We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Looking to up your whiskey game? After researching over 45 options, we chose the 10 top-rated whiskey glasses. Not all whiskey glasses are created equal, so we take the time to sip our spirits neat, pour them over rocks, and mix them up in tasty traditional cocktails. We put each glass through rigorous testing to ensure that we provide the necessary information you need to make an informed purchase. Having the proper glass really can make a difference in how your whiskey tastes, so read on to find your new drinking buddy!
The Riedel Rocks Glass set is a classic old-fashioned cocktail glass. This handsome nine-ounce glass has a wide rim for a larger sip volume but houses a two-ounce pour neat or over rocks quite nicely. Riedel also makes a six-ounce neat glass if you are looking for something smaller. It is modeled after the Dorset Crystal Old-Fashioned Glass but is a fraction of the price. The thin rim is delicate and delivers the liquid to your lips with little interference, while the thick base adds some weight. The thick base feels nice in your hand and makes the Riedel less likely to tip over. The vertical channels are aesthetically pleasing, offer decent grip, and stop just below the rim, ensuring a dribble-free experience. When the channels reach the thick base, they become small triangular cut-outs which help keep the base from being too heavy and add to the general aesthetic.
We don't have much to complain about with the Riedel. It looks great whether it's housing a cocktail, neat pour, or two fingers of bourbon over ice, making it highly versatile. The larger circumference may be an issue for those with particularly small hands, but this isn't something the average person needs to worry about. If you are searching for a classic rocks glass that is classy enough to leave on display without spending a fortune on crystal, we recommend the Riedel.
The Rocks Glass
The rocks glass, also known as the old fashioned glass or the lowball, is one of the most common whiskey glasses due to its versatility. This glass is generally used for whiskey on the rocks and classic whiskey cocktails.
The LUXU Premium Whiskey Glasses Set is a set of classic 11-ounce rocks glasses. The rim is the perfect width to comfortably fit the nose and mouth and provide breathing room for the drink without being too wide. The glass has a thick base which provides a sleek look and makes it bottom-heavy, so it isn't prone to tipping (even after a few whiskeys!) The height-to-width proportions allow you to get a solid swirl going while the straight walls keep you from sloshing any of that liquid gold out of your glass. These glasses have enough volume to allow for a stirred cocktail such as a Boulevardier or Old Fashioned, or even a whiskey-ginger. The 11-ounce capacity of the glass might seem too large for the average two-ounce pour, but the whiskey's color shines through the smooth, thick base, making your pour look substantial. These are well made, without any seams or air bubbles, and we think this well-crafted six-glass set makes a great match for a whiskey tasting or an intimate dinner party.
Simple, versatile, classy, and well-constructed, LUXU doesn't leave much to criticize. Even though the glasses are beautifully built, there isn't much that sets them apart from the competition. If subtle and simple isn't your style, other options in our test suite may better suit your needs. Yet, if you want a traditional, high-quality set of whiskey glasses that will allow you to sip a classic cocktail, swirl a neat pour of golden liquid, and keep the focus on the drink instead of the glass — you can't go wrong with this set.
While this glass is big enough for cocktail, we also loved the look and feel for simple 2-ounce neat pours.
The Godinger Dublin Double Old Fashioned Glasses set includes four beautifully crafted eight-ounce rocks glasses in a classic, old-fashioned design. A small taper inward on the base of the glass's straight walls allows your swirl to reach high up on the sides without spilling. When drinking your whiskey neat, you want to ensure you are activating all your senses, and the wide mouth allows your nose to sneak a sniff while tasting. The eight-ounce size is great for a double or single neat pour, and it houses both large and small ice blocks effortlessly. From traditional two-ounce pours to a variety of other cocktails, this whiskey glass proves truly versatile.
Despite the attractive design and versatility, this budget-friendly set still has some room for improvement. Aesthetically this is a wonderful set, but each glass has a few visible seams. However, these seams are strategically hidden by design and mostly go unnoticed. We also found a few tiny air bubbles, but they are so small that our camera can't even pick them up. These glasses may not be expertly handcrafted, but they will surely get the job done, no matter how you take your whiskey — and at a price you just can't beat. The Godinger is a prime pick for those in the market for a versatile whiskey glass set that won't break the bank.
Big enough for a whiskey ginger, and classy enough for a neat pour.
