Are you a whiskey connoisseur that's looking for the best way to enjoy your favorite drink? Or are you a casual drinker that doesn't know which style of glass is best? Whether you drink it neat, on the rocks, or with a mixer, there is a whiskey glass that caters to you. However, choosing the best whiskey glass can be confusing considering the number of styles available.
Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and picked the Double Old Fashioned by Marquis by Waterford as our favorite whiskey glasses. They're heavy, stylish, and come in a neat presentation box. We’ve also chosen out 10 best glasses for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
Quick List - Top Whiskey Glasses
Whiskey Richard is the founder of nomunication.jp, an English-language drinks blog specializing in Japanese whisky, spirits, and Tokyo's cocktail culture. He has lived in Tokyo since 2008. He is a certified Cocktail Professor, SSI Shochu Kikisakeshi, and he provides consulting services for foreign spirits brands seeking to enter the Japanese market. Since 2021 he has served on the Executive Committee and as a judge for the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Before buying a whiskey glass, there are a few points you should take into consideration, such as style and who you're giving them to. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
There are many different shapes and styles of whiskey glasses. These shapes are more than just a stylistic choice since different shapes are best for different purposes.
If you have a mental image of a whiskey glass, it’s probably of a tumbler. Also known as lowball, rocks glasses, or Old Fashioned glasses, these have no stem. The base and the rim are similar sizes, if not the same circumference, and are generally quite wide. The base is typically solid and depending on how thick the base is, this can be where all of the glass's weight is concentrated.
Although plain, they can be decorative around the sides, and they’re suitable for any type of whiskey making them one of the most versatile glasses on this list. Typically, they're seven to 12 fluid ounces in capacity and are ideal for whiskey served either with or without ice.
You can find some tumblers with uneven bases inside that give the effect of a mountain range. These ups and downs mean that when if swirl the liquid, more air will get into the whiskey, unlocking the drinks' aroma.
If you plan on serving whiskey on the rocks, tumblers are a must-have style of glassware. Look for a glass with a nice solid base as this helps avoid breakage, should you enjoy your whiskey a bit too much. Tumblers can also double as cocktail glasses for several classic whiskey cocktails like the Rusty Nail or Old Fashioned.
Since tumbler glasses are also known as lowball glasses, you can probably guess that a highball glass is similar in shape, just taller. The shape means it has room for ice and mixers and it's easy to stir the contents, making them ideal for whiskey-based cocktails, especially ones that have a high ratio of mixer to whiskey.
Like the lowball glass, these also have a base and rim of the same circumference and can also be base heavy, making them less likely to fall over. Their capacity typically runs from eight to 12 fluid ounces.
Highball or Collins glasses are some of the most versatile glasses in any bar. For whiskey, they're especially useful because you can build a highball right in the glass with no additional shakers or glassware required. They can also be used for essentially any other long cocktail, non-alcoholic cocktails, or even just as a regular glass.
There are a few rarer types of glasses that can be used for more specific purposes and are ideal for the whiskey connoisseur. If you like your whiskey neat and want to appreciate the aroma and taste of the drink and not just the alcohol content, these glasses are for you.
A tulip glass was originally used for sampling sherry, and it's also known as a copita or dock glass. It has a long stem and a tulip-shaped bowl. Its shape makes it good for appreciating the whiskey's smell before drinking it.
These glasses are small and can usually only hold one to two fluid ounces. This makes them perfect for drinking your whiskey without ice, also known as drinking it neat.
Like the tulip glasses, Glencairn glasses also have a tulip-shaped bowl. However, they have a short and solid base instead of a stem. The bowl on a Glencairn glass is wider than that of a tulip glass, which allows for more air to get into the liquid and leads to opening up the flavor and aroma of the liquid more.
The glass is generally thicker on Glencairn glasses, making them more substantial and safer for use at parties. It’s also a good option for appreciating neat whiskey.
The Gleincairn is well-known worldwide as a great glass for nosing and sampling whiskey and other spirits when served neat, or with just a few drops of water. Its unique shape helps maximize the sensory experience of enjoying whiskey.
If you're working with whiskey in a professional capacity or even just as a passionate fan, it's great to always have a Glencairn or two available to maintain a consistent nosing environment.
A snifter glass is also known as a balloon glass, brandy, or cognac glass. It has a large bowl with a short stem that is made to be held in the palm of your hand. It's imperative that you don't overfill these glasses, despite their larger size, as swirling the whiskey is part of the attraction of these glasses. If you add too much, the liquid will spill.
