How do I choose a good whiskey glass?

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

Shape of the glass

• Tulip-shaped glasses: These glasses have a wide bottom that gradually narrows towards the top. They are often used for malt whiskeys and help concentrate the aromas for better scent perception.
• Glencairn Glass: Specially designed for whiskey tasting, this glass has a tulip-shaped bowl and a thin neck, which concentrates the aromas and enhances the taste.
• 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 scents, but they are ideal 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 for serious whiskey drinkers.
• Lead crystal glass: For real connoisseurs, a handmade whiskey glass with lead crystal is ideal. Choice of 16 or 24% lead crystal. This literally gives extra weight to a whiskey experience.
• Glass: Plain glass is a more mundane and affordable option. It's fine for casual whiskey drinking.

Size

• 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 its aromas.
• Rule: WEE glass (up to approx. 100ml) is a small glass for tastings, Standard glass (approx. 200ml) and Luxury (handmade) glasses or for whiskey with possibly ice, a Tumbler or a Mixer (approx. 300-350 ml) .

Personal preference

• Ultimately, the choice of a whiskey glass depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer a classic Glencairn glass for tasting single malt whiskies, while others prefer to take a more casual approach with a rocks glass.

Target

• Also consider the purpose of the whiskey glass. Do you use it for whiskey tastings, casual drinking, mixing cocktails or for serving whiskey to guests? Your choice may vary depending on the goal.
• You don't actually drink whiskey, but you experience, experience, appreciate whiskey. Whiskey 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' whiskey glass, but rather a glass that best suits your personal taste and the type of whiskey you drink.

If you still have doubts after reading this story, do not hesitate to send me an email (edwin@moodcompany.nl) or text (0591-212177). Then tell us something about your whiskey story or that of the person you want to give a glass to and I will be happy to share your thoughts with you.