The one thing that is common across all whisky lovers is that they take their drink seriously. But did you know that the one thing they are extremely particular about is the glassware? For those of you who don’t know, a good whisky glass can, in fact, elevate the whole experience of enjoying a good whisky.
Designed to enhance the aromas and flavours, a good whisky glass can make or break your entire experience of enjoying your good old friend. Even though there is a notion out there that as long as you’re enjoying the golden liquid, it is the right way to do it. But why not enjoy a quality whisky in a quality glass? Well, to make things easier for those who don’t know much about what glasses are perfect for drinking and simply tasting whisky, here’s a detailed guide on everything you need to know about it.
The shape of your glassware can change your entire experience in terms of aroma, taste, and texture. Each of the glasses, including Glencairn, tumbler, highball, or Norlan, is designed with an emphasis on specific characteristics of whisky. Glasses with narrow rims are focused on aromas, whereas stemmed or double-walled glasses help with temperature control. For those planning a formal tasting, tulip-shaped glasses are your best bet, while tumblers are best suited for social drinking.
While it's obvious that you can enjoy your whisky in any glassware, specially designed glasses play a pivotal role in enhancing the whole experience.
Famously known for being the IT standard for tasting, a Glencairn glass is designed specifically for whisky and features a bulbous bowl that complements colour, and an inward tapered mouth that focusses on the aroma of the whisky. The Glencairn glass is used widely by whisky connoisseurs and distillers in a way to enhance your whisky, scotch and bourbon drinking experiences.
One of the most common glasses out there, the whisky tumbler is best identified by a wide rim and heavy base. The whisky tumbler often consists of a rocks glass, the old-fashioned glass, and the lowball. While not ideal for concentrating aromas, the glass’s wide opening is perfect for adding ice cubes or simply muddying cocktails. For those who like their whisky on the rocks, this is the best fit.
Inspired by the traditional Spanish sherry glass, the Tulip (Copita) glass features a long stem and a tulip-shaped bowl. The stem prevents the drinker's hand from warming the spirit or any smell from their skin away from the rim. These glasses are best suited to appreciate the nuances of a single malt whisky.
Also known as the balloon glass, a snifter, traditionally used to serve brandy, is now used to serve dark, aged spirits in general and is firmly rooted in the gentlemen’s club. The glass’s wide body and tight rim are designed to be cradled in the hand, which allows the body heat to warm the liquid and further amplifies the aroma of the spirit.
Famously known as the taller and narrower sibling of the tumbler, a Highball glass is designed for drinks like scotch and soda, whisky ginger, or a good old glass of Japanese-style highballs. The height of the glass helps preserve carbonation and gives ample space for ice and mixers.
If you have had an opportunity to sample whisky or bourbon, you may have in your hand what is called the ultimate tasting glass. A NEAT (Acronym for Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology) glass is uniquely shaped with a flared rim designed to direct harsh ethanol vapours away from the nose, leaving only the heavier, more flavourful molecules. What was created accidentally in 2002 has become the judging glass of dozens of international spirits competitions out there. For those who find the burn of high-proof spirits overwhelming, a NEAT glass is the perfect choice.