Choosing the right whisky tasting glass isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario, especially when it comes to tasting as a whisky club. No one glass is ideal for every club, or every occasion. However, these are a few of our favorites. Beyond just function, you’ll want to consider cost, durability, and washing instructions in order to arrive at a glass that is well-suited to serve you and your whisky-tasting guests.
Neat Artisan Spirits Glass—$14
A low-profile glass that combines a large bowl with a flared rim, which according to their own research aids in dissipation of nose-searing ethanol.
Libbey Arome—$12 (set of 6)
At $2 a glass, this is a remarkable value with a capacious bowl for swirling and a fine rim, making it a sensible choice for tasting clubs.
Sagaform Rocking—$25 (set of 6)
Swirling whisky has never been so easy—or so fun. But more than mere novelty, these value-priced glasses feel satisfying when cradled in the palm of the hand.
Glencairn Copita—$7
Perhaps the most analytical of whisky glasses, this stemmed copita is preferred by master blenders, designed to prioritize flavor evaluation over drinking.
Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Whisky Glass—$41 (set of 6)
Dishwasher safe Tritan Crystal technology, using titanium and heat tempering, bestows the beauty and clarity of crystal but lends resistance to chipping and breakage.
Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail—$10
A sturdy base is coupled with a fine rim on this durable glass, made especially practical for home use by being stackable and dishwasher safe.
Duralex Picardie Tumbler—$20 (set of 6)
This French bistro staple is delightfully utilitarian—heavy, solid, and ready to survive plenty of drops with steel-like tempering.
Lily’s Home Unbreakable—$20 (set of 4)
This shatterproof whisky tumbler made from BPA-free Tritan is a suitable solution for parties, poolside, or anywhere glass is prohibited.
Riedel Vinum Single Malt—$59 (set of 2)
Machine-made glass achieves a reasonable price for Riedel elegance, with a curved rim designed to deliver whisky to the tip of the tongue.
Norlan Vaild—$58 (set of 2)
More than mere fashion, this matte black version of the highly functional Norlan is ideal for blind tasting since it won’t betray the whisky’s hue.
Túath Irish Whiskey Glass—$15
An angular stem offers an anchor for the thumb on this glass that nicely balances the necessary qualities for tasting and casual drinking.
Mofado Premium—$27 (set of 2)
A heavyweight, handblown crystal tumbler that is both stylish and versatile, suitable for sampling whisky neat, on the rocks, or even as a cocktail.
Norlan Whisky—$48 (set of 2)
A mouthblown borosilicate glass featuring a double wall for the feel of a lightweight tumbler with the focused flavor delivery and performance of a snifter.
Glencairn—$7
Developed with assistance from several master blenders, the standard bearer of whisky glasses is proven highly functional at concentrating flavors.
Waterford Elegance Single Malt—$60 (set of 2)
A contemporary nosing glass with a short stem and footed base that make it feel secure in the hand and add aesthetic consistency with wine glasses on the table.
Brümate Nos’r Insulated—$25
Crafted from stainless steel, this double-walled insulated nosing vessel may be the last “glass” you ever need to purchase. Also available in matte black.