The NEAT glass (or the Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology) glass arose by accident but is a great choice for whiskey connoisseurs. Its shape can take some getting used to, but it’s ideal for neat whiskey.
Its distinct curved shape lets you savor the aroma and taste of whiskey. It directs away the harsh vapors of the alcohol and leaves the lighter, more enticing smells of the whiskey behind.
It's easy to see how these glasses got their name as their uneven base allows them to rock from side to side. Also known as diamond glasses due to the shape of the base, the base is heavy enough that you don't need to worry about your glass falling over despite the angle.
The side-to-side movement makes the liquid inside move, giving it a swirling effect without the need for you to manually swirl it. Instead, you just reposition the glass from angle to angle. The rocking motion doesn't allow for as much movement as a sifter glass, but the rocking glasses are a fun way to drink an old-fashioned drink.
Many whiskey glasses come in a neat presentation box that makes them great gifts. Look for a wooden box with a velvet lining to give the whiskey glasses a classic but luxurious look. You could also get the glasses engraved and personalized with the recipient's name or an occasion, such as Happy Birthday to make the gift extra special.
These gift boxes often include extras, like coasters and whiskey rocks or stones. Whiskey rocks are small cubes or spheres that can be used in your drink instead of ice. However, they won’t get your drink as cold as ice cubes can. Nonetheless, they’re a great extra to include when you're gifting whiskey glasses!
Although decanters aren't necessary for keeping your whiskey at its best, they can be a popular option too. These come in all shapes and sizes, from the functional to the fun, and can also be tailored to your recipient. Look for a globe-shaped decanter for a travel fan, or get one that matches perfectly with the glasses you choose.
Both glass and crystal are delicate, so it's essential that they are placed in a box for both safety and presentation purposes. While you generally won't have to worry about packaging when ordering glass online, consider where the gift might be taken before or after it's presented. Boxes, especially ones custom-designed to fit the specific glasses inside, are a key component of keeping glass safe.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Marquis by Waterford DiamondEtch Crystal Whiskey Glasses | ![]() | Best Set of Decorated Old Fashioned Glasses | |
2 | Glencairn Cut Crystal Whisky Tasting Glass | ![]() | Best Decorated Glencairn Glass | |
3 | Reidel Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses | ![]() | Best Simple and Thin-Glassed Tumblers | |
4 | Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses | ![]() | Best Highball Glass Set | |
5 | Spiegelau Premium Whiskey Snifter | ![]() | Best Tulip-Style Glass Set | |
6 | Elidomic Whiskey Stones and Whiskey Glass Gift Boxed Set | ![]() | Best Glasses and Decanter Set | |
7 | Dragon Glassware Premium Art Deco Whiskey Glasses Set Of Two | ![]() | Best Rocking Whiskey Glasses | |
8 | Liiton Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass | ![]() | Best Glasses With Mountains Inside | |
9 | Amazing Items Crystal Whiskey Glasses | ![]() | Best Choice for a Personalized and Engraved Set | |
10 | The NEAT Glass Official Competition Judging Glass | ![]() | Best NEAT Glass Choice |
Pros:
Cons:
These Old Fashioned glasses come from Waterford's Marquis line, making them more accessible than most Waterford glass. They're made from lead-free crystal and feature classic etchings around the side of each glass.
Some reviewers pointed out that there is a seam in the glasses, which is due to the manufacturing process. Other reviewers say that the seam is barely noticeable and doesn't detract from the beauty of the glasses. Reviewers loved that the glasses are neatly cut and of a decent weight.
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This Glencairn glass is made from lead-free crystal and has a diamond pattern etched into the sides. It's presented in a neat black box with the Glencairn Glass logo embossed in gold, making it a good choice for a gift.
Some reviewers report receiving glasses with flaws or bubbles. Some also didn't get the same box that's pictured in the listing. However, reviewers love the weight and feel of this glass. They say that it looks very elegant and classy, and it's great for savoring whiskey.
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Reidel is well-known for its quality wine glasses but the company also makes whiskey glasses, such as these. The glasses are of a simple design with no decoration and are made from thin glass. The rim of the glass is thin and smooth, as is characteristic of Reidel glasses.
The thinness of the glass is both a positive and negative, according to reviewers. Some prefer a whiskey glass with more weight that is less fragile, whereas others like the delicateness of these glasses. The thin rims are greatly praised for being easy to drink from.
