Every Type of Whiskey Glass, and When to Use Each One
Whether you sip bourbon neat, pour Scotch over a big cube, or mix a highball, there's a whiskey glass built for it. Here's every major type of whiskey glass, what it does, and how to choose.
The best whiskey glass depends less on the whiskey and more on how you drink it.
Looking for exact capacities and ounces? See our companion guide to whiskey glass sizes and ounces. This guide covers shapes and what each is for.
Whiskey Glass Types at a Glance
| Glass | Shape | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rocks / old fashioned | Short, wide, heavy base | On the rocks, neat, Old Fashioneds |
| Double old fashioned | Larger rocks glass | Big ice cubes, cocktails |
| Glencairn | Tulip bowl, short solid base | Neat tasting, Scotch, bourbon |
| Copita | Stemmed tulip | Professional nosing and tasting |
| Snifter | Wide bowl, narrow rim, short stem | Aged spirits, slow sipping |
| NEAT glass | Wide, flared rim | Neat pours, softer alcohol aroma |
| Highball | Tall and narrow | Whiskey and soda, highballs |
| Shot glass | Small, straight-sided | Quick pours, measuring |
Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned Glass)
The rocks glass, also called a lowball or old fashioned glass, is the most recognizable whiskey glass. Its wide mouth fits large ice cubes, and its heavy base feels substantial in the hand and gives you room to muddle an Old Fashioned. A double old fashioned is simply a larger version for bigger cubes or cocktails.
It's the most versatile choice and the best glass for engraving, since its straight sides and thick glass give a large, clean surface for names, monograms, and logos.
Glencairn Glass
The Glencairn is the standard tasting glass for Scotch and increasingly for bourbon. Its tulip-shaped bowl concentrates aroma toward the nose, while the narrow mouth lets you sip without a blast of alcohol vapor. It's designed for neat pours, not ice.
Copita
A stemmed tulip glass derived from sherry glasses and favored by professional blenders. The stem keeps your hand from warming the whiskey, making it the most "technical" choice for serious tasting.
Snifter
Traditionally for brandy and cognac, the snifter's wide bowl and narrow rim trap aromas, and you can cradle the bowl to gently warm a spirit. It suits older, richer whiskeys for slow sipping.
NEAT Glass
A modern design with a wide, flared lip intended to let harsh alcohol vapors dissipate so you smell more of the whiskey itself. It's a favorite of people who find tulip glasses too intense.
Highball and Shot Glasses
The highball is tall and slender for whiskey mixed with soda, ginger ale, or water over ice; it keeps carbonation lively. The shot glass is for quick pours or measuring, not savoring.
How to Choose a Whiskey Glass
- You drink it on the rocks: rocks or double old fashioned glass.
- You drink it neat and want aroma: Glencairn or copita.
- You sip slowly after dinner: snifter.
- You mix it: highball for long drinks, rocks for Old Fashioneds.
- You want one glass for everything: a rocks glass.
Gift idea: An engraved rocks glass is one of the most popular groomsman, Father's Day, retirement, and client gifts we make. Choose the 10.5oz rocks glass (~$21) for a classic size or the 13.5oz rocks glass (~$25) for big cubes. For something more personal, try a handwritten-note rocks glass.
Whiskey Glass Gift Sets
For a bigger gift, go with a full set:
- Engraved whiskey glass gift box (~$60)
- Glasses with whiskey stones and coasters (~$80)
- Decanter with four glasses (~$80)
Buying for a team or clients? See why custom whiskey glass sets make great corporate gifts. Curious how engraving works on glass? Read how deep laser engraving goes into glass.
Types of Whiskey Glasses: FAQ
What are the different types of whiskey glasses?
The main types are the rocks (old fashioned) glass, double old fashioned, Glencairn, copita, snifter, NEAT glass, highball, and shot glass. Each is shaped for a different way of drinking whiskey.
What is the best glass for drinking whiskey neat?
A Glencairn glass is the most popular choice for neat whiskey because its tulip shape concentrates aroma. A copita or NEAT glass are also good options.
What glass do you use for whiskey on the rocks?
A rocks glass, also called an old fashioned or lowball glass, is the standard for whiskey on the rocks. A double old fashioned works best with large ice cubes or spheres.
What is the difference between a Glencairn and a rocks glass?
A Glencairn has a tulip-shaped bowl that focuses aroma and is designed for neat tasting. A rocks glass is short and wide with a heavy base, designed for ice and casual sipping or cocktails.
Engrave Their Favorite Glass
Shop personalized whiskey glasses and gift sets.
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