Glasses in Set: 2 + 8 rocks and rocks bag | Size per Glass: 6 ounces
REASONS TO BUY
Solid swirl ability
Classic look
Comes with rocks
REASONS TO AVOID
Small-volume drinks only
Visible seams
The Amerigo Whiskey Stones Gift Set comes complete with two six-ounce glasses, eight chilling rocks, and a rock bag. While six ounces is a rather small glass, many stirred whiskey cocktails are roughly three to four ounces, and this glass houses those quite well. Unlike some of the more bulbous whiskey glasses, such as a Glencairn or tulip glass, the cylindrical nature and straight walls of the Amerigo glasses allow you to fill to the rim. The shape of the glass also encourages a neat pour to swirl up the sides effortlessly without spilling. While the rocks do not keep your whiskey as frosty as ice does, they do remain quite cold and slightly chill your drink without diluting it. The wooden box is nicely made and is a great way to store this set for safekeeping. The glasses have a timeless aesthetic, making this a great gift for any whiskey enthusiast.
If your style is simplistic or modern, the classic look of the Amerigo Set may not be a good match, as the design is quite ornate. A cylindrical six-ounce glass can handle most short cocktails, but this set is really made for neat, on-the-rocks, or three-ounce stirred whiskey cocktails. If you want a glass for your whiskey ginger or higher volume libations, we suggest choosing an option with a larger capacity. This set also has hidden seams in the pattern, though they are not very noticeable and do not take away from the overall aesthetic. The Amerigo Set is a terrific gift for any cocktail enthusiast who needs a kit that has it all.
This straight-walled, 6-ounce glass is great for stirred cocktails.
Glasses in Set: 1, 2, or 4 | Size per Glass: 2 ounces
REASONS TO BUY
Wide mouth for nosing
Great neat pour
Elegant aesthetic
REASONS TO AVOID
Easy to spill while swirling
Limited to a neat pour
The Neat Glass is aptly named. Technically it can hold about eight ounces of liquid, but it is best to stick with a neat two-ounce pour. The flat rim encourages the smaller sip volume to spread across the tongue, allowing a full immersion of flavors. Unlike a traditional tulip glass, the wide mouth doesn't force concentrated alcohol up into your nose, which can hinder your sense of smell or cause the eyes to water. This rounds out a smooth liquid delivery system.
If you prefer your whiskey on the rocks, the Neat can hold one small ice cube, but it is meant for a neat pour, as the name suggests. It is only 2.5 inches tall, and the bulbous bottom takes up about 1.5 inches. That means you only have 1.5 inches of space to swirl your spirit, and the martini glass style lip has a tendency to send whiskey flying if you're not careful. So, there is little room for error with the Neat. If you are the kind of person who likes a traditional two-ounce pour with no dilution, served at room temperature, the Neat is a no-brainer.
Why do we swirl and smell our spirits?
Glass swirling enhances aroma, and a healthy aroma helps add to the sensory experience. In many cases, experiencing the smell while tasting can increase the taste too.
Enjoying a little whiskey around the campfire is an experience that makes memories. Whether you're backpacking, enjoying a beach bonfire, or car camping for the night, no one wants to hear the shattering of glass. The BrüMate NOS'R Double-Wall Nosing Glass is a seven-ounce stainless steel whiskey nosing cup. It comes in a few fun colors and sleek matte black. The cup has beautiful curves and functions exactly how it is supposed to. The bulbous bottom and tapered rim allow for lots of breathing room, and the double wall insulates your whiskey, ensuring that it remains at the perfect temperature. This cup is designed for a neat pour but can hold a small ice cube with ease if you prefer.
The stainless steel construction makes this whiskey cup a bit lighter than the other models in our test suite. This could be a pro or a con; however, if you need a cup for camping, the beach, a park, etc., lightweight stainless steel is unarguably more practical than fragile, heavyweight glass. Still, glass offers a tasteless delivery system, whereas steel imparts a subtle-yet-noticeable metallic taste, which, naturally, alters the flavor of your pour. Even so, we are pleasantly surprised by how slight this alteration ended up being. The BrüMate NOS'R is definitely not a cocktail glass and is best used for neat whiskey, although a small ice cube fits with ease. It is a great pick for the whiskey lover who's always on the move.
Perfect for a neat pour.
Credit: Matt Blake
Compare Products
We spend ample time with each glass to ensure a well rounded testing experience. The Riedel is a top performer.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Why Trust GearLab
We began our testing process in the research phase. First, we fact-checked all our preconceived notions regarding what makes up a quality whiskey glass. Once we knew what we were looking for, we dove deep into customer experiences, searching for the perfect test suite. Through this research, we found out exactly what our readers were looking for and narrowed down our broad internet search to a smaller suite that we proceeded to test hands-on — and this is where the real fun began. We made cocktails and enjoyed both neat pours and whiskey on the rocks. We shared our tested glasses with small groups and kept track of each set's likes and dislikes. We made sure that hands of all shapes and sizes got a chance to hold each glass. We swirled and sipped to ensure that each glass provided both a functional and enjoyable experience. We collected all this data into four key metrics: ergonomics, feel, aesthetics, and versatility.
