It's about emotion, not just aroma

Allen Katz, owner of New York Distilling, says the best whiskey glass has emotional context. It should arouse your senses and prepare you for the pleasure of drinking.

“My brain is aroused saying, 'I'm ready, let's enjoy this.'”

The juice glass is surprisingly perfect

Katz's go-to for morning whiskey evaluations is a simple juice glass. Think Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca or Cary Grant in North by Northwest.

Riedel rocks glass wins overall

These deeply etched glasses have timeless mid-century appeal and hold 10 ounces. The pyramid tips on the base mark exactly two ounces for perfect pours.

Light refracts beautifully through Riedel

The etched lines make whiskey look incredible as light shines through the spirit, refracting and sparkling, casting amber shadows on the table.

Budget pick costs just seven bucks

Cocktail Kingdom's Yarai rocks glass has a vintage diamond pattern that's satisfying to touch. At $7 per glass, it's shockingly affordable.

Yarai is perfect for sazeracs

The somewhat squat glass is ideal for two ounce pours, neat or on a rock. It's the exact size for low-volume cocktails like sazeracs or old fashioneds.

Glencairn is the tasting standard

Ever been to a whiskey tasting? You've used a Glencairn. The unique shape delivers aroma directly to your nostrils without jamming your face in.

Glencairn has one singular purpose

This glass is perfect for whiskey purists who want concentrated aromas. But you won't drink cocktails or bourbon on the rocks from it.

Chamvin's crinkly glass is fancy

This handmade Edo Kiriko glass with a crumple pattern is a real pleasure to hold. The organic texture is unique and costs around $85.

Testing meant drinking a lot

Each glass was tested by holding it, pouring the same whiskey, smelling it, and sipping. The focus was on how the lip felt and how whiskey poured into the mouth.

Looks matter for whiskey drinking

Part of the appeal of drinking whiskey is the visual aesthetic. If you're investing serious money, the glass better be gorgeous.

Touch is a full sensory experience

Whiskey drinking includes the sense of touch. The best glasses give your fingers something to explore and feel comfortable to hold.

“We all have fetishes. One is a glass in hand.”

The lip should feel intimate

The part of the glass that touches your lip should be smooth and comfortable. No harsh, rough edges to distract from the flavor.

Aroma releases stress before sipping

The scent of whiskey should bring your shoulders down and tell your brain it's okay to start enjoying before the liquid even touches your lips.

Dishwasher pods ruin whiskey taste

Dishwasher pods leave aromatic residue that makes whiskey taste off. Use liquid detergent or wash by hand for the best drinking experience.

Liiton's Grand Canyon looks elegant

These glasses feature geological marvels etched into the bottom. The whiskey settles into the glass canyon in a satisfying way, though ice ruins the effect.

Crumple body glass is art

The Oriental Artisan handcrafted glass really looks crumpled. It's beautiful but difficult to hold, especially for people with larger hands.

Libbey is a relaxed Glencairn

This glass has a fat bowl and gentle curve like a Glencairn that let itself go. It delivers amplified aromatics but the mouth fits an ice cube.

Skip the ultra-delicate Glasvin

The Natural Stemware whiskey glass is the thinnest glass ever tested. It's pretty and tiny but so extremely breakable it's not practical for home use.

Avoid glasses with learning curves

The Viski double-walled tumbler has a thick lip that's difficult to drink from. A whiskey glass shouldn't require getting used to.