No alcohol is as sentimental as whisky, especially at this time of year.
When the winter chill sets in and fires across the nation are set ablaze, it’s time to snuggle down and reach for the brown liquors.
Unlike the hearty glug of beer or the frothy fizz of a vodka spritz, whisky oozes a cool demeanour. This is reinforced by the establishment of the enigmatic drink as a popular cinematic trope. Hardy yet distinguished characters such as James Bond, Kingsman’s Eggsy and Inglourious Basterds' Lieutenant Archie Hicox opt for the golden tipple when something big, be it a celebration or a shoot-out, is about to occur. From cockney gangsters to Californian CEOs, whisky never fails to top the riders of the rich and famous.
However, the majesty of whisky becomes redundant without a beautiful whisky glass to nonchalantly swirl as you sip.
Contrary to the delicate designs of wine glasses or the dainty stature of champagne flutes, whisky glasses are weighty and take the form of sturdy tumblers.
This perhaps lends itself to the idea of whisky drinkers being predominantly male. Setting aside clichés of suited, clean-cut heroes swigging while reclined in a smoky billiards room, the liquor has garnered a reputation for being a gentleman's drink.
In reality, this is far from the truth. Stars including Mila Kunis and Simone Ashley have collaborated with prominent whisky brands such as Beam, a brand that openly champions its female market. Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Halle Berry are also self-professed whisky fans.
The demystification of liquor is further evidenced in the diversification of whisky glass designs today. Playful prints, metallic accents and innovative colourways are peppered throughout universally adored whisky glass offerings, breathing newness into the old-fashioned. Inexpensive yet eye-catching designs courtesy of Anthropologie and Graham & Green may appeal to novice whisky drinkers, while Ichendorf Milano’s glass creature collections bat away antiquated images of pub-bound Peaky Blinders with their kitschy cute style. We’ll drink to that.
For those with more traditional taste, don't fear as heritage glassmakers are at your beck and call. We spoke to Stephanie Wright, Brand Expert at Dartington Crystal who answered all of our whisky glass woes.
What makes a good whisky glass?
"A good whisky glass will enhance the complex flavours and aromas of your chosen whisky. When selecting the right whisky glass, it's important to consider the overall construction and feel of the design. The structure of a good whisky glass is determined by its rim, body, and stem. Each aspect impacts the release of the whisky’s aromas and flavours and helps enhance the drinker’s experience."
What is the difference between handmade and mass-produced whisky glasses?
"Crafted by hand by skilled artisans, handmade glassware is created using a blowpipe. Natural materials, such as sand and limestone, are heated at high temperatures and mouth-blown and moulded into shape. Unlike machine-made glassware, handmade glassware is typically thicker and weightier and provides a luxurious look and feel. Handmade glass offers a unique finish in which no two pieces will be the same.
"Mass-produced glassware is typically machine-made using moulds. Machine-made glasses are usually less expensive and the glass is usually thinner and less weighted than handblown glasses. While mass-produced glassware tends to have a more uniform look compared to handmade glasses, it doesn’t possess the same charm."
Which of your whisky glasses would you recommend for everyday and occasion use?
"A traditional tumbler is a popular choice when it comes to whisky drinking. A tumbler works well for everyday and special occasions and suits whisky served neat, on the rocks, or with a mixer. The short profile shape helps position the nose closer to your whisky’s distinctive aromas, helping evenly distribute its fragrance and flavours with every sip. In addition, a tumbler with a wide rim shape helps to aerate the liquor, enhancing its aromas while drawing harsh alcohol vapours away from the nose. If you prefer your whisky on the rocks, opt for a glass with a stem base. This design helps keep warm hands away from the bowl, ensuring your drink stays cooler for longer."
Discover the best whisky glasses from traditional to atypical for serving up the finest malt tipple.
