“See that bottle on the counter? Let’s pour ourselves a drink. I’ll go with the old-fashioned glass, and you can use my new whiskey glass.”
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After hearing this particular story, you might have received one of two reactions: relief because you didn’t have to drink straight from the bottle; or nervousness because your partner suddenly declared they were not only taking over control of your drink selection but also how it was served.
We’ve all been there, but luckily there are many types of drinking glasses that work for different types of whiskey. And the best part about whiskey is that it’s an affordable, accessible spirit to try out at home.
What Makes A Whiskey Glass Special
A whiskey glass is designed to highlight the smells and flavors you perceive, and it does make a difference to the whiskey glass types you select. The shape of the mouth will highlight the vapors, creating aromatics that inform your palette and enhance your whiskey-drinking experience.
There are ten different types of whiskey glasses to choose from, each with its own style and benefit of use. The name for whiskey glass types are;
- Neat
- Swirling Glass
- Vinum Single Malt
- Highball Glass
- Copita Glass
- Norlan Glass
- Glencairn Glass
- Rocks Glass
- Snifter
- Double-Walled
Each of these types of whiskey glasses presents different notes to your nose, creating different flavor profiles as a result. Whiskey glass sets will vary in size but have one thing in common, they are designed to highlight the scents and aromas of the whiskey, enhancing the flavor once you sip it.
Although it may seem like a daunting task to figure out which type of glass to use, whiskey enthusiasts have learned over time to balance the sweet, mellow flavors with the full-bodied characteristics of bourbons and other higher-proof liquors.
What follows are 10 types of whiskey glasses that can help you master the art of pouring a good drink.
NEAT Glass
Neat glasses are not only stylish but also double as a drinking tool.
The glass is etched with a diamond pattern and divided into six sections: three on the side and three on the bottom. The pattern is designed to hold 60 ml of liquid, ensuring none of it will spill out when you pour.
Where to use them: Neat glasses are made specifically for whiskey and pour quickly, which is perfect for cocktails such as the old-fashioned or whiskey sour.
Why they’re awesome: If you want to make sure none of your drink will spill out, then neat glass has you covered. It also comes with other perks that make this glass great for whiskey lovers.
- Tip #1: The NEAT glass helps ensure that your shot is perfect every time, be it a straight pour or a heavy-on-the-soda cocktail. Plus the design is attractive enough to display on your bar cart.
- Tip #2: If you want to be fancy, use the curved side of the NEAT glass for your drink with ice. The sides are designed to fit perfectly in the contour of your hands, so you can keep your drink cool while holding it.
This is one of my favorite whiskey glasses. It’s affordable and easy to use, plus it doesn’t have any obvious flaws. I use it for just about every whiskey and rye I drink, and in the future, I’ll probably try it with tequila and grappa.
Swirling Glass
This is the coolest glass, in my opinion.
If you want to give your whiskey a nice, full swirl to release the aromas, then you’ll want to choose a swirling glass. The glass is designed with a wide bottom and narrows toward the top for this specific purpose.
Where to use them: Swirling glasses are ideal for single malts or Japanese whiskeys that would benefit from some air time while drinking. They’re also used for other drinks like tequila, rum, and other spirits that should be swirled before drinking.
Why they’re awesome: The design of the glass allows the whiskey to develop its full flavor by allowing the liquid to breathe through the “neck” portion.
- Tip #1: Swirling glasses are even great for cocktails like mojitos and martinis, allowing them to release their aromas before drinking. If you plan on using your swirling glass for straight whiskey, then let it breathe in the freezer beforehand.
- Tip #2: Some whiskeys, like single malts and Japanese whiskeys, can be very strong and can easily overpower a glass. If you don’t want the strong whiskey to overpower your drink, wait for it to breathe in the freezer before using it.
If you’re a whiskey buff who loves the nuances of different single-malts or Japanese whiskey, then this is a must-have. Not only will it help your drink develop its aromas but also look stylish on any bar cart.
While the list of whiskey glasses provided offers a decent rundown for someone newly venturing into the worlds of whiskey appreciation, the real question remains – is there a genuine necessity for such a variety of glasses, or is it merely a marketing gimmick to romanticize the whiskey drinking experience further? Each glass is, ostensibly, designed to enhance different aspects of whiskey’s profile, yet one could argue that this might overcomplicate the simple pleasure of whiskey tasting. After all, many seasoned connoisseurs often stick to one type of glass, regardless of the subtle variations in nose and taste that different glasses might impart. The focus perhaps should be more on understanding the whiskey itself rather than how fancily it can be sipped. Furthermore, the emphasis on gadgets and accessories like these often overshadows the intrinsic qualities of the whiskey. Are we not risking the elitism that already gates the whiskey community by insisting on specialized glassware for enjoyment? Just some food for thought.