Glassware
You may notice that there is a lot of glassware in the world of spirits. Here is a log of all the glassware we have and use for reviews, and which spirits work best with each.
Glencairn
The preferred spirits glass for enthusiasts and tasters alike when drinking American Whiskey, Rye, Scotch and other whiskeys. I find this agreeable, and always review Bourbon, Rye, American Single Malts, International Whiskey and Scotch Whiskey from the Glencairn Glass.
Canadian Glencairn
A much wider, sturdier, more elongated glass, the Canadian glassware is nice for more casual drinking, and is also large enough to accommodate an ice cube, if desired. Most prefer whiskey from the Canadian Glencairn, although many Brandys should be enjoyable from this as well. The Canadian Glencairn is not a default glassware choice for any reviews that I do.
Rastal Harmony
Rastal Harmony is a line of glasses manufactured by Rastal. This is the Spirits/Cognac version. I like it best with gin, some brandies and occasionally a more aromatic Scotch whiskey.
Stolzle
This flared stemmed glass is peak brandy drinking – namely Cognac and Armagnac. A bit on the heavy side, it still makes for enjoyable drinking, especially for something you plan drink less and sip more (1973 Pasquet, anyone?)
Rocks Glass
The quintessential drinking glass, available at pretty much any restaurant, bar or supply store in the world. Usually slightly widened at the top or straight edged, this glass is common for neat pours, water or cocktails alike. Nothing is bad from a rocks glass.
Neat Taster
A uniquely shaped glass, this looks like a cross between a highball and a Glencairn. Unfortunately currently plagued by plenty of QC issues (bubbles in the glass, anyone), these are great glasses, if you can get a good one. I like higher proof bourbon and rye, as well as most American Single Malts from a glass like this.
Spey Dram
What is this, a dram for ants? This small, slightly tuliped glass is really interesting. Most people prefer it for bourbon, but I like pours of bourbon to be a bit bigger. I’m a big fan of gin and agave spirits neat from this glass, as you can taste through a bit and get plenty of aromatics without needing a voluminous pour from other Agave focused glasses.
Stemmed Copita
Sporting a nice stem with a fairly restrictive opening, the stemmed copita is great for aged spirits with a nose you want to concentrate. Works best with whiskey, aged rums and some tequilas.
Spigleau Willseberger Anniversary Brandy
This preposterous shaped glass is actually a real treat for all sorts of spirits. I’m LOVING bourbon and rye from it, as well as brandies of all kinds and even some tequilas. It’s bottom heavy and easy to swish, and the nose is delivered really well, without making for a laborious drinking experience.
Riedel Vinum Cognac Hennessy Glass
This stemmed, tulip style glass has significantly more volume than the Rastal Harmony, or the Stolzle. Priced a bit higher, this also delivers a bit better, allowing for a bit better nosing and drinking. I prefer to drink scotch and brandy from this style glass.
Denver & Liely Gin Glass
This flared glass is billed especially for gin drinking. Engineered to deliver the bouquet of a great gin without bombing your senses with juniper, this does exactly that and doubles as an excellent cocktail glass as well. You can drink whiskey from it in a pinch, too, but I’d probably still pick a Glencairn.
Denver & Liely Agave Glass
Uniquely shaped and born out of tireless engineering, the hardworking minds at Denver and Liely produced this glass to both tame and accentuate the various aspects of Agave spirits that have troubled other, more pedestrian, glassware. I’m a big fan of using this with all kinds of Agave.
Veladora
A more traditional drinking vessel with some history rooted in the church, this no frills solid glass glass is lightly flared outward, but without any tulip shape. Great for tasting on the go, it’s solid enough to hold up in a backpack or travel bag (unlike just about any of the stemware above). I prefer this for rum, Agave or some gins, usually when traveling.
