Our authentically local, award-winning whiskies are handcrafted products that we think need to be appreciated and celebrated. That being said, the overall experience of drinking whiskey can be greatly enhanced by selecting the appropriate glass. Certain whiskies work better in different glasses. Additionally, a nice whisky glass will improve the whiskey’s taste and nose. No one bats an eye at someone using a wine glass or a beer mug and whiskey is no different. Purchasing a high-quality glass elevates an experience or occasion.
Aroma & Flavor Perception
In addition to improving the whiskey-drinking experience, the correct glassware can significantly affect the whisky’s flavor perception as well. The aroma of a whiskey is referred to as the “nose”. Thus, concentrating these fleeting components at the top of the glass is a common characteristic of whisky glasses. This intensifies the scents and facilitates nosing of the whisky.
Our sense of smell and taste are interconnected when we experience a “flavor.” To put it another way, smelling something undoubtedly enhances the flavor you taste when you eat or drink it. Therefore, nosing, or smelling a whisky will intensify the flavors you experience when you take a sip. Whether you’ve worked hard all week and are in need of a special treat to share with friends and family or maybe you’re having a nightcap with your partner, choosing the proper glass is everything. Let’s discuss a few of our favorites!
The Old Fashioned Tumbler
If we could only possess one type of whiskey glass, it’d probably be the versatile Old Fashioned tumbler or lowball glass (or simply lowball). This glass is a short tumbler used for serving spirits, such as whisky, neat or with ice cubes. Also, as the name may suggest, they are ideal for making Old Fashioned cocktails. Traditionally, because of their thick-bases, these glasses were used to make Old Fashions right in the glass.
A thick glass just has a luxurious sense to it, a majestic feel if you will. Thus, in our opinion, it improves the enjoyment of the drinking experience tremendously. However, these glasses don’t work nearly as well for neat whiskey because the wide rim will reduce the whiskey’s aromas. Again, a major component of appreciating whiskey is its nose.
Glencairn Whiskey Glass
Probably the most well-known glass for whiskey is the Glencairn and it was created especially to taste whisky. You could argue that’s where “genuine” whiskey glasses originated. Accordingly, you’ll probably be utilizing Glencairns if you attend a whisky festival or enjoy a tasting flight.
It’s a narrower, smaller glass featuring a strong glass “foot” that gets wider in the belly and is narrower in the top. This form is ideal for bringing the whisky’s scents to the forefront allowing you to get a better understanding of the whisky’s flavor profile and character.
Islay Whiskey Tumbler
These cool glasses are a cross between an Old Fashioned Glass and the Glencairn. Like the Old Fashioned Glass they have a wide belly and a heavy base. They have a nice weight, and like the Glencairn, are narrow to the rim. This narrowing of the glass focuses the aromas, making them easier to nose. Often used for Scotch, this is however, a universal whiskey glass.
Kenzie Glass – B&B’S Choice
This is the pour glass of choice of Branch & Barrel Distillery. The Kenzie is a tulip shaped whiskey glass that focuses the scent toward the nose while providing a comfortable hold. This elegant glass’s broad, angular base permits the whiskey aromas to accumulate, making it easier to nose, very similar to the Glencairn. So, who wants one of these amazing glasses for free?
Simply sign up on our website and join us for a tour of the back of our distillery to see the process behind crafting our award winning spirits! You will receive a pour of whiskey in a Kenzie glass and a guided walk through the life of our distillation process, from grain to bottle. Also included in this tour is a flight of our handcrafted Spirits as well as a signature Branch & Barrel engraved Kenzie Glass to take home with you as an included bonus!
Filling Your Glass
Purchasing a high-quality whiskey glass can significantly enhance the enjoyment of your drinking experience. We personally enjoy the Kenzie the best for neat pours, but there’s a glass to suit everyone’s taste. After you’ve acquired your glass of choice, come visit our tasting room to explore and purchase from our portfolio of premium whiskies. You can purchase limited and special release bottles right from our Tasting Room at the Distillery! So make plans to visit us soon and check out our assortment of Flagship bottles, remaining “Last Call” bottles, Limited Editions and all our award-winning releases.