Drinking whisky is a full sensory immersion. The taste is only one component; it’s in the aromas that rise as you lift the tumbler and breathe in, the shimmering colour of the liquid, and the way the glass fits into your palm.
That’s where the best whisky tumbler and whisky stones come in — a great pairing can make or break your drink. If you ever drink whisky out of a juice glass or a red Solo cup, you know what we mean. To ensure that every dram highlights the full glory of your favourite whisky, make sure you have these stones and tumblers tucked away in your home bar.
Best Whisky Tumbler
One of the easiest ways to improve your whisky-drinking experience is to invest in a well-made whisky tumbler. A great tumbler makes the most of the unique characteristics of whisky — in particular, the aroma. Whether you’re drinking a peaty, smoky Laphroaig or an ultra-smooth Glenmorangie, the whisky tumbler ensures that you enjoy every note.
Many whisky tumblers mimic the shape of the copper stills used in distilleries: wider and rounder at the bottom and narrow at the top. This shape contains the aromas of the whisky and directs them right to your nose. If you like neat pours, the tulip — or Glancairn, after the company that first designed this iconic glass — shape is an excellent option.
If you’re looking for a more versatile option, a traditional rocks glass will do nicely. These glasses offer a less nuanced experience; the straight sides create an onslaught of aroma. When you’re working with limited storage space, or if you want a glass that works well for a range of spirits and cocktails, the rocks glass is your best bet.
Glencairn Crystal Whisky Tumbler
The Glencairn Crystal whisky glass is iconic in the industry — its classic tulip shape is often considered the gold standard for connoisseurs. It was designed at Glencairn Crystal, a family-run company in Scotland, specifically for whisky. This tumbler features a round, pedestal-style base that’s exceptionally stable; you don’t need to worry that it will tip over in a busy or crowded space.
The bowl of the glass is round and bulbous, eventually narrowing at the top. As a result, the aromas of your whisky have time to develop on their way to your nose. The unique shape of the Glencairn glasses is also designed to enable you to swirl the whisky without spilling. If you want the bragging rights of a glass that comes right from the original Scottish source, this is the one for you.
The Glencairn whisky tumbler comes in a classic smooth finish, but you can also get it in blue glass or a cut-crystal design. The company also makes the Wee Glencairn Glass, a miniature version that’s made for tastings.
Waterford Whisky Tumbler
If you prefer the versatility of a traditional rocks glass — and you’re willing to invest in quality glassware — these Lismore Connoisseur Diamond tumblers from Waterford are for you. The brand name speaks for itself. Waterford is known for creating crystal glasses of the best quality. This isn’t your average entry-level tumbler; it’s a glass that shows how serious you are about building an elevated bar collection.
When you’re drinking whisky neat, the straight sides of the Lismore Connoisseur Diamond tumblers help enhance even the most subtle flavors. They’re also the perfect vessel for cocktails and other spirits, making them the workhorses of any home bar. Made of luxury crystal and equipped with a weighted base, these tumblers feel solid and elegant in your palm.
The most striking feature is the ornate raised-diamond pattern on the bottom half of the glass. It creates a gentle texture that improves your grip and adds dimension and depth to every dram. With this glass, even a bottom-shelf whisky feels like an indulgent drink.
Riedel O Wine Whisky Tumbler
If you’re looking for a simpler, more contemporary (and more affordable) version of the classic rocks glass, this beautiful model from Riedel does the trick. Although it’s known largely for wine glasses, Riedel also offers a selection of well-made whisky glasses. The O Wine Tumbler for whisky is one excellent example — the straight sides direct the aromas upward, and the lighter-weight base feels easy and airy in your hand. Since this glass is completely free of adornment, it keeps the focus on the whisky itself.
Spiegelau Special Glasses, Whisky Snifter Premium
This Spiegelau whisky snifter is a prime example of a copita glass. Small and outfitted with a slender stem, copita glasses were originally intended for sherry. The shape, which you’ll notice is similar to the Glencairn glass, also lends itself well to whisky. It’s a particularly good option if you’re a stickler for the perfect temperature, as the stem prevents the heat of your hand from changing the temperature of the liquid. It’s also ideal for swirling the drink.
This version from Spiegelau is simple, affordable, and perfect for tasting. You can also use it for other spirits with a strong nose.
Riedel Vinum Single Malt Whisky Tumbler
The Riedel Vinum Single Malt Whisky glass falls somewhere between the Glencairn and the copita, offering the perfect balance of form and function. The stem is short, creating a look that’s less delicate but still elegant. Riedel created this version specifically for single-malt whiskies. Like the Glencairn, it features a tall shape that allows the aromas of your drink to release fully.
The bowl is rounded but not bulbous, and at the top, a gentle flared lip brings out the sweet scents that are common in single malts. While you can certainly use the Vinum for any type of whisky, it’s sure to make your best top-shelf bottles sing. With its wide base, this glass offers the sophistication of a copita with the stability of a rocks glass. It’s even tough enough to toss in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
NEAT Artisan Spirits Glass
Whisky drinkers with a penchant for science can’t get enough of the NEAT glass, one of the newest entrants into the world of high-end spirits. NEAT, stands for Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology, which should give you an idea of what to expect.