We divided our testing of whiskey glasses across four rating metrics:
Ergonomics (35% of total score weighting)
Feel (30% weighting)
Aesthetic (20% weighting)
Versatility (15% weighting)
Our review is spearheaded by Hayley Thomas from Denver, Colorado. From Trinidad sours served up in a coup to neat whiskey pours in a Glencairn, Hayley always uses the right tool for the job. Her appreciation for fine whiskey and attention to detail make her an ideal expert for this category.
The KANARS looks great with rocks in it.
The LUXU is a very versatile glass.
The KANARS is tall enough for a cocktail but works great for a neat pour too!
Analysis and Test Results
Our four testing metrics help to ensure proper comparison and consistency throughout our hands-on testing phase. Read on to learn about our findings for each metric.
Is it Whisky or Whiskey?
Both spellings are correct depending on what part of the world you're in. Typically, it's whiskey (with an e) in the United States and Ireland, and whisky (no e) in Scotland and Canada.
What's the Best Value?
Expensive does necessarily mean valuable. We determine the value of an item by comparing performance to price. In the case of the whiskey glass, we look at the versatility, durability, and price per glass. One of our favorites, the Riedel, is a two-glass set at a slightly higher price than the others in our test suite, but the extra cash is well worth it if you're looking for quality. Each glass holds nine ounces which is a versatile volume. Whether you're drinking your whiskey neat, over a big chunk of ice, or in a classic cocktail, the Riedel helps you do it in style.
The Godinger is another valuable purchase. While the quality may not be quite as high as the Riedel, this set of four eight-ounce glasses is very inexpensive. If you don't mind a hidden seam or barely noticeable air bubble, the Godinger is a great bang for the buck.
Similarly, the LUXU is a great price for six glasses. Each one can hold up to 11 ounces, making them great for most cocktails, while the thick clear base gives the illusion of a fuller glass, so a neat two-ounce pour doesn't look like the tail end of a drink. The look is more modern than classic, so if you're looking for a versatile mod set, the LUXU is of great value.
Ergonomics
It is important for a product, especially one made for the finer pleasures in life, to help your overall experience, not hinder it. No matter how good a cocktail might taste, it's less enjoyable to drink it out of a boring or sub-par glass. We want to make sure that the nosing glasses can properly swirl whiskey and that rocks glasses can happily house big ice cubes and stirred cocktails. We pay special attention to drinkability, swirl-ability, and nose room during our ergonomics evaluation. Does the glass provide a high sip volume? Can you swirl your whiskey without spilling? Are you able to complete your experience via smell, or is your nose left out?
We have a lot of great contenders in this category but a few clear winners; the LUXU Premium and the Riedel. Both are rocks glasses. Their height to width ratio and straight walls allow for optimal swirling, nose room, and a relatively high sip volume.
The Riedel fits nicely in the hand and offers a practical volume for most cocktails.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
The Riedel also has vertical channels that are aesthetic and help you grip the glass. While both of these glasses have thinner rims, they are paired with thick bases, which help keep them durable and less susceptible to being tipped over.
From the nicely etched name to the thick base, the attention to detail on the Riedel is amazing.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
The Neat and BrüMate NOS'R are also very thoughtful designs. With its bulbous base and martini-glass-like rim, the Neat spreads each sip through your whole mouth without increasing the sip volume unnecessarily. This helps you experience your neat pour without having to drink too much. The BrüMate NOS'R is perfect for a neat pour by the campfire. Its intentional shape and double walls help bring out the taste and smell of your spirit of choice while paving the way to a very full and inclusive experience regardless of where you are.
The Neat glass really knocks the nosing game out of the park.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Feel
The feel of a whiskey glass can be just as important as how well it delivers the drink to your lips. After all, your hand is what is doing the delivering, right? While testing this metric, we took note of the weight and size of the glass. How does it feel in your hand? Does the shape of the rim allow for dribble, or does it deliver whiskey to your mouth with ease? Do the curves of the glass allow for a seamless connection to your hand, or are you struggling to get the two to fit together? We wanted to make sure the glasses feel just as good as they look and function.
