Have you ever considered how the design of your whisky glass influences your drinking experience? The shape and size of the vessel play a significant role in enhancing the flavors and aromas of your favorite spirit.
Whether you’re at a whisky tasting or unwinding after a busy day, choosing the right glass can elevate your enjoyment. Here, we explore six popular options. Cheers!
The Glencairn Glass
Glencairn
This much-loved whisky glass may feel timeless, but it was actually introduced in the early 2000s by Raymond Davidson, the founder of Glencairn Crystal in East Kilbride, Scotland. Frustrated by the lack of a dedicated glass for whisky, Davidson aimed to create a design that could rival those of other spirits like Cognac and Champagne.
Inspired by the glasses used by Scotch whisky blenders to analyze samples, the Glencairn glass features a narrow opening and a wider base that effectively channels aromas while providing stability with its heavier base. This design has since become a global favorite among whisky enthusiasts, with five million units sold annually.
The Copita
Glencairn
The copita boasts a tulip-shaped body set on a slender stem and flat base. Originating from the ‘Sherry Triangle’ in southern Spain—which includes towns like Jerez, Sanlucar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa Maria—the copita was traditionally used for sampling sherry as it aged.
Primarily imported into the UK, the copita became known as the ‘dockers glass’ as port workers used it to evaluate the sherry upon arrival. Today, it remains a favorite among Scotch whisky blenders for analyzing samples.
The Tumbler
Soho Home
Sipping whisky from a tumbler offers a pleasing tactile experience. Its weight and structure contribute to a sense of indulgence. Historically, the tumbler was designed with a weighted convex base that would cause it to tumble if knocked, spilling its contents. However, the current flat-bottomed version became popular during the cocktail renaissance.
This style is often used for classic whisky cocktails like the Negroni and Old Fashioned, making it a versatile option for both cocktails and straight whisky served on the rocks.
The Highball
Glencairn
The highball glass is a taller counterpart to the tumbler, emerging from the cocktail culture of past eras. While it isn’t ideal for sipping neat whisky due to its tall, narrow design—which limits aroma accessibility—it excels in serving refreshing mixed drinks.
Popular combinations such as Scotch and soda or gin and tonic shine in this glass, making it one of the most preferred ways to enjoy whisky. For a unique twist, consider the Japanese mizuwari, which uses still water instead of sparkling.
The Norlan Glass
Norlan
Launched in 2015, the Norlan glass is a groundbreaking design aimed at enhancing the whisky experience through a combination of art and functionality. Created by Icelandic designer Sruli Recht, along with Brian Fichtner and Shane Bahng, the glass also benefited from the expertise of legendary Scotch whisky Master Distiller Jim McEwan.
This innovative vessel features a unique glass-within-a-glass design, ensuring that the whisky remains cool while you enjoy it. The Norlan has gained substantial popularity, selling nearly half a million units, yet it comes with a premium price tag.
The Quaich
Farrar & Tanner
While not a glass, the quaich (pronounced ‘quake’) has long been a cherished vessel for whisky in Scotland. Its name derives from the Scots Gaelic word ‘cuach,’ which translates to cup. First referenced back in the 16th century, early versions were crafted from wood.
Over time, metal quaiches gained popularity, symbolizing wealth and status among the Scottish elite. Although they faded from common use, there has been a resurgence in recent years. The quaich is often used in ceremonial settings to signify lasting bonds, as two individuals drink from the same vessel in a gesture of friendship.
