2025 Military Edition NOW AVAILABLE
2025 Military Edition NOW AVAILABLE
Does the glass matter when drinking whisky? Absolutely! While you might think that the “right” glassware only applies to wine, it also applies to spirits. Whether you’re tasting a flight of whiskies with your friends or enjoying a well-earned drink after a long day’s work, glassware can enhance, elevate, and add an element of tactile pleasure to the moment.
Today, we’ll guide you through various types of whisky glassware, which glasses are best for whisky, and offer suggestions for every budget.
Whether you consider yourself a whisky connoisseur or are just starting your journey, you’ve likely heard about the different types of whisky glasses. Depending on where you are, you may have seen whisky served in a shot glass, rocks glass, highball glass, cordial glass, nosing glass (aka Glencairn glass), or even a snifter.
But why is glassware important when tasting whisky? What difference does it make? And what’s the right glass to use?
Whisky glassware is crafted with three main attributes in mind:
Now that we know why whisky glassware matters, let’s talk about the various types of whisky glasses and how to choose the right one for your drink.
Glencairn glasses are endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association. Their shape is designed to encourage swirling and warming while showing off the color of the spirit within. The tulip shape focuses the aroma upwards, which is perceived before the flavor. Nosing glasses feature low sip volume and are best for tasting and enjoying quality whiskies neat (with no ice).
Rocks glasses feature weighted bottoms, straight sides and generally have a 12-ounce capacity. They are excellent all-around whisky glasses as they can be used to serve whisky neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail like an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour. Their shape provides high sip volume and directs aromas into the air, so they may not be as ideal for whisky assessment. Rocks glasses are a staple for any whisky lover’s barcart—and they’re a popular gift as well.
Shot glasses are designed for consuming small amounts of spirit quickly. If you intend to consume your whisky all in one sip, a shot glass will do the job. Though not ideal for nosing, shot glasses are still a staple to measure pours.
Snifters are another type of nosing glass with a balloon bowl, tapered rim, and a short stem, facilitating swirling and holding the glass while enhancing the whisky’s color. Like nosing glasses, snifters have low sip volume and are best for savoring and enjoying whisky neat.
Highball glasses are a tall or high-capacity version of a rocks glass. Usually tall and cylindrical with a heavy base for stability, highballs are typically used to serve cocktails with a high volume of mix, like a Mule Wrangler or a Fine & Dandy.
Now that you know the ins and outs of whisky glassware, we encourage you to try different glass styles with Pendleton® Whisky’s various expressions to discover how each type can elevate your whisky enjoyment.
Don’t forget to grab some bar accessories including our ice cube tray, which is perfect for making large cubes that melt slowly and don’t dilute your drink.
If you are looking for something portable, a flask makes it easy to enjoy your favorite whisky at tailgates or around the fire.
Stock your bar with a few bottles today and savor the taste of the West with Pendleton® Whisky.