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If you like your whiskey with mixers or in cocktails, these are the glasses for you. These six standard highball glasses are lightweight and easy to hold, but they have a thick base to keep them steady when they're put down.
There are some reports that the glasses can easily break. To prevent this, reviewers recommend handwashing them instead of putting them in a dishwasher. Overall, reviewers praise these glasses for being suitable for many different drinks. They like the modern look and say they have a good weight without being too heavy.
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This is a set of four whiskey snifter glasses. The long stem and tulip bowl make them perfect for appreciating the aroma of your whiskey. Their flared rims make these glasses easy to sip from and the larger capacity means they can even fit some ice inside.
A couple of reviewers stated that the set they received was not consistent and there were variations in the thickness of the glass, especially on the rims. However, reviewers say that the glasses are easy to hold due to the long stems. They also note that the design enhances the aroma and appreciation of the whiskey even before they sip it.
Pros:
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This set includes four identical whiskey glasses with decorated sides and a beautifully matched decanter. They're all presented in a lined decorative box that has a magnetic closure, making this set suitable for a gift.
According to reviewers, the quality of the decanter stopper can be hit or miss as some received a stopper that didn't fit flush with the decanter neck. Overall, most reviewers were very pleased with this purchase. They loved the presentation box and said the decanter and glasses were of high quality.
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These rocking glasses have a solid base that allows your glass to sit at a tilted 50-degree angle to aerate the whiskey, without risking the glass falling over. The glasses are not only dishwasher safe but also freezer-safe. Their unique design makes them a great gift or conversation starter.
Some reviewers didn't like how narrow the rim of the glass is and found it very difficult to add ice to the glass. There are also a few reports of scratched glasses. However, most reviewers found them very easy to hold and confirm that the glasses do not fall over or spill when set at an angle. They praise the weight and thickness of the glass, also.
Pros:
Cons:
This set includes four identical glasses that all have 'mountains' inside. The uneven and raised edges of the base allow more air to get into your whiskey as you swirl it, releasing the aroma. The heavy bases mean the glasses won't be easily knocked over and the set comes in a presentation box.
A few reviewers didn't like how much space the mountains inside the tumbler filled. There are also a few reports of tumblers breaking in the dishwasher. Most reviewers love the uniqueness of these glasses, however, and love the design of the mountains. The heaviness of the glasses is commended and reviewers found the design did open up the flavor of the whiskey.
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If you're looking to get some glasses and a decanter engraved for a special occasion, this is a good set to choose. There is a variety of designs available for the decanter and the glasses can be monogrammed. You have several options of decanter size, and you can add other extras to your order as well.
A small number of reviewers reported that their engraving was either incorrect or of low quality, but the vast majority of reviewers did not have this problem or got items replaced. Overall, reviewers were very pleased with their purchase. They also praised the quality of the glasses and decanter themselves, saying the material is high quality and of a good weight.
Pros:
Cons
The unique shape of this glass is ideal for swirling your drink and savoring the aroma that is released. These glasses are manufactured to be at the standard for judging whiskey in official competitions but are also suitable for drinking at home. This listing is for a set of four, but the glass is also available individually.
Reviewers confirm that this glass allows for a deeper appreciation of whiskey, but many found it very tricky to drink from. If you're looking for a casual whiskey glass, these aren't for you. Those who were able to master drinking from it really enjoy the different drinking experience it offers and how it opens up the aroma.
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Whiskey Richard also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about whiskey.
"Crystal tends to be more expensive than glass, but if your budget permits, crystal offers a far better visual aesthetic," Whiskey Richard says. "It starts and remains clearer than glass and features more sparkle. Crystal also allows for thinner glasses, providing a very sharp and professional aesthetic to your bar. The downside is that crystal is typically not dishwasher-safe."
Whiskey Richard says, "You might hear whiskey drinkers talk about a "dram" or a "finger" or whiskey, but a typical single serving of whiskey can range from 25 to 45 milliliters depending on what country you're in. If you're using ice, consider that the ice will add some volume to your glass as it melts."
If you're looking to drink whiskey at home, then a good set of whiskey glasses is a must-buy. However, depending on how you choose to drink it, you might need to add some more items to your home bar. Thankfully, we have some recommendations for you!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Marquis by Waterford|DiamondEtch Crystal Whiskey Glasses
No. 2: Glencairn|Cut Crystal Whisky Tasting Glass
No. 3: Reidel|Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses
No. 4: Paksh Novelty|Italian Highball Glasses
No. 5: Spiegelau|Premium Whiskey Snifter
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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