How do I choose a good whisky glass?

Choosing a good whisky glass is important for improving your whisky drinking experience, as different glasses can affect the taste, smell and overall experience of whisky in different ways. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing a whisky glass:

Shape of the glass

• Tulip-shaped glasses: These glasses have a wide bottom that gradually narrows towards the top. They are often used for malt whiskys and help concentrate the aromas for better scent perception.
• Glencairn Glass: Specially designed for whisky tasting, this glass has a tulip-shaped bowl and a thin neck, which concentrates the aromas and enhances the taste.
• Rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass): These glasses are short and wide and are often used for whisky on the rocks or whisky cocktails. They are not ideal for concentrating scents, but they are ideal for iced drinks.

Material

• Crystal Glass: Crystal glass is durable and can display the color and brilliance of whisky well. It is often the choice for serious whisky drinkers.
• Lead crystal glass: For real connoisseurs, a handmade whisky glass with lead crystal is ideal. Choice of 16 or 24% lead crystal. This literally gives extra weight to a whisky experience.
• Glass: Plain glass is a more everyday and affordable option. It's fine for casual whisky drinking.

Size

• The size of the glass is important. Choose a glass large enough to hold enough whisky and ice (if desired), but also leave room for swirling the whisky to release its aromas.
• Rule of thumb: WEE glass (up to approx. 100 ml) is a small glass for tastings, Standard glass (approx. 200 ml) and Luxury (handmade) glasses or for whisky with possibly ice, a Tumbler or a Mixer (approx. 300-350 ml).

Personal preference

• Ultimately, the choice of a whisky glass depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer a classic Glencairn glass for tasting single malt whiskies, while others prefer to take a more casual approach with a rocks glass.

Purpose

• Also consider the purpose of the whisky glass. Do you use it for whisky tastings, casual drinking, mixing cocktails or for serving whisky to guests? Your choice may vary depending on the purpose.
• You don't actually drink whisky, but you experience, experience and appreciate whisky. Whisky is a story in itself and brings you to your own story/world and that requires a suitable glass.

In short, there is no 'best' whisky glass, but rather a glass that best suits your personal taste and the type of whisky you drink.

If you still have doubts after reading this story, do not hesitate to send me an email (edwin@mood4whisky). Then tell us something about your whisky story or that of the person you want to give a glass to and I will be happy to share my thoughts with you