Distilling whiskey started in Scotland and Ireland about one thousand years ago. With no wine and no vineyards, Monks learned to let barley beer continue to ferment until it became liquor– the first whiskey. They enjoyed the spirit in shallow wooden cups and then in silver vessels. Later, during the 19th century, the glass whiskey tumbler – rocks glass, old fashioned glass, the lowball – became the glass of choice for capturing the nuances of fine whiskeys and American bourbons.
With the advent of single malt and whiskey blends from around the world, serving the smoky spirit in a specialized glass provides the drinker with the finest way to appreciate whiskey’s spectrum of flavors. These sets of low glasses with wide rims and heavy bases are ready to fill with rocks and whiskey or muddled cocktails. The glasses allow the beverages to speak for themselves. Here are some of our favorites.
A centuries-old tradition
Crafted in Italy, this set of four, lead-free crystalline glasses is perfect for everyday entertaining. Waterford Crystal is known for its mission to continue to create high clarity and quality crystal masterpieces. The Marquis side of Waterford was established to give everyone an opportunity to experience their beautiful glassware at a moderate price. Instead of lead crystal, these glasses are crystalline. As a nice extra, the set comes in a fancy presentation box, too.
Dishwasher safe
Ready for your chunky ice cubes, these handcrafted glasses are perfect for Kentucky bourbon or Japanese whiskey. Each glass is not only cut on the sides but also on the bottom. The thick walls and heavy bottom make this well-balanced glass durable enough to be used by hotels, and it’s even dishwasher safe. Add some wow to your next party with this set of six.
Shaped for swirling
Stolzle, the fine German glass company, teamed up with Scottish Glencairn Crystal Studio to design this unique and elegant glass that’s become a ‘must-have’ for whiskey connoisseurs. This glass not only has a base to aid in swirling your Elijah Craig, but it’s shaped like a snifter in order to concentrate the aromas. This lead-free glass also won the 2006 Queen’s Award for Innovation.
A timeless design
The clean lines of the hand-blown crystal add a refined touch to your Yamazaki or Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel. The set of six lead-free glasses are a great value. Perfect for serving up scotch, bourbon, rum, whiskey, or your favorite aperitif. They could quickly become your go-to entertaining barware, and even better, they’re dishwasher safe.
Climbing high
Not just interesting and attractive, the irregular rocky style actually helps to aerate the liquor, accentuating the experience. This set of four Grand Canyon whiskey glasses are very unique and like nothing else on the market. Not only that, their durable design makes them shatter-resistant. So go ahead and take them out to the great outdoors.
