29 Best Bourbon Glasses - To Enhance Your Bourbon

An Expert Guide to the Best Bourbon Glasses

Under the careful watch of such states as Kentucky and Tennessee, where craftsmanship and tradition intermingle, bourbon has rightfully earned a spot among the world’s most respected liquors. As the importance and popularity of bourbon has grown, so too has the need for the proper glassware to heighten the tasting experience. Our curated selection of bourbon-focused glassware offers expert guidance for which glasses will best suit your drinking style. Look our top recommendations for each type of glass, marked with a award winner icon.

When you’re looking for a unique bourbon glass, you want to make sure it stands out from everything else you’ve seen. One of the best bourbon glasses is this custom Glacier Bottom Rocks Glass. Not only will it have your own personalized engraving, but the glacier rocks in the bottom make your bourbon look amazing when it reflects off of them. A unique take on a classic glass, this is one of the coolest and fun ways to enjoy your favorite spirit from a bourbon glass.

Our Verdict: The rocks glass is a mainstay for bourbon drinkers for a reason. It's endlessly useful and great for drinking bourbon on the rocks, neat, or for mixed bourbon cocktails. This version kicks it up a notch with it's upscale look and feel. A definite must have for any home bourbon bar.

There is a reason the Glencairn glass has become so popular among bourbon connoisseurs. Its tulip shape helps to concentrate the aromas at the top of the glass, allowing you to fully appreciate the subtleties of the whiskey or bourbon's nose. The robust base provides a sturdy grip, while the transparent crystal showcases the drink's color, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Our Verdict: It's a mainstay that belongs in any serious bourbon drinker's cabinet. However, if you like your bourbon on the rocks with ice, this is not the glass for you.

Some of the best bourbon glasses out there simply must be made of crystal! Take this set of four gorgeous crystal glasses, for example, they are ideal for a neat, mixed, or chilled drink, and no matter what your drink is going to look damn good inside thanks to the unique crystal edges. If you’re looking to class up your bourbon, you simply can’t do better than this set of glasses.

Related: Best Whiskey Glasses

You’ve probably seen this style of bourbon glass before, but now you can own an entire set of them that are personalized! Named the official taster glasses for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, these glasses will actually make your bourbon taste better. Their Glencairn-like design helps funnel the aromas to your nose as well as reveal the hidden flavors in the bowl part of the glass.

The kenzie bourbon tasting glass is similar to the Glencairn glass but it has straight sidewalls instead of curved. You'll see this ever more popular glass used in bourbon tastings all across Kentucky, including the legendary Julian Van Winkle III recently used it in one of his how to taste bourbon videos here.

Our verdict: While some tasters may be diehard Glencairn or rocks glass fans, I personally love this glass for tasting small amounts of various bourbons in groups.

Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, this awesome cigar glass really does hold your cigar for you! Now you can puff and sip with one hand, freeing up your other hand to hold your phone and scroll through your news feed or flip through a book. Definitely one of the best bourbon glasses and coolest, this cigar-holding glass will soon be your favorite one to use.

Bourbon smokers have been available in high end bars and restaurants for years. This clever bourbon smoker kit allows you to bring that smoking experience home. It contains everything you need for smoked bourbon cocktails and at home.

Our Verdict: If you're into smoked cocktails this set is a must have.

Related: Whiskey Smoker Kits

There is no better way to sip bourbon than from a Glencairn glass if you like it neat. This is their top of the line crystal glass. Most of our reviewers agree that it's the best bourbon tasting glass for connoisseurs and aficionados alike when hosting a tasting Glencairns are their go to. Thanks to the unique shape, they’ll be able to find unique flavors and aromas in drinks they’ve never noticed before.

These sculpted glasses are unlike anything you've ever seen before. The unique grooves make the glass easier and more comfortable to hold whether you’re a righty or a lefty and even helps keep your drink insulated. Toss in a few frozen whiskey stones and you’ve got a couple of sophisticated whiskeys on the rocks for you and a friend to enjoy in style.

Our Verdict: One of the most unique looking and cool bourbon glasses we've seen in years. The price is great as well.

Related: Gift Boxed Sets

What better way to serve your bourbon than in cool square bottom glasses like these? Featuring a thick formation at the bottom of the glass that amplifies the color and character of your liquor, when drinking out of these tumblers your bourbon appears to trickle-down to the bottom. Very cool effect. A great way to give your Kentucky spirits a rock solid foundation.

These glasses are the ideal shape for sipping bourbons, here is why. Similar to the Glencairn, but not quite as narrow, these bourbon glasses can also be used with ice whereas the Glencairn cannot. The wide bowl of these bourbon sippers accommodates up to 8oz of bourbon and ice, while the shape of the glass pushes the liquor towards the proper part of your pallet while you drink and the conical shaped top funnels the liquor towards your nose.

#12 Roosevelt Cut Bourbon Glass

A cut above the standard bourbon glass (pardon our pun), the Roosevelt bourbon glass features intricate cut glass and a refined feel to it. It's the kind of glass that exudes elegance and sophistication. It feels natural in your hand when sipping bourbon in front of a flaming fire in an oversized leather bound chair, or when serving guests at a dinner party. The Roosevelt glass is a bourbon glass that belongs in any host’s cabinet.

The colchester bourbon glass is one of those glasses that every guy will appreciate. It features a thick bottom, sturdy sides and a heavy weight that just feels right when you’re drinking bourbon.

Our Verdict: For men who appreciate a hefty glass for sipping bourbon, this is the best bourbon glass for them.

Canadian whiskies are slightly different. Typically being lighter than bourbon and scotch, they require a slightly different type of glass. One option is a rocks or old fashioned type glass another is these specialized glasses. The wide bowl allows the whiskey to breathe and helps to emphasize the nuanced flavors and aromas. The tapered mouth, on the other hand, concentrates the scents, allowing for more effective nosing.

Our Verdict: If you love Canadian whiskeys or your gift recipient does, then this glass is a must. Otherwise bourbon rocks glasses are similar but a more versatile glass.

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#15 Stately Bourbon Glassware Set

One quality that gives American bourbon its distinction is the process of distilling in charred oak barrels. In fact, this is a requirement along with being distilled in the United States as a requirement for a whisky to be classified as a bourbon. This personalized bourbon glass and decanter box set celebrates this tradition with the individual’s last name and initial on each piece of the set which gives them the most sophisticated way for them to enjoy their bourbon! With a set of personalized bourbon glasses, decanter, and gift box, they'll feel like the classiest person in the world each time they pour themselves a drink.

#16 Twist Whiskey Cigar Glasses

A new twist on traditional bourbon glasses, these classy twist cigar glasses allow you to drink your favorite bourbon and smoke your favorite cigar at the same time.

Our Verdict: If you're a cigar smoker this is the perfect pairing.

Related: Cigar Accessories

#17 Double-Walled Norlan Glass

The Norlan Glass is unlike most of the bourbon glasses in this round-up due to it double walled construction which serves a practical and aesthetic purpos; creating a visual effect while also insulating your bourbon from the warmth of your hand. The inner wall has specially designed contours that promote aeration, allowing the aromas to open up, enhancing the scent and flavor.

Our Verdict: It's a great looking glass and worth considering. The downside is the double wall does make it bulky for some people's hands, and double-walled bourbon glasses tend to be more fragile than their single walled counterparts.

#18 Engraved Glencairn Bourbon Snifter w/ Lid

The Glencairn bourbon snifter is a modern classic. Perfectly shaped to allow your scotch, whisky and bourbon to hit your palette at the optimal spot, and narrowed at the top to push the subtle aromas to your nose. These Custom Glencarin snifter glasses are the perfect glass for high-end or complex bourbons like Booker's, Bulleit, or Barrell Bourbon Batch 14.

#19 Bourbon on the Rocks

If you like your bourbon on the rocks, then this bourbon set is perfect for you. It includes two personalized rocks glasses and a set of whiskey stones so you can chill your drink without diluting the flavor.

#20 Engraved Twist Bourbon Glass

By far one of the most elegant bourbon glasses you’ll ever see, this stunning glass will make even the cheapest bourbon feel like it came from a luxurious bottle. The beautiful curves of this twist glass reflect light throughout the glass, illuminating the lovely golden hues of your bourbon so that you can appreciate and distinguish the colors. Whether you’re just relaxing with a glass of Jim Beam on the rocks or trying the newest flavor of Jack Daniels, this glass will make an ordinary tasting feel high-class.

