Each type of whisky glass is specially designed to enhance the drinking experience, and the glass you choose will come down to individual preference.
The Whisky tumbler
The whisky tumbler is the most common whisky glass. It has a wide rim and is made of solid glass, making it perfect for drinking but not so perfect for nosing. It is usually used for drinking cocktails or filling with whisky and ice.
The Highball Glass
The highball glass is a taller version of the whisky tumbler. It is ideal for serving mixed cocktails with whisky, as it is larger and has space for more liquid, as well as ice cubes. It is well-liked among many whisky enthusiasts and is especially popular in Japan.
The NEAT Glass
Standing for Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology, the NEAT glass is a relatively new innovation. A specially designed nosing glass, its shape is supposed to help avoid burning or numbing by directing harsh vapors away from the nose. However, the NEAT glass has an unusual shape and drinking out of it may take a bit of getting used to.
The Glencairn Glass
The Glencairn whisky glass is popular among those who don’t like glasses with long stems. It has a wide, solid base, making it stable and difficult to knock over. Its size and curved shape makes it the perfect glass for learning how to swirl whisky.
The Snifter Glass
The Snifter glass, also referred to as a ‘balloon glass’ is similar to the Glencairn glass. Instead of having a thick base, however, it sits directly on the table. It is usually used for whisky tastings, as it allows people to savour their whisky. Snifter glasses are often designed so that they can be held partially horizontal without the whisky spilling.
The Tulip Glass
The tulip glass was originally referred to as the ‘dock glass’, as it was often used by merchants who would nose wines and spirits near docks. It is bowl-shaped with a long, narrow stem. One downside of the tulip whisky glass is that its long stem and narrow base make it easy for it to be knocked over or broken.
The Shot Glass
Shot glasses are small in size and are intended for drinking a small amount of whisky (usually 1.5 ounces). They are designed for people who wish to consume a small amount of alcohol very quickly and are not suitable for those who wish to leisurely sip their whisky.