Did you know that the right glass can change your whole drinking experience? Here are the top seven glasses to choose from
The shape and texture of glass are often fundamental to the sensory experience of a drink. And it’s not entirely because of aesthetics. A good whisky will disappoint when had in the wrong glass whereas even a ho-hum bourbon can come bursting to life all because of the glass it is served in.
So, what are the best whisky glasses to buy? “Whisky tasting is a sensory experience that utilizes our sense of sight, smell, and taste. The best whisky glasses are the ones that have enough room for the whisky to move around and breathe. Master distillers and experts in the whisky industry prefer tulip-shaped glasses with tapered necks which allow a concentrated delivery of aromas to the nose through a narrow rim. A wider bowl and narrower rim impact the intensity of aromas. An ideal glass should enhance desirable aromas and suppress the undesirable ones. So here are the top seven glasses to elevate your whisky drinking experience.
Glencairn Glass
This is the standard tasting glass used at most distilleries and not without reason. “It’s the most ubiquitous glassware associated with whisky and whisky tasting and can be found at almost every distillery in the world. This robust glass with a short and thick base makes it easy to swirl and then nose the whisky. The bulbous shape of the glass directs the aromas towards its narrow rim. The Glencairn is a must for every whisky geek,” adds Sharma.
Rocks Glass
Also known as the old-fashioned glass or the tumbler, this is the most commonly spotted whisky glass in bars. This robust glass with a nice grip is the most macho of all whisky glasses.. If you prefer your whisky on the rocks or with a dash of water this is the ideal glass for you. The plain design of the glass lets simple drinks speak for themselves. Use it for neat pours of whisky, or as a perfect vessel for whisky cocktails.
The Copita
For those who wish to appreciate the true nuances and depths of single malt whisky, the Tulip glass, or the ‘Copita’ is the vessel of choice. “These were originally used in the sherry industry in Spain and are now popular with master distillers and blenders in the whisky industry. It is wide in the middle and tapers towards the rim allowing for a concentrated delivery of aromas. The Copita unlike the Glencairn glass, has a slightly longer stem which keeps the hand from warming the liquid.
Snifter Glass
These are also known as balloons or cognac glasses. “This short, stemmed glass with a wide bottom and the narrow top is great for those seasoned whisky drinkers who love to slowly savor their drink. The narrow mouth that directs the aroma to the top makes it a connoisseur’s delight.
Norlan Glass
This stunning blown glass vessel is made with true sippers in mind. The double-walled construction is designed to capture the whisky’s complex flavours and aromas and deliver them to the senses. The outer tumbler allows for easy grasping and drinking, while preventing the whisky from absorbing warmth from your hand.
Highball Glass
The taller brother of the tumbler, the Highball gets its name from one of the most revered but simple whisky cocktails in the world: the scotch and soda. “The thick base helps keep the tall glass balanced and prevent spills. with higher proportions of non-alcoholic mixers.
Neat Glass
A new kid on the block The NEAT glass (standing for Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology) is a scientifically designed nosing and tasting glass with a wide tip and base. This glass supposedly eliminates nose burn and numbing, which helps bring out the more subtle aromas. It’s an excellent nosing glass, though drinking from it may take a bit of getting used to because of its unusual shape.
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