In recent years, whiskey aficionados have achieved the kind of stature more often associated with oenophiles. These spirits obsessives are as passionate about their favorite small-batch bourbons and special cask-finish scotches as wine lovers are about the best Napa Cabernets. And like their wine-sipping cousins, serious whiskey collectors understand that premium glassware can elevate the experience. Our favorite whiskey sippers are rocks or double-Old Fashioned glasses.
Rocks glasses have wide rims to allow room for the rocks, a.k.a. the ice. And if you’re partial to a slow-melting cube so too much water doesn’t dilute your dram, you’ll want to be sure one of those giant rounds of ice can fit into the glass. If you take your bourbon neat, the wide rim allows for the gentle and more delicious aromas to waft out. Narrower rims can concentrate the scent of alcohol, which can shift the whole experience of drinking a cask-strength beauty from delicious to downright unpleasant.
And if you’re going to buy new barware, make it worthy of your best bottles. That Macallan 18 needs something respectable. The four we’ve highlighted here should live up to it nicely.
1. Baccarat Nancy Tumbler Rocks Glass
If Macallan is a household name (especially in your house), it should meet the household name in the world of crystal: Baccarat. And a classic spirits calls for a classic look, especially when the glass will last a lifetime. This rocks glass from Baccarat delivers on that promise. Made in France, the Nancy Tumbler Rocks Glass offers a classic, elegant design that’s matched only by its quality crystal. The handsome cut design and weight of the glass feel as good as it looks in hand. While it’s an investment, if treated well, this glass could become a family heirloom—even if the Macallan is long gone.
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2. Waterford Lismore Tumbler Rocks Glass Set
Waterford made a name for itself by producing incredible crystal products. And that reputation for quality is still behind its barware, like this set of four rocks glasses. Crafted in Europe, the elegant crystal glasses are elegant raise the art of sipping to one of luxury. Each of the four glasses is presented in a different Waterford pattern, which gives it a modern design twist.
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3. Riedel Rocks Glass
Designed to be both functional and stylish, this rocks glass from Austrian glassmaker Riedel is built to accommodate larger blocks of ice, so any melt is gradual and doesn’t water down your special whiskey or favorite cocktail. The wider design comes courtesy of spirits specialist Zane Harris, who worked with Riedel to ensure versatility. This lovely glass allows you to take some of the experience of drinking at a craft cocktail bar into your home.
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4. Mofado Crystal Whiskey Glasses
Most rocks glasses have some decorative etching or ridge pattern, but not Mofado’s. The glassware brand has gone in the opposite direction, making their glasses perfect for those who value a minimalist aesthetic. Available in a set of two, the oversized glasses also have a nice heft to them, making them perfect for sipping your favorite Scotch, bourbon or whiskey-based cocktail.
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