The Best Whiskey Glasses, Ranked
Glencairns, crystal tumblers, Riedel decanters — the glasses that actually make a difference in the drink.
Glencairns, crystal tumblers, Riedel decanters — the glasses that actually make a difference in the drink.
Glencairn: The Standard
The Glencairn was designed in 2001 in collaboration with master blenders from Scotland's five major distilleries. The tulip shape — wide bowl, tapered mouth — concentrates volatile aromatics toward the nose without trapping harsh alcohol vapors the way a closed glass would. It is the industry standard for a reason.
A set of four or six Glencairns costs between $30 and $55 depending on the source. This is the first whiskey glass purchase anyone should make, and it's the right answer to the question 'what glass should I use for scotch?' every single time.
Shop Whiskey & Spirits →Crystal Tumblers: For the Rocks Pour
If he drinks whiskey with a large ice sphere or a single cube, the tumbler is his glass. Crystal — true lead-free crystal — has a weight in the hand that cheap glassware doesn't. The sound it makes when you set it on a bar is different. It's a tactile distinction that becomes obvious immediately.
Look for tumblers in the 10–12oz range with a wide base and a slightly tapered wall. A set of two is a complete gift. A set of four or six is for the host.
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