The LUXU, Riedel, Amerigo, Godinger, and KANARS are all simple, cylindrical glasses with mostly straight vertical walls. The round rim allows for a seamless connection between the lips and the glass. The LUXU and Riedel have heavy bases. The extra weight feels good in the hands and helps keep them from tipping over.
The design of the Godinger Dublin gives it a very nice grip.
Credit: Matt Blake
The Neat is the perfect bowl-like shape for your hand, and the martini-like flat rim is a comfortable spot to place a finger to stabilize the glass while swirling.
The Neat is somehow adorable and classy at the same time, and it feels very nice in the hand.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
A heavy base complements the delicate tulip shape of the Glencairn, and the bulbous bottom provides the right amount of grip for the glass to sit nicely in the fingertips.
The Glencairn
The Glencairn is a type of glass developed in Scotland specifically for drinking whiskey. Master blenders were involved in the design, which is based on “nosing” glasses used in whiskey labs around Scotland.
The size and shape of the KANARS is perfect for any hand.
Credit: Matt Blake
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is subjective, but we measure this metric through poles taken from controlled user groups and experience research. We also standardize this category as much as we can by addressing each glass's craftsmanship, keeping an eye out for air bubbles or obvious seams.
The Riedel is a classic-looking rocks glass modeled after the Dorset Crystal Old-Fashioned Glass. The thick base and vertical channels give it just enough character. It looks best with a classic stirred cocktail like a Manhattan or Boulevardier, but also looks great with a big chunk of ice and a two-finger pour.
The Riedel is both functional and fashionable.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
The traditional rocks glass or tumbler is the most versatile option, as you can house cocktails, neat pours, or whiskey on the rocks, and they can be beautiful too. Aside from the Riedel, the Godinger and Amerigo Gift Set are some favorites in this sector, both giving a New Orleans speakeasy vibe that we love. The LUXU is a simpler, more modern version of a rocks glass, with a thick base and smooth walls.
The dimensions of the LUXU allow for optimal swirling.
Credit: Matt Blake
The Diamond Whiskey Glass is more fun than practical. It is cute and unique and looks great with a short cocktail in it. The glass is a little thick, which makes the Diamond clunky, but its novelty certainly outweighs this particular flaw.
With all the angled edges, the Diamond can be a little difficult to swirl your spirit in, but it sure does look pretty.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
The Neat is another unique take on a whiskey glass. The bulbous bottom paired with the flat rim makes for a distinguished look.
The Neat performs well for a neat pour and looks good too.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
The classic tulip shape of the Glencairn, BrüMate Nosing Glass, and the Libbey is also a crowd-pleaser. With a hefty base and delicate shape, many of our testers enjoy this look.
The simple and classic Glencairn frames the whiskey nicely with its smooth curves.
Credit: Matt Blake
Versatility
A one-trick pony is sometimes all we need, but there are so many different ways to drink whiskey that it's nice to have options.
A standard, neat pour is about two ounces, and most whiskey cocktails range from three to 10 ounces. There is nothing wrong with a specialized tool, but a few glasses in our suite work just as well for a Boulevardier as they do for a neat pour. To test their versatility, we tried drinking two-ounce pours in the 12-ounce glasses and small cocktails in the six-ouncers to test their versatility.
The dimensions of the LUXU work great for both neat pours and cocktails.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
The LUXU and Riedel offer large enough dimensions to house a cocktail but look great with a neat pour as well. The height-to-width ratio of these two glasses is great for whiskey on the rocks, and their thick bases allow for a neat pour to not look like an unfinished sip. The LUXU is sold in a set of six, making it a good choice for dinner parties, whiskey tastings, and more.
From classic cocktails to neat pours, the Riedel is a very versatile rocks glass.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Some honorable mentions in this metric are the KANARS Old Fashioned, Godinger, and the Amerigon Whiskey Stones, whose dimensions allow for both cocktails and stand-alone whiskey to be enjoyed to the fullest.
The Amerigo set is perfect for any occasion.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Conclusion
Whether you're looking for the perfect nosing glass for drinking that old bottle of Macallans or the ideal tumbler for your favorite Old Fashioned, we've tested them all. Our experts have spent many evenings swirling and sipping their way to the perfect whiskey glass. From neat pours to rocks and whiskey gingers to whiskey sours, we made sure to put every glass to the test, ensuring that you don't have to. We hope that our time spent with these products helps lead you to the perfect set.
It's safe to say that we thoroughly enjoy testing whiskey glasses. The Riedel is an absolute pleasure to drink from.
