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11 Best Whiskey Glasses Worthy of Your Best Top-Shelf Pours
You know yours need an upgrade.
What do all whiskies have in common? Besides alcoholic content... And, besides the fact that they're distilled in similar ways. (Sorry, that rhetorical question didn't work out like I thought it would.) But! That Scotch, that rye, bourbon, Japanese whisky, or Irish whiskey—they all taste better when you're drinking them out of some high quality pieces of glassware. At home in your drinking chair, on your modern leather sofa, old world chesterfield sofa, or outdoors beneath the stars, a proper rocks glass is what really makes the experience. The whiskies need to taste great, obviously, but so much of the enjoyment comes from the glassware itself. It's gotta have the right weight, it's gotta look amazing, and it can't be so expensive that you're afraid to use it.
But within your price range, why not go for the best? They're just whiskey glasses, after all, so you only need two to four of them. They're not like wine glasses where you need an entire set of white, entire set of red, and entire set for Champagne. You can splurge on a handful really beautiful whiskey glass that'll upgrade your home bar and take your overall home decor to the next level, and you'll never been wanting for extra glasses.
So to help you out, we—the drinking experts over at Esquire—went ahead and found the best whiskey glasses. From modern to traditional, delicate to unbreakable, these are the 11 whiskey glasses worth splurging on.
Marquis by Waterford Markham Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
Pros
- Classic look
- Great price
Cons
- Waterford's cheaper line, crystal isn't as high-quality
We commend you on a classic choice. Waterford looked good in 1790, and it'll look good in 2090, with its Marquis line offering more affordable crystal. The style suits those who won't touch a whiskey bottle unless it breaks the $60 barrier.
Soho Home Barwell Cut Crystal Rocks Glass, Set of Four
Pros
- Beautiful look
- Really high-quality crystal
Cons
- Pricey
Compared to the Waterford glasses, we've got Soho Home, a relatively new retail off shoot of the famous members hotel. The design on these glasses, is a bit more modern, and the crystal feels a lot more luxury. Worth the price tag, in our opinion.
Pros
- The leather finishes give them a unique look
Cons
I've been really obsessed with Clayton & Crume's barware recently. The leather finishings make everything less formal, less fussy, but the look is as good as anything else on this list. They're the perfect accompaniment to a casual weeknight drink, or they're a great red solo cup replacement.
Ralph Lauren Home Hudson Plaid Old-Fashioned Set
Pros
- Classic Americana look
- Incredible weight to them, feel great in-hand
Cons
- Pricey
Nobody does American luxury like Ralph Lauren, and Ralph Lauren Home is the biggest testament to that. There's a bunch of different barware sets, but for rocks glasses and all the mixed drinks that typically go in them, we love the Hudson plaid look. It's just such a classic look.
Pros
- Beautiful color, which really complements the shape
- Great price
Cons
- A bit modern for some tastes
If you want to swing in the other direction with something sleek and modern, it's gotta be CB2. While we love a lot of the brand's wares, the Duval Old-Fashioned glasses are an absolute fucking standout. The sleek and modern shape is honestly fine, nothing we would write home about. It's the color that makes these glasses. The deep ombre on the glass looks so, so handsome.
Pros
- A really fun look
- Different collections showcase different mountain ranges
Cons
- A little cheap feeling in-hand
In the bottom of each of these glasses is the blown-glass terrain of a mountain you know; the Rockies are pictured here, but the collection extends to other American peaks (like the Grand Tetons) as well as those around the world (like Mt. Fuji). It's enough that a drink will make you dream of opening a distillery where topography touches the sky.
Pros
- Brings out the full potential of your drink
- High-quality glass
- Not a bad price, all things considered
Cons
- A bit ugly, a more functional design
Now what the hell is wrong with that glass? It's form over function, dumbass. Bespoke Post—one of our favorite spots for finding new small brands—introduced us to Norlan's uniquely striking double-walled glasses. The design serves to aerate the whiskey, enhancing each sip. Perfect for those that enjoy their whiskey neat.
Luigi Bormioli Top Class Glasses (Six Count)
Pros
- Minimal, contemporary look
- Great price
Cons
- Some might want a more traditional design
Opposite of a double wall glass, this Italian glassware is so thin and light (but strong) you hardly know you're holding it. It'll lend some levity to the drinking of whiskey.
Riedel Rock Glass Drink Specific Glassware
Pros
- Classic look
- High quality crystal
Cons
- Other options have a nicer weight to them
Riedel glassware is a classic, but sometimes that can lean into feeling a bit stuffy. These glasses however, bring out the old in the best way. The art nouveau lines inspired by architecture and art from the turn of the (last) century. Plus, this specific set was made to serve seven classic cocktails: The Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Daiquiri, Sour, Peasant, Buck, and Julep.
BACCARAT Harmonie Double Old-Fashioned Tumblers
Pros
- The best quality on this list
- Simple, elegant design
Cons
- Pricey
Baccarat makes crystal for those with impeccable taste in all things, drinks and otherwise. Need we say more?
Pros
- Walled stainless steel is great at maintaining temperature
- Great color selection, customizable
Cons
- Don't look too fancy
Whether you're sipping cask-strength or mixing with bottom shelf, YETI's lowball is the best vessel for drinking outdoors, poolside, or anywhere you might need something a bit tougher. The walled stainless steel will hold temperature for hours, and the coated finishes don't look too bad either. You might even start using them indoors!
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