Whiskey is an expensive and elite drink. To fully enjoy its taste, you need to choose the right glass. But before choosing, you need to understand the variety of glassware intended for this type of alcohol.

set of whiskey glasses
Alcohol has long ceased to be a cheap way to escape from reality.

Features of whiskey glasses

The best material is crystal or glass. Crystal is more expensive, but, unlike glass, it has thermal conductivity and transparency - important factors for assessing elite alcohol, its walls are thinner, but it is more difficult to care for: you have to wash it by hand. Glass is not as beautiful, but it is cheaper, and many manufacturers create it using special technologies, smoothing out the shortcomings of the material.

whiskey glass
Today people prefer to savor alcohol, keenly tasting every note of the drink.

Types of glasses differ in shape and thickness.

whiskey glasses
They say that each type of whiskey requires its own glass, and there are at least 9 types of whiskey glasses!

The most popular are the following.

  • Shot glass (shot glass) – has a thick bottom and straight walls, holds about 50 ml. Not suitable for those who like to enjoy the aroma of the drink, as the smell evaporates; but for those who drink whiskey only for the taste, it will suit just right.
shot glass skull
A shot glass is a small glass that closely resembles a shot glass.
  • Tumbler (tumbler) or Highball (highball) - a barrel-shaped glass, has a thick bottom and straight walls. Holds from 150 to 300 ml. Not used for tasting, as the shape does not allow you to catch the smell, but is often used in bars due to its durability. Suitable for whiskey on the rocks.
glass tumbler
A tumbler glass is similar to a rocks glass or an old fashioned glass, but it has thicker walls and is heavier.
  • Rocks (рокс) – similar to a tumbler, but its bottom is thinner and the walls widen towards the top. Holds up to 320 ml of alcohol. Also used in bars for purposes other than tasting.
rocks glass
Rox has an elongated conical shape with smooth walls inside.
  • Tulip (тюлип) – resembles tulip buds in shape, holds about 100 ml, has a long thin stem. Suitable for tasting due to its narrowed edges.
tulip glass
The main advantage of this glass is the thin glass, which allows you to heat a chilled cocktail with the warmth of your palms.
  • Nosing (nouzing) – a tulip-shaped glass on a thick stem with a capacity of up to 100 ml. Its walls narrow towards the top. It is used for tasting.
Nosing glass
Nosing is a type of tulip-shaped glass with a small volume.
  • Snifter (snifter) – a spherical glass, like a nosing, suitable for tasting due to its tulip shape. It has a large capacity – up to 600 ml. Reveals the full flavor and bouquet of aromas of the drink.
snifter glass
The snifter is similar in appearance to tulip glasses, but has a smoother shape.

Which whiskey glasses to choose for yourself or as a gift

A true connoisseur of elite alcohol does not limit himself and has a whole set of glasses, because each glass is intended for a certain type of whiskey.

glass of whiskey
Giving a set of whiskey glasses is not such a banal and hackneyed solution.

So, grain alcohol has a strong smell. It needs to be dispersed to enjoy the taste. Tumblers and shot glasses are used for this.

whiskey glasses
Only a true connoisseur of the drink itself will be able to appreciate such a gift.

Single malt and malt have a subtle aroma, so these types are served in tulip-shaped glasses (snifters, tulips or noses) to capture all the nuances of the aroma.

glass nosing photo
Manufacturers of tableware have long been cooperating with alcohol companies and creating branded tableware for them.

Blended whiskey is a mixture of grain and malt whiskey, so depending on which type predominates, you should choose from a glass with thin walls (for example, a shot glass) or one that tapers towards the top (a snifter).

whiskey snifter
The type of drink directly influences which glasses to drink whiskey from in order to reveal the maximum taste and aroma.

Elite whiskey aged for over 10 years is a complex alcoholic drink with a rich taste and bouquet of aromas. It should be drunk from tulip-shaped glasses with thin walls intended for tasting.

whiskey glasses
To reveal the full range of aromas, you will need a tulip, snifter or nosing.

Bourbon should be drunk in straight glasses, which include shot glasses and tumblers, or in a rocks glass.

crushed whiskey glasses
The glassware should dispel the strong smell of whiskey and focus all attention on its taste; the best choice is a shot glass and a tumbler.

Glasses should be chosen depending on your taste and preferences. Crystal glassware is better suited for a gift. It is of higher quality and allows you to enjoy the drink, prolonging the pleasure.

glass of whiskey
Selecting glasses on your own and wrapping them in the right packaging is undoubtedly more labor-intensive, but also more attentive to the recipient.

Is it worth buying a whiskey gift set with glasses

A friend will thank you for a set of gift glasses for whiskey. Such a purchase will bring pleasure. But not always come across glasses of good quality, and it is rare to check them because of careful packaging. The number of gift dishes is limited, usually fluctuates between 1 and 3.

gift set of glasses
You will have to study the history and types of glassware for this drink so that the glass as a gift does not turn out to be inappropriate.

There are also advantages: the manufacturer selects glasses suitable for a given type of alcohol, the purchase will cost less than buying glasses and the drink separately.

whiskey shots
Alcohol producers are very sensitive to their products, reputation and everything that bears their brand name.

How to choose a set of whiskey glasses?

There are some tips to help you choose a good set.

  1. The design of all glasses in the set should be the same. The thickness, height and shape are the same.
  2. There should be no abrasions, cracks, chips or scratches on the body. The glass must have a perfect appearance.
  3. If you are serious about the matter and are buying a product from a well-known brand, in order to avoid making a mistake, ask for a quality certificate.
bottle of whiskey and glasses
Elite whiskey glasses are often made of crystal or crystal glass.

Famous Whiskey Glass Brands and Manufacturers

Of course, you can give a regular gift set: inexpensive and convenient. But it is always better to choose products from well-known brands.

whiskey in glasses
Decanters are often included with glasses.

Elite whiskey glasses are much more expensive (approximately 15,000 for 2 pieces and a decanter), but they are made of crystal, contain silver inserts, unique carvings and can be figured.

Elite whiskey glasses
If the whiskey glasses are elite, they will definitely contain inserts of silver, rhinestones or carvings.

Other glass manufacturers worth considering include Piegelau (which has been making glasses for over 500 years), Prohotel (the least expensive), Glencairn (a well-known authority in Scotland), as well as brands such as Riedel, Wilson & Morgan, Villeroy & Boch and Union Victors.

Riedel whiskey glasses
The cost of such gift whiskey glasses can start from 20,000 rubles for a set, which includes a decanter and 4 glasses.

How to care for glasses

Very simple. They should be washed in time so that the material does not fade or change color. This can be done either with special detergents or with homemade ones. It is better to take cleaning agents without alkalis, and if the composition contains a lot of chemical components, then you should not abuse them. You can make your own products from vinegar, soda and water. After mixing all this, wash the glass well, and then rinse with clean water.

beautiful old fashioned glass
There is no need to cool the glass before use.

Important! Do not use a dishwasher for washing, especially for crystal and luxury dishes.

stemmed glass
You can serve meat snacks or seafood with whiskey.

There are a huge variety of whiskey glasses: different prices, shapes and materials. Before buying them, you need to understand their features. Which is better? It's a matter of taste and whiskey.

whiskey on the rocks
The main thing is to enjoy the drink.

VIDEO: How to choose the right whiskey glasses.

50 photos of designer whiskey glasses and tumblers: