The Best Glass Shape For Tasting Bourbon

There is a lot to appreciate about bourbon. By way of its traditional production and high-quality ingredients, the spirit packs an incredible nuance to every sip, especially if you know how to enjoy straight bourbon without the burn. In order to really savor its dynamic tasting notes, you'll want to select the ideal vessel for the job. The booze can be found poured into anything from a traditional rocks glass to a commemorative shot glass, but among all the options, the tulip-shaped Glencairn is best for tasting.

There's a reason you'll see this option offered at distilleries and fancy whiskey bars. The glass size is convenient: The six ounce volume fits a full pour, and leaves room for air on top. The cup style is slender, with less width at the rim and a wide, round base. This serves to concentrate the aroma, letting you pick up nuanced notes with extra intensity. Plus, the glass is easy to hold, allowing for an easy swirl, sip, and reflection. To really get the most appreciation out of your bottle of bourbon, consider investing in a Glencairn glass or two. You can also find Glencairn Whiskey Glass Sets on Amazon when you want to indulge in the ultimate sipping experience with friends. 

Picking out the best glass to sip a whiskey or bourbon may feel slightly pedantic, especially to those who are not avid bourbon drinkers. And indeed, you can certainly still attain enjoyment with whatever vessel you have at home. However, the glass you choose to utilize has a surprisingly drastic effect on the palate of the spirit. Firstly, the Glencairn glass allows space to swirl your beverage without fear of spillage, which promotes a particularly bold flavor and scent experience. The longer, narrow body of the glass transmits both nuanced aromas while drinking, which delights bourbon fans hoping to catch each flavor and note. In fact, newcomers to enjoying bourbon neat may find it slightly overwhelming when using in the proper container.

Furthermore, the Glencairn's shape lends to a specific manner of bourbon enjoyment. Unlike a shot glass, it enables slow, intentional sipping. However, you'll need to angle the vessel vertically, so the bourbon enters with greater mouthfeel than it would from a rocks glass. Thanks to the classy glass or crystal material that most Glencairns are made from, as well as the comfortable shape it offers, this glass is a pleasant way to dig into a bottle of complex bourbon. Do keep in mind, however, that certain bourbon types — such as cask strength — are best on the rocks and will require a differently shaped glass. So, keep a set of Glencairn glasses on hand, but be ready to be flexible.