Just as there are many types of Whiskey, there are various types of Whiskey glasses. The right glass can change your drinking experience and bring to life the full aromas and flavors of the spirit. So, what type of glass is the best for Whiskey? Not all Whiskey enthusiasts will agree, but there is a place and purpose for each Whiskey glass type.
Whiskey glasses are known by many names, corresponding to their shape and intended use. The Glencairn, snifter, and copita are all considered nosing glasses. The shape of these glasses aids in enjoying the full aroma of the Whiskey with every sip. Some glasses also have more than one name, such as the tumbler, also known as a low ball, rocks glass, or old-fashioned glass.
Whether Bourbon, Scotch, Japanese Whisky, or Irish Whiskey is your drink of choice, we’ll cover five types of Whiskey glasses and the appropriate times to use them.
Mixers & Glassware
Tumbler
The tumbler is a short, wide-rimmed glass with a thick base that holds about 6 to 8 ounces. It goes by many names, including lowball, rocks glass, and old-fashioned glass. This type of glass is excellent for drinking Whiskey on the rocks but is also a good option for neat pours. It is also suitable for cocktails that require muddling in the glass because of its wide opening. If you are an Old Fashioned fan, reach for this glass the next time you stir up a cocktail.
Highball
The highball glass gets its name from a classic cocktail recipe, the Highball, consisting of Scotch and soda. This tall narrow glass is ideal for all kinds of cocktails. The extra volume, around 8 to 16 ounces, makes it well suited for cocktails that include a high proportion of non-alcoholic mixers and lots of ice cubes.
Glencairn
You have probably seen this glass before but never knew its name. The Glencairn glass is short with a thick base and a bulbous bottom that tappers at the neck to the rim. The shape of this glass allows the drinker to swirl their Whiskey, capture the aromas in the glass, and then funnel subtle nuances to their nose to enjoy before sipping. The Glencairn glass is commonly used for Scotch Whisky tasting by professionals and everyday connoisseurs.
Snifter
A snifter is traditionally used for drinking Cognac or Brandy but is also an excellent Whiskey drinking glass. These glasses are visually compared to balloons, featuring a short stem and a wide bowl that narrows at the opening. You probably associate this glass with smoking cigars. The large balloon-shaped bowl is easy to hold in your hand, making it perfect for swirling your Whiskey and enjoying it slowly.
Tulip
A tulip glass, also known as a copita, was originally used for drinking Sherry. This type of glass has a longer stem than a snifter, with a wide middle that tappers towards the rim. Much like the Glencairn and snifter, the tulip-shaped glass concentrates flavors in the glass and funnels them to your nose to enjoy before sipping. The long stem also prevents your hand from warming the Whiskey, just like the purpose of a stem on a wine glass. The tulip glass is a favorite among many industry experts as a tasting glass for all types of Whiskey.
While there are more types of Whiskey glasses out there, knowing these five glasses should set you up for success the next time you go to pour your favorite Whiskey or mix up a cocktail.
