How do I choose a good whiskey glass?

Choosing the right whisky glass is important for enhancing your whisky drinking experience, as different glasses can affect the taste, aroma, and overall experience of whisky in different ways. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing a whisky glass:

Shape of the glass

• Tulip-shaped glasses: These glasses have a wide base that gradually tapers towards the top. They are often used for malt whiskies and help concentrate the aromas for better olfactory perception.
• Glencairn Glass: Specially designed for whisky tasting, this glass has a tulip-shaped bowl and a thin neck, which concentrates the aromas and enhances the flavour.
• Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned Glass): These glasses are short and wide and are often used for whiskey on the rocks or whiskey cocktails. They are not ideal for concentrating aromas, but are great for iced drinks.

Material

• Crystal Glass: Crystal glass is durable and can display the color and brilliance of whiskey well. It is often the choice of serious whiskey drinkers.
• Lead crystal glass: For the true connoisseur, a handmade lead crystal whisky glass is the ideal. Choice of 16 or 24% lead crystal. This literally adds extra weight to a whisky experience.
• Glass: Regular glass is a more everyday and affordable option. It is fine for casual whisky drinking.

Mate

• The size of the glass is important. Choose a glass large enough to hold enough whiskey and ice (if desired), but also leave room for swirling the whiskey to release the aromas.
• Rule of thumb: WEE glass (up to approx. 100ml) is a small tasting glass, Standard glass (approx. 200ml) and Luxury (handmade) glasses or for whisky with ice if necessary a Tumbler or a Mixer (approx. 300-350 ml).

Personal preference

• Ultimately, the choice of a whisky glass comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer a classic Glencairn glass for tasting single malt whiskies, while others prefer a more casual approach with a rocks glass.

Goal

• Also consider the purpose of the whisky glass. Will you be using it for whisky tastings, casual drinking, mixing cocktails, or serving whisky to guests? Your choice may vary depending on the purpose.
• You don't actually drink whisky but you experience it, you live it, you appreciate it. Whisky is a story in itself and brings you to your own story/world and that requires a suitable glass.

In short, there is no 'best' whisky glass, but rather a glass that best suits your personal taste and the type of whisky you drink.

If you still have doubts after reading this story, don't hesitate to send me an email (edwin@moodcompany.nl) or send a message (0591-212177). Please tell me something about your whisky story or that of the person you want to give a glass to and I will be happy to think along with you.