirits ever created, you’ll need your own set of whiskey glasses.
And when you shop for whiskey glasses, it’s important not to rush things. While it might be tempting to simply buy the first set of whiskey glasses that catch your eye, sometimes it’s better to take a more measured approach. After all, these whiskey glasses could be passed down from generation to generation in your family’s future.
And whenever you pull out your whiskey glasses, you should feel that warm sense of satisfaction as you wrap your hands around something made with care. Trust us, it’ll make enjoying your whiskey that much better. After all, the devil’s in the details…
A Brief History of Whiskey Glasses
To find the roots of the common whiskey glass, you’d have to go back to the 16th century. Back then, it wasn’t made of glass at all – a wooden cup was the preferred whiskey vessel of that time.
After some time, something called the “quiach” became more and more popular, which was basically a wooden cup inlaid with prominent silver detailing. In the 17th century, these silver cups became an essential part of any respectable household.
Basically, these primitive whiskey cups resembled bowls more than they did glasses, with flat and wide shapes.
Only in the 19th century did glass become feasible enough for mass production. Tumblers were immediately produced for the wider market, filling up the shelves in homes and bars alike.
As glass became a more established manufacturing material, technology reached a point where different types of glasses could be made, and specialized whiskey glasses started to emerge.
This coincided with the rising interest in malt whiskey during the 19th century.
Fast forward until today, and you have a wide range of different whiskey glasses to fit the tastes and preferences of every single whiskey enthusiast.
Now let’s examine some of our favorite types of whiskey glasses on offer:
Our Top Picks For Rocks Glasses
1. Red Rocks Double Old-Fashioned Whiskey Glass
The great thing about these whiskey glasses is that they come with whiskey stones. That’s right, you’ll get a set of six granite whiskey stones with a set of four of these glasses.
With heavy, stable bases, these whiskey glasses are built to last and they won’t tip over.
2. Kanars Double Old-Fashioned Whiskey Glass
We love the fact that these incredible whiskey glasses come in a beautiful gift box. Obviously, this makes it a great gift, but the box also helps you store your glasses away neatly and tidily.
The high-quality, lead-free crystal glass has stunning detailing for a truly classic and elegant design.
3. Premium Bourbon Glasses by Luxu_ing
These glasses boast a firm, thick brim. This means that you’ll never have to hold back or hesitate when toasting with friends, and the glasses are sturdy enough to handle even the most solid impacts.
These glasses are totally versatile, and you can use them for a wide range of different spirits.
Our Top Picks For Shot Glasses
1. JoyJolt Heavy Base Shot Glass Set
These interesting shot glasses are actually square-shaped, which makes them unique and interesting additions to your liquor cabinet.
They’re also seriously sturdy, with heavy bases and thick glass construction. They’re dishwasher safe, and it’ll be seriously hard to break these well-made, 2 oz shot glasses.
2. Gmark Heavy Base Shot Glass Set
These shot glasses actually take on the European design, which means that they curve outward from the bottom instead of taking on the normal straight shape of a “traditional” shot glass.
They’re completely dishwasher safe, and a solid base ensures that you won’t have to worry about your glasses tipping over.
3. Libbey Fluted Whiskey Glass
If you’re looking for a totally unique set of shot glasses, this is definitely a stellar option. The liquid is surrounded by an extremely thick wall of glass on all sides, which just screams “quality.”
There’s even a handy line etched into the glass, which tells you that you’ve filled up exactly 1 oz of liquid. This is a seriously classy whiskey shot glass set, and we definitely recommend it.
Our Top Picks For High Ball Glasses
1. Reed & Barton Crystal Soho Highball Glasses
With full lead crystal, you can enjoy these highball glasses without worrying about sturdiness. With thick linear cuts in the side of the glass, this highball set is both contemporary and classic.
You can use this highball glass for whiskey, cocktails, or even non-alcoholic drinks. This is a very versatile addition to your glassware collection.
2. RCR Opera Crystal Highball Glass
These beautiful highball glasses are made in Italy, so you can be pretty confident about the quality of the end product. Made from lead-free crystal, these glasses are also completely dishwasher safe and durable.
Even better, you can collect an entire set of matching glassware, including decanters, shot glasses, flute glasses, and much more.
3. Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses
These highball glasses are also made in Italy, and they feature a sleek, minimalist design. Although there aren’t any designs set into the glass, many people will appreciate this approach. After all, sometimes versatility is the best option.
Although you’ll have to wash these glasses by hand, they are still made from lead-free crystal of the highest quality.
Our Top Picks For Glencairn Glasses
1. The Glencairn Whiskey Glass – 6 Pack
Hailed as the “official whiskey glass,” the real Glencairn whiskey glass only comes from one place – the Glencairn company itself.
These short, elegant whiskey glasses come with a sturdy base stand and are made from non-lead crystal.
2. Glencairn Whiskey Glass Set in Velvet Gift Box
Although these Glencairn glasses are identical to the ones previously mentioned, they’ll come in a deluxe velvet gift box.
If you’re shopping for that one special someone, this could be the perfect option.
3. Kentucky-themed Glencairn Glass
And if you want to represent your home state of Kentucky, these are the perfect Glencairn glasses for you.
You’ll notice that an outline of your home state is painstakingly engraved into the glass with the highest detail. It’s a great way to celebrate your home state and enjoy whiskey at the same time!