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Fit for a future king.
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Whiskey (and whisky) can be enjoyed in a variety of glasses. Moreover, unlike wine, there is no difference in the glasses used for different types of whiskey. Whether you enjoy bourbon, Scotch, rye, Irish whiskey or any other kind, the same set of glassware will do.
Whisky glasses come in one of three basic types: shot glasses, tulip shaped copita glasses, and old-fashioned or rocks glasses. In my opinion, a well-stocked bar should have all three.
All of these recommendations are dishwasher-safe. As you can see, there are myriad variations in each type, but each delivers a similar taste and aromatic experience.
Gmark 2-Ounce Shot Glasses
Gmark
Shot glasses are of course a traditional way of drinking whisky. They come in a variety of styles from columnar to squat and with a top that can be either straight or flaring. Gmark makes a classic-styled two-ounce heavy base shot glass that is sturdy and inexpensive.
Joy Jolt 2-Ounce Shot Glasses
Joy Jolt Squat Shot Glasses
Joy Jolt
Joy Jolt also makes a more squat style 2-ounce shot glass. Squatter styles are more stable and are better suited to outside use. You can be these in sets of two to 12.
Glencairn Copita Crystal Glass
Whisky Glass
Glencairn
Copita style glasses feature a tulip shape with a broad middle and a tapering top. These glasses allow aromas to gather and to be directed to the drinker. The Glencairn glass is widely considered the “official” glass of Scotch whisky. It can comfortably hold around 2 to 4 ounces.
Taylor’d Milestones Reserve Whisky Glass
Taylor’s Milestones Glassware
This is similar to the Glencairn glass, but is larger and has a sleek silhouette. It holds a generous 10.5 ounces so can hold extra ice cubes if you prefer your drink on the rocks. These glasses come in sets of two, so they make the perfect gift—so someone won’t have to drink alone.
Riedel Vinum Spirit Glass
Riedel Vinum Spirits Glasses
Riedel
Riedel makes a variety of whisky glasses. The Vinum glass is an elegant, stemmed glass for enjoying spirits. Because of the delicate stem, we recommend you wash these by hand.
Riedel Ouverture Spirits Glass
Riedel
Similar in styling to the Riedel Vinum Spirits Glass, this Ouverture option is a more affordable, machine-made glass. As a result, it’s also sturdier. These narrow glasses stand tall at 7 to 8 inches high.
Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses
Libbey Signature Kentucky Urban Trail Whiskey Glasses
Libbey
These 8-ounce glasses are the official tasting glasses of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail but are equally adaptable to any whiskey. These 8-ounce glasses come in sets of four and are durable, stackable and lead-free.
Bavel, Rock Style Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses
Bavel
Equally useful for either cocktails or whisky, these 11-ounce glasses are inexpensive and indispensable. These stem-free tumblers feature thick, heavy bases and are the perfect addition to your home bar.
Mofado Premium Whisky Glasses
Premium Whiskey Glasses
Mofado
These round, oversized glasses hold up to 12 ounces, and the large size easily accommodates ice cubes. Mofado makes these premium glasses out of lead-free, handblown crystal. These are thick walled, substantial, heavy glasses with a pronounced base, perfect for poker nights—or whatever else is in the cards.
Bormioli Rocco Small Italian Weighted Bottom Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses
Bormioli Rocco Small Whisky Glasses
Bormioli Rocco
Smaller in size, these lowball glasses (6.5-8.5 ounces) have a multitude of uses and make excellent whiskey glasses either on the rocks or neat. These weighted glasses are great for any drink, be it rye, bourbon or Scotch.