A perfect whiskey glass is a long-standing debate, and there is now a consensus that the shape of the glass affects the nose. If you change the glass, you use, that’s the quickest and most affordable way to level up your whisky game. An ultimate guide has been put together with the different types of whisky glasses to help you choose the most suitable one.
When ordering drinks in a pub or restaurant, you’ll receive them in a straight-sided straight-sided tumbler with a wide rim and heavy base. This has been the standard whisky glass for the longest time. But in the last forty years, the drinking glass for Whiskey has been diversifying.
The biggest problem with the tumbler is the wide rim because a large surface area encourages the alcohol content of Whiskey in smell and taste. This also causes nose burn. But this does not mean that the tumbler should be discarded altogether. If you are drinking Whiskey to smell and taste every note, use a modern glass. But a tumbler would do just fine if you’re having a casual drink.
Anatomy of a Whiskey tasting glass
Rim
The rim determines how quickly the aromas dissipate from the Whiskey. It also tells how quickly the liquid evaporates.
Neck
The width of the neck alters how concentrated the Whiskey aromas are. If the neck is narrow, it will funnel the aromas towards the nose.
Bowl
The size of the bowl tells what the glass can be used for. A hiball can be used for whiskey and cocktails. And the smaller Norlan glass has a much smaller bowl. So they are used for neat whisky.
Stem
The stem’s length and weight can affect the glass’s hand feel and prevent contaminating aromas from the hands.
Best Whiskey Glasses
Glencairn Glass
The shape of this glass is described as a short stem, tulip shape bowl, and narrow rim. This glass is perfect for you if you are a whisky fan. The Glencairn glass was designed in 2001 after he became tired of the tumbler. The inspiration was taken from a copita glass used for sherry tasting. The rim prevents the emphasis on alcohol.
Basics of Glassware
Glass Structure
The structure of the glass is essential when you are picking your whiskey glass. There are a lot of designs available in the Glassware industry. Every glass’s rim, body, and stem contribute to the drinking experience. Drinks like Whiskey need to be swirled, and whiskey glasses with tight rims also allow for easier sniffing. Go for a glass with a cavernous body and swirl before drinking.
Quality of Materials
Focusing on structure or aesthetics is tempting, but the materials also mean something. Plastic has certain chemicals released into Whiskey, which change the flavor. And glass protects the Whiskey’s flavor’s integrity, which is why it is the preferred drink vessel.
How to drink Whiskey like a pro?
If you wish to appreciate the flavors infused into your favorite drink, you must learn how to drink it. What we taste is dictated by our noses and mouth. A flavor is created by a combination of taste and smell, which is why the glass’s shape is essential. So before you take a sip of your Whiskey, put your nose inside your glass and then take a sniff. The first smell you will experience will be alcohol. This clears your nostrils, and the second and third sniffs will be much more satisfying.
How do you hold a Whiskey Glass?
It would be best to place your middle and ring finger under the bowl with the stem in the middle. This grip ensures that the glass is safe and secure as you swirl your drink.
Holding the stem of the whiskey glass depicts pure sophistication. So keep your thumb and two of your fingers on the stem. You can rest the fingers on the foot or gently hover in the air. Glasses like Glencairn have a thicker stem, so you will have to grip the whiskey glasses with all of your fingers otherwise they will slip.
You can hold the whiskey glass’s foot to get a better swirl, and the lower the grip, the bigger the swirl. Swirling promotes the scent to evaporate in the Whiskey. That means the drinker can experience the complex aromas. When you’re drinking whiskey, always pour lightly. Then swirl the whiskey and chew your drink.
After smelling your Whiskey, don’t just swallow it immediately. First of all, let it sit on your tongue. Then see what flavors you can experience. The matured Whiskey in wooden barrels will get you a smokey flavor. Smelling your Whiskey will make you appreciate the hard work that goes into it. Then you’ll soon get the hang of it, and instead of sipping your Whiskey, you’ll be spending an hour enjoying your Whiskey. Noticing hints of new flavors every time is an experience you must have.