#21 Neat Bourbon Glass

The the "Neat" glass is an interesting concept, wide bowl but pinched near the top and then flaring at the top. The idea is that the bourbon can aerate in the wide bowl and then the pinch in the top will direct the aroma to your nose.

Our Verdict: It works, kind of. We like the aeration concept, however it's been done so much better by the Kentucky bourbon trail glasses earlier in our rankings. The main issue is the flared top, in our testing it caused the bourbon to spill at times if you were not careful when drinking.

#22 Luxury Set of Crystal Bourbon Glasses

You can’t go wrong with crystal when it comes to bourbon glasses! These exquisite crystal Glencairn glasses are much more luxurious than a standard Glencairn or rocks glass. Your bourbon will taste so much better in these flavor-enhancing glasses that you’ll only want to use these stunning glasses from now on. Plus, your beloved bourbon will stay fresh inside the decanter as it has a rubber-sealed stopper to prevent it from evaporating. This set is truly the ultimate bourbon experience!

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#23 Bourbon Smoker Box

Put a new spin on sipping bourbon with a glass that also comes with a bourbon smoker box. No longer will you solely enjoy the same drinks over and over again. Now, you’ll be able to create unique flavors and smoky blends that are all your own thanks to this fantastic smoke box and glass gift set. In fact, if you enjoy snacks with your drink, you can even add some nuts or cheese inside to infuse them with flavor too!

If you love both cigars and bourbon there really is nothing better than this Cigar glass. It frees up your other hand to greet guests, grab horderves, or to throw a football in the back yard and it looks as stylish as can be as well.

Add a touch of class to your glassware with this vintage leather wrapped bourbon glass. Perfect for mixed drinks or bourbon straight up, anything from a Manhattan to a Sidecar cocktail will pour perfectly into this unique leather wrapped glass.

#26 Custom Twist Bourbon Glass Set

Enjoy your favorite bourbon at the height of luxury with this stunning box set! The elegant bourbon glasses are not just aesthetically pleasing with their unique twist design, but they also make the glass easier to hold as well as reflect light throughout your drink so that you can see the various hues. You’ll certainly be prepared to impress a friend or your significant other with a drink using this sophisticated set!

#27 Monogrammed Rocks Glass Set

These substantial rocks glasses come etched with your initials and are the perfect weight for drinking liquors. The ideal weight, they feel slightly heavy, in a good way, and perfectly balanced in the hand. Ideal for the man who doesn't like to drink out of a dainty glass. Since four pieces are included, it's the perfect set for sharing.

Related: Best Whiskey Decanters

#28 Chilled Bourbon Experience Boxed Set

Celebrate bourbon in its purest form with this personalized bourbon stone and glass gift set. Ideal for gifting or for keeping your tools on hand and ready for special occasions, everything is neatly contained within the custom box set. Thanks to the stones, you can easily chill your drink without diluting any of that flavor you’ve come to know and love!

#29 Vintage Crystal Cut Bourbon Glass Set

Sometimes all you need to do to class up your drinking game is simply get some stunning crystal bourbon sipping glasses like these. These timeless glasses are the best way to look like you’re always on top of the latest bourbon trends. After all, crystal rocks glasses will never go out of style, making it a breeze to look like a top-level connoisseur.

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FAQs

What type of glass do you use for bourbon?

If you’re a purist, nosing or tasting glasses are ideal for bourbon. The Glencairn tasting glass is considered the ideal shape for tasting bourbon neat since it funnels the aroma to your nose and allows you to taste all the subtle flavors within the bourbon. If you however like your bourbon with ice, rocks glasses are the way to go. They leave plenty of room for a double pour, ice, or even a mixer if you’re so inclined.

Is there a difference between whiskey and bourbon glasses?

They are exactly the same. There is no difference between whiskey and bourbon glasses. The shape of the glass however may vary due to it's function. Bourbon must have at least 51% corn content, be aged in new charred oak barrels, and made in the United States. Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley and distilled in Scotland. The ingredients and methods in which bourbon and whiskey are made changes the taste, but the glass you drink each from is the same.

What is special about Glencairn glass?

A Glencairn glass has a unique design that is purpose-built to bring flavor right to your palate and olfactory senses. While a standard rocks glass gets the job done, a Glencairn is a proper tool for any aspiring aficionado or bourbon connoisseur. With this glass, they’ll find flavors that they never knew were in a bourbon they’ve been drinking for years.