by Sean Brison |
Last Updated: June 4, 2022 If your favorite spirit defines itself as distilled from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred white oak barrels, you’ve come to the right place. This post lists 16
1. Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Whiskey Glass
Schott Zwiesel is a world-renowned glass manufacturer based in Germany. The recognized patented crystal glass material, Tritan crystal, reinforces glass areas most susceptible to breaking. Its titanium and zirconium oxide composition paired with a heat-tempered rim double its resistance to micro fractures making for an equally durable drinking companion. Meanwhile, the weighted base adds a nice heft to the hand that plays nicely with its classy, minimalist design. This brand also makes a mean snifter, champagne glass, and coupe glass.
2. ZENS Whiskey Glass Set
High-quality borosilicate glass featuring a fashionable floating crumpled wave and half frosted inside layer making the glass look ‘chilled’ like an ice ball. It’s lead-free and dishwasher safe with a 7.4 oz capacity. This glass composition is more durable and heat resistant. In other words, you could move it from your freezer to your oven and it wouldn't crack!
3. Double Old Fashioned Whiskey Glass with Granite Chilling Stones
With over 1,100 positive reviews, this vessel features a classic look equipped with enhanced stability and a weighted base (means no tipping). It's also dishwasher safe and layers elegantly in any table setting. The set of four comes with six granite chilling stones so you can either enjoy your bourbon neat or on the rocks.
4. Kanars Rocks Glasses
You deserve a glass as good as the drinks in it. This set of four handmade, lead-free crystal glasses are the ideal gift for any whiskey lover (or the perfect complement to your home bar). Sporting thick sides and a solid base makes these sippy cups feel good in the hand while being dishwasher safe. Plus, the high-end branded box keeps them secure in transit while they wait for their new owner (ahem, you) to enjoy them.
5. The Glencairn Whisky Glass
The O.G. of whisky glasses (no “e” when the Scots spell it). The Glencairn is the original whisky glass. In a world where champagne, cognac, and wine all had theirs, Raymond Davidson, founder of Glencairn crystal, designed this glass with the whisky drinker in mind. Equipped with a solid base for easy handling, a wide bowl showcasing the whisky’s color, and a narrow mouth for capturing its complex aromas. Fun Fact: The Glencairn won the 2006 Queen’s Award for Innovation.
6. Luxu Old Fashioned Glass
This handblown lowball glass features a minimalist design with curves in all the right places. A heavy base with clear vertical walls maintains a subtle sophistication while sporting a splash of style. It's elegant enough to compliment the most formal occasion yet remarkably durable to withstand daily use.
7. BrüMate NOS’R
This glass’s tulip-shaped, durable stainless steel construction keeps the perfect temperature of the spirit without the metallic aftertaste. Its BevGuard technology has 20x better temperature retention than glass and captures the spirit’s favorable aromas without watering it down. Great gift for the whiskey lover on the go.
8. The NEAT Glass
NEAT is an acronym for Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology. A glass blowing mistake revealed a superior alternative for drinking by focusing on the aroma. Why? Because your sense of smell drives taste—a glass engineered to enhance your drink's fragrant nuances. The NEAT glass has been an official judging glass in major competitions since 2012.
9. Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
Built for the smooth sipping spirit connoisseur, the Whiskey Wedge is a clever way to chill your booze. Place the silicone ice form over the top of the freezer-strength whiskey glass. Add water up to the fill line and put it in the freezer for four hours. Remove the ice form and pour your spirit over the perfectly formed ice wedge. It gives the cooling effect of ice without watering down your drink.
10. Norlan Whiskey Glass
Master distiller Jim McEwan designed this glass to enhance your drinking experience. It has two separate molds, an inner and outer wall. The double-walled structure magnifies the depth of color when adding your spirit to the bowl. Enjoy the improved aroma and taste by drinking neat, but don’t add ice or whiskey stones to this glass. Ideally suited for spirits with a high ABV where nosing plays a crucial role in the drinking experience.
11. Libby Signature Whiskey Glass
It’s the official tasting glass of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The thick sham grounds the glass and fits your grip for easy swirling; the wide bowl reduces more ethanol vapors; pulling agreeable aromas through the narrow neck to the ultrathin rim. It’s lead-free, stackable, and dishwasher safe. Libby ranks as the top glassware manufacturer in the Americas for its durable creations.
12. Godinger Cigar Old Fashioned Glass
Godinger has specialized in handcrafted silver, crystal, pewter, stainless, and alternative metal giftware since 1973. This double old-fashioned whiskey glass and cigar rest in one is crafted from lead-free crystal and holds 12 ounces. The only thing missing is the built-in ashtray!
13. Marquis by Waterford
The roots of Waterford date back to 1783. They're known for creating crystal that's unmatched in purity, color, and quality. This set of four double old-fashioned glasses are made from lead-free crystalline and holds an 11 oz capacity while maintaining a substantial weight. It makes for an excellent home-sipping companion or a stylish gift to your spirited spirit tippler.
14. Vaci Whiskey Glass with Coaster
Fashionable, durable, and giftable glassware for when you want something more exciting than an ordinary drinking glass. This set of four classy funnel-shaped sippers are made from premium lead-free crystal silicate glass. The luxury gift box also includes natural cork drink coasters so you can kiss those furniture damaging water rings goodbye. If you're looking for an extra zing to spruce up your home bar, this set will remind you why good things come in small packages.
15. Bourbon Trail Kentucky Whiskey Glass
This sand-etched whiskey tumbler features a hand-drawn map in excellent detail of the bourbon trail with coordinates. Its weighted base fits snugly in your hand and sports a 10 oz capacity. Attractive memento for anyone who’s visited any of the distilleries along its route (also makes a fitting gift for the bourbon head in your life!).
16. Golf Ball Whiskey Glass
This birdie's heavy bottom and rounded dimpled design will surely appeal to the whiskey-lovin' golfer in your life the next time you tee off with your favorite spirit. Hand-blown by skilled artisans, the angles and design of this glass lead to a unique sipping experience while leaving a lasting impression on its participants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Glasses
What Size Should Bourbon Glasses Be?
This depends on how you’re drinking the
When sipping neat, a tumbler or nosing glass works well. Look for one with a capacity between 5-8 ounces. Nosing glasses such as the Glencairn or Norlan are excellent. These are fragile so it’s best not to add ice.
For sipping on the rocks, tumblers (also referred to as old fashioned glasses) are ideal because they’re sturdier, have a wide rim, and won’t chip as easily. Look for something heat-tempered because they’re more resilient.
Ideally, a glass between 7-13 ounces should suffice (even when adding water).
What Is The Correct Way to Drink Bourbon ?
There are three common ways you can enjoy
Neat
Drinking your spirit “neat” means you don’t add any ice or mixers to it. Essentially, drinking it straight on its own. Add 2 ounces of
When you’re sipping
Water
Adding a few drops of water (or a splash depending on your preference) can help unlock its sweet and spicy flavor profiles even more. You still taste the aged oak but in a way that might make for a more agreeable experience for the inexperienced drinker.
Reach for quality brands when taking this route.
On the Rocks
Adding ice to your drink gives it a chill and removes its bite without sacrificing flavor. Try using a single large cube versus a handful of crushed ice as the former will cool your spirit longer without watering it down.
Here’s an excellent flexible silicone tray you can use for your single large cubes.
Last Words About Bourbon Glasses
Whether you’re looking for the next piece of barware to add to your collection or the perfect gift set for the