The first thing you’ll notice about this glass is its aggressive shape. A wide bowl narrows to a slimmer neck before flaring out dramatically. The NEAT scientists claim that this shape enables the ethanol to dissipate from the wide edges of the glass, allowing you to appreciate the unique character of the whisky itself.
The NEAT Artisan Spirits Glass is also quite short, an intentional choice that prevents more subtle notes from getting lost. If you’re not deeply entrenched in the tradition of whisky, or if you simply want to diversify your glassware collection, the NEAT glass is an exciting option.
Uncommon Goods Whisky Wedge Tumbler
Another fun option for contemporary whisky drinkers is the wedge glass from Uncommon Goods. As you might expect from this brand, this glass is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The secret is the included silicone mold, which makes an “ice slope” that fits neatly into the bottom of the glass and confines your whisky to a wedge-shaped area. The result, according to Uncommon Goods, is ice that melts slowly and reduces dilution.
There’s no doubt that the wedge glass looks stunning and makes an eye-catching statement when you have friends over for a drink.
Best Whisky Stones
If you love the cool feeling of whisky on the rocks, a whisky-stone set is a must-have addition to your collection. Ice cubes cool effectively, but when they melt, they dilute the flavour of your drink — especially if it’s hot outside. If your tap water has a distinct taste coming out of the faucet, you can bet that the ice will deliver the same metallic or mineral sense to your whisky.
Chilling stones are the perfect solution. Once a novelty product, these tiny gems are now enjoying a resurgence in popularity. They offer the same cool, refreshing feeling as ice without any of the drawbacks. In fact, your drink will stay cooler for longer.
Most models are made from soapstone or another non-porous rock, so they don’t absorb whisky or leach minerals into your glass. The best part? Since these rocks don’t melt, your favourite spirits have the chance to show off their full flavours and aromas. It doesn’t hurt that they give your drink a cool, modern edge.
BROTEC Chilling Whisky Stones
The BROTEC Chilling Rocks are probably what you think of when you imagine stones for whisky. These small grey squares look like ice cubes, giving your drink a classic vibe with an edgy twist. Each one is made from granite, so it retains its temperature without affecting the taste of your drink.
Most BROTEC sets include tumblers, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing them separately. You can use the chilling stones with any other spirit — they’re also a good way to keep your wine at a comfortable temperature when you’re sipping it outside in the summer.
Balls of Steel Whisky Stones
Yes, you read that correctly — these stones are actually called Balls of Steel. Each ball features a steel sphere wrapped around an “Arctic Core”, a proprietary substance that’s engineered to freeze quickly and deliver a long-lasting cooling effect in your drink. In fact, you can use the balls after just 90 minutes in the freezer.
The name is more than a comical reference; it’s a nod to the company’s charitable commitment. For every purchase, BOS donates 15 percent of the proceeds to partner organisations that are conducting research into cures for testicular cancer.
Teroforma Whisky Stones
Handcrafted in Vermont from durable, clean soapstone, the Teroforma stones are a mainstay in this category. The colour is a soft, pale grey that creates an unexpected contrast with a rich amber whisky — the result is surprisingly sophisticated. Each stone is relatively small, so it’s intended specifically for a standard neat pour rather than a higher-volume cocktail.
Three stones fit perfectly into the bottom of a rocks glass, giving you just the right amount of cooling power. If you’re focused on sustainability, you’ll love Teroforma’s commitment to closed-loop milling. Each stone is made in the United States, from American materials and using American labor.
Sea Stones On The Rocks Granite Whisky Stones
These stones from Sea Stones go all in on the “rocks” theme with stones that look like…well, rocks. Each chilling stone is crafted from granite, and each one showcases a different blend of natural colours and textures.
The aesthetic is half the fun, particularly if your guests don’t expect actual rocks at the bottom of their whisky glass. Artisans at Sea Stones cut each rock by hand from reclaimed pieces of granite; you can feel great about the fact that your stones give new life to something that would be otherwise discarded. Like Teroforma, these stones are made in the United States.
They’re also a great option if you’re interested in supporting small businesses; Sea Stones is run by just two people, Arra David and Anne Johnson. David and Johnson are committed to business practices that help conserve woodlands, reduce plastic consumption, and use recycled materials whenever possible. In addition, the Sea Stones facilities are heated and cooled using all-geothermal resources.
Kollea Stainless Steel Reusable Whisky Stones
Embrace the traditional look of ice cubes with the heft of a chilling stone using these cubes from Kollea. The stainless steel frame is polished to a shine, giving these stones a funky, ultra-modern look. When you drop them in a glass of whisky, the polished surface reflects the colour of the spirit for an effect that’s similar to ice. Inside each cube, a blend of water and other elements offers lasting cooling without the risk of dilution.
As you learn to drink whisky, you’ll discover that it’s a bit of an art form. A great whisky tumbler and the right set of whisky stones helps you enjoy every dram to the fullest of its potential. Whether you’re pouring a drink from an everyday liquor-store standard or a top-shelf whisky investment bottle, these supplies turn it into an experience.