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Soho Home Roebling Cut Crystal Rocks Glass
Inject your glassware cabinet with luxury. Soho Home’s Roebling collection is designed exclusively for Dumbo House and is a touching tribute to John Augustus Roebling, the civil engineer who designed and built Brooklyn Bridge. The resplendent glasses are handmade from weight crystal and boast a brilliantly polished finish for at-home entertaining.
Buy now £175.00, Soho Home
John Lewis ANYDAY Paloma Opera Crystal Glass Tumblers
Serve up a neat tipple with John Lewis’ Paloma glass tumblers. Ideal for everyday use, the inexpensive yet elegant pieces marry traditional cut glass effects with contemporary elements such as dishwasher-safe crystal made in a zero-waste, carbon-neutral glass factory in Italy.
Buy now £15.00, John Lewis
Seletti Kintsugi Glass and Gold Tumbler
Seletti's unique Kintsugi offering promises a more philosophical take on glassware. Kintsugi draws on the belief that mending a broken object enhances its beauty. Seletti’s interpretation of the practice culminates in a fired glass tumbler laced with beautiful golden detailing that will complement the honey tone of your chosen whisky blend.
Buy now £27.00, Selfridges
Nude Arch Set
Nude’s Arch whisky duo is perfect for couples who enjoy a drink together. Curl up by the fire and admire the pieces’ contemporary curved base, lead-free crystal exterior and classic weightiness of the majestically modern set.
Buy now £55.00, My Theresa
Dartington Armchair Spirits Sipper Whisky Glass
Dartington takes a conventional approach with its Armchair Spirits Sipper set. As per the name, the glass is to be used when submerged in the comfort of a home corner and enjoyed for its charismatic aesthetic.
Buy now £29.00, Dartington
Graham & Green Lens Crystal Whiskey Glasses
Pour your finest malt into Graham & Green’s timeless whisky glasses that come in sets of two. The hand-blown tumblers are elevated by a mirage-esque lens design, perfect for those who flit between classic and modern homeware aesthetics.
Buy now £35.00, Graham & Green
Anthropologie Bistro Tile DOF Whiskey Glasses
Banish boring glassware with Anthropologie’s quartetto of glasses. The Bistro-inspired, tile-print drinkware fuses gilded glamour with mosaic motifs plucked from the Parisian streets. Gold and black accents beautifully blend with your liquid amber.
Buy now £62.00, Anthropologie
Ichendorf Milano Marine Garden Set
Break from tradition entirely and look to Ichendorf Milano for inspiration. The brand’s quirky Marine Garden set is not to be missed. Submerge the mysterious seascape in golden whisky and marvel at the fish who bob peacefully amidst the liquor waves. Bottoms up.
Buy now £85.00, My Theresa
Graham & Green Etched Stars Tumblers
Irregular whisky drinkers will benefit from a glass that can do it all. Graham & Green's celestial tumblers can be used for a variety of nectars, from delectable negronis to starry scotch on the rocks and more.
Buy now £8.75, Graham & Green
Handblown Glass Cheeky Mood Tumbler
Fresh from the tableware label’s collaboration with Claridge’s, the brand is offering these playful tumblers that are guaranteed conversation starters. The glasses have been handblown in Italy and beautifully adorned with emoji-esque faces.
Buy now £55.00, Summerill & Bishop
Catherine Martin for Anthropologie Starry Night Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses
Twenties decadence springs to life in Catherine Martin’s whisky glass collection for Anthropologie. With an iridescent gleam, twinkling celestial motifs and a stunning golden warmth, these old-fashioned glasses wouldn’t look out of place in an Art Deco bar or New York speakeasy.
Buy now £72.00, Anthropologie
John Lewis & Partners Sirius Crystal Glass Whisky Decanter and Tumblers Set
If you’re looking for a substantial gift minus the hefty price tag, John Lewis has this beautiful crystal decanter with six matching tumbler-style glasses for a mere £80. Not a bad price for a special occasion.
Buy now £80.00, John Lewis
