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Best whisky glasses to buy for sophisticated dram sipping

From crystal glasses to Versace vessels to ones you can throw in the dishwasher, these are the best whisky glasses to buy in 2024.
Best whisky glasses Australia shown with an old fashioned cocktail in a whisky glass

Photo: Moriah Sawtelle

Savour the flavours of your favourite whisky with our expert picks of the finest whisky glasses available in Australia.

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It’s time to elevate your whisky-drinking experience with artful glassware, from crystal whisky glasses to Versace designs to ones that you can throw in the dishwasher — all designed to capture the aroma, enhance every sip, and amplify the nuances of the amber liquor.

These whisky glasses marry elegance with functionality, with vessels crafted from premium materials such as crystal-clear glass or durable crystal. From tumblers to the best rocks glasses around, you’ll be hard-pressed to find much better glasses for whisky than these.

Whether you want to buy a whisky glass set you’ll cherish forever and are willing to spend upwards of $400, or you’re just entering your whisky-drinking era and want a more affordable whisky glass, below you’ll find options for all walks of dram drinkers. And yes, that means the best whiskey glasses for those who love Irish and American whiskey, too.

Here are the four best whisky glasses you can buy in Australia right now.

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Looking to replenish your whisky supply? Check out the best whisky subscriptions so your bar cart never runs dry.

Royal Doulton Highclere Tumblers whisky glasses

Royal Doulton Highclere Tumblers

$499 for set of four at Myer

This hefty crystal four-piece set oozes class. Named Highclere for the Crawley family’s manor in Downton Abbey and characterised by classic Royal Doulton diamond and wedge-shaped ridges, these timeless whisky glasses blend seamlessly into any décor as statement pieces in their own right. A heavy crystal base and tall, proud walls make these Tumblers some of the best whisky glasses available in Australia.

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Key features:

  • Made from real crystal

  • Heavy base for insulation

  • Matching decanter, available separately

  • Ridged glass for timeless aesthetic and secure grip

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Luigi Bormioli Diamante Double Old Fashioned Glass for whisky

Luigi Bormioli Diