Allen Katz, a respected figure in the spirits industry and the owner and distiller at New York Distilling, possesses a unique perspective on what constitutes an exceptional whiskey glass. His daily routine, often beginning with whiskey before coffee or breakfast, has honed his discerning palate and his appreciation for the vessel that holds it. Katz emphasizes that the ideal glass transcends mere aromatic enhancement, delving into the realm of emotional connection and sensory preparation. "There’s an emotional context," Katz states, highlighting that the ritual of pouring and holding a whiskey glass contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of the spirit.
For Katz, the quintessential whiskey glass is surprisingly simple: a "juice glass." This modest, straight-sided vessel, typically holding five to six ounces, evokes a sense of classic cinema and timeless indulgence. He draws parallels to iconic movie scenes, imagining Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca or Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint in North by Northwest, both depicted with their spirits in unpretentious, functional glassware. This connection to cinematic history imbues the humble juice glass with a romantic aura, suggesting that true appreciation for whiskey doesn’t require ostentatious accoutrements.
Beyond nostalgia, Katz posits that the best whiskey glass is one that "arouses" the senses, preparing the drinker for the forthcoming pleasure. This "arousal," he clarifies, is not sensual but rather a priming of the mind and senses, signaling readiness to savor the experience. His philosophy underscores the importance of the entire sensory engagement preceding the first sip, where the visual appeal, tactile sensation, and even the anticipation play crucial roles.
Recognizing that personal cinematic preferences are too varied to guide a universal recommendation, the author embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of sixteen whiskey glasses specifically designed for the spirit. The assessment focused on how each glass enhanced the sensory experience, from the initial feel in hand to the delivery of aroma and taste. This rigorous testing aims to provide discerning consumers with informed choices, moving beyond subjective associations to objective performance. It’s important to note that while Katz champions the juice glass for its emotional resonance, this review is dedicated to glasses specifically engineered for whiskey appreciation.
Top Picks for Whiskey Glassware
Best Rocks Glass: Riedel Rocks Glass
The Riedel Rocks Glass has earned its place as a top recommendation, a sentiment echoed by Allen Katz himself, who features these glasses in his Brooklyn bar, Jaywalker. The design embodies a timeless, mid-century modern aesthetic with clean lines and a substantial feel. A distinctive feature is the deep etching along the sides, forming straight lines that continue onto the underside, providing a pleasing tactile experience regardless of how the glass is held. The wide mouth easily accommodates ice, including larger cubes, making it versatile for both neat pours and on the rocks. Each glass boasts a 10-ounce capacity, rendering it suitable for cocktails as well as single servings of whiskey.
Unlike some of Riedel’s more delicate glassware, these rocks glasses are notably sturdy and possess a satisfying heft. A fascinating design detail, as revealed by Katz, is that the pyramid-like etchings at the base precisely mark a two-ounce pour, allowing for intuitive and consistent dispensing. Visually, the glass is engineered to enhance the spirit’s appearance. Light refracts through the whiskey, creating a sparkling effect and casting amber hues on the table, transforming the drinking experience into a visually captivating ritual.
While the Riedel Rocks Glass excels in many aspects, the lip, though not sharp, lacks the rounded, inviting quality found in some other designs. Furthermore, its wide mouth, while excellent for easy sipping and ice inclusion, does not concentrate aromas as effectively as a glass specifically designed for nosing, such as a Glencairn. For enthusiasts prioritizing the nuanced olfactory profile of a whiskey, alternative options might be more suitable.
Best Budget Rocks Glass: Cocktail Kingdom Yarai Rocks Glass
For those seeking exceptional value without compromising on quality or aesthetic, the Cocktail Kingdom Yarai Rocks Glass emerges as a standout choice. These vintage-inspired glasses are adorned with an intricate diamond pattern, offering a delightful tactile experience with their gentle angles. The glass possesses a well-balanced heft, conveying a sense of substance without being overly heavy. Both the lip and the bottom edge are smoothly rounded, ensuring a comfortable grip and an enjoyable sipping experience. Their somewhat squat stature is advantageous for immediate aroma delivery upon lifting the glass. Priced remarkably at approximately $7 per glass (with a dozen available for around $61), they offer unparalleled affordability.
The Yarai Rocks Glass is perfectly sized for a standard two-ounce pour of whiskey, whether enjoyed neat or with ice. While their capacity makes them ideal for spirit-forward cocktails like Sazeracs or Old Fashioneds, they might be considered slightly small for larger, mixed drinks. However, for their intended purpose of showcasing whiskey or serving classic low-volume cocktails, they are exceptionally well-suited.
A potential consideration for those with larger hands is that these glasses might feel slightly diminutive. Nevertheless, their compact size contributes to their ability to deliver the whiskey’s aroma directly to the senses upon inhalation.
Best Whiskey Tasting Glass: Glencairn
The Glencairn glass is universally recognized as the gold standard for whiskey tasting. Its prevalence at professional tastings is a testament to its design, which is specifically engineered to concentrate and deliver the complex aromas of distilled spirits. The glass itself is compact yet possesses a pleasing weight, attributed to its solid, sturdy base. It nestles comfortably in the palm, allowing the warmth of the hand to gently enhance the whiskey’s evolution. The unique tulip shape of the bowl funnels the aromas directly towards the nose, eliminating the need to awkwardly bend over the glass.
However, the Glencairn’s singular focus on aroma delivery makes it less suitable for other whiskey-drinking experiences. It is not designed for cocktails, nor is it ideal for enjoying whiskey on the rocks. Its purpose is purely for the purist who seeks to savor the concentrated essence of a spirit, without dilution or the complexities of mixed drinks. For such aficionados, the Glencairn is an indispensable tool.
Elevating the Experience: Beyond the Basics
Best Fancy Whiskey Glass: Chamvin Edo Kiriko Glass with Crumple Pattern
For those who appreciate artistry and unique design, the Chamvin Edo Kiriko Glass with Crumple Pattern offers an exquisite drinking experience. This handcrafted glass is a testament to Japanese artisanal skill, featuring a distinctive "crumple" pattern that is both visually stunning and organically textured. The glass is surprisingly light yet feels robust enough for regular use. Its tall, slightly narrow profile encourages the nose to engage deeply with the whiskey’s aroma. The elegant design makes it suitable for both neat pours and sophisticated cocktails like a whiskey sour. This is the ideal choice for individuals seeking a distinctive piece that stands out from conventional glassware.
The artisanal nature of this glass contributes to its higher price point, typically around $85, though sales can offer significant savings. Its unique aesthetic, while admired by many, might not align with all interior design preferences. Some might find the "crumpled" texture to resemble melted plastic, though this is a subjective interpretation of its artistic design.
The Art of the Pour: How to Maximize Your Whiskey Glass
The proper care of whiskey glasses is as crucial as the selection of the glass itself. Allen Katz advises against using dishwashers, particularly those employing pods, as they can leave behind aromatic residues that negatively impact the whiskey’s taste and clarity. He recommends using liquid detergent and ensuring thorough rinsing and drying, or opting for handwashing, to maintain the integrity of the glass and the purity of the spirit. This meticulous approach ensures that the glass enhances, rather than detracts from, the whiskey-drinking ritual.
Additional Recommendations and Considerations
Other Whiskey Glasses to Consider
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Liiton Whiskey Glass Grand Canyon: This line of glasses features intricate designs inspired by natural landmarks, such as Mount Fuji and the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon design, where the whiskey pools in a sculpted "canyon," is particularly satisfying visually. While effective for neat pours, adding ice can obscure the aesthetic. The glass is thick and solid with a smooth rim, and the brand suggests chilling them to rapidly cool whiskey without dilution.
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Oriental Artisan Handcrafted Japanese "Crumple Body" Whisky Glass: Similar in aesthetic to the Chamvin Edo Kiriko, this glass offers a beautiful, crumpled texture. Its large mouth is ideal for accommodating large ice cubes, but its unique shape can be challenging to hold for those with larger hands.
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Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass: This glass attempts to bridge the gap between the aroma-concentrating Glencairn and a traditional rocks glass. It features a wide bowl for aroma delivery and a mouth wide enough for ice or cocktails. Its primary drawback is its shape, which hinders efficient stacking.
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Glasvin Natural Stemware The Rocks: Characterized by its minimalist Nordic design and delicate, thin glass, this option offers an elegant and refined aesthetic. Its large opening accommodates oversized ice, but its fragility requires careful handling.
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Norlan: This double-walled glass incorporates an inner tulip shape to enhance aromatics. The faceted exterior provides a pleasant tactile experience with soft angles. However, its thick lip can be a barrier to comfortable sipping, and its design is best suited for neat spirits, making it a less versatile and more expensive option for single pours.
Whiskey Glasses to Approach with Caution
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Stemless and Stemmed Versions of Ultra-Delicate Glasses: While visually appealing, these glasses are exceptionally thin and prone to breakage, making them impractical for everyday home use. They might be suitable for very formal settings or as decorative pieces rather than functional glassware.
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Double-Walled Glasses with Thick Lips: Although designed to amplify aromatics, the overly thick lip of some double-walled glasses can create an awkward drinking experience, necessitating an adjustment period that detracts from the immediate enjoyment of the whiskey.
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"Laying Down" Glasses with Exaggerated Flares: These novelty glasses, designed to rest on their side, offer a unique, albeit gimmicky, approach to whiskey aeration. However, the exaggerated flared lip often leads to spillage and an uncomfortable drinking sensation.
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Miniature Hurricane Lamp-Style Glasses: While these glasses excel at wafting aromas due to their wide mouths, they are difficult to drink from and lack comfort, making them more of a visual curiosity than a practical choice for enjoying whiskey.
The selection of a whiskey glass is a personal journey, influenced by individual preferences for aesthetics, functionality, and the specific way one chooses to enjoy their spirit. Whether drawn to the timeless elegance of a classic juice glass, the tactile satisfaction of an etched rocks glass, or the aromatic precision of a tasting glass, the right vessel can undoubtedly elevate the entire whiskey experience. As Allen Katz aptly suggests, the most profound connection with whiskey is often found not just in the liquid itself, but in the ritual and sensory engagement that surrounds its consumption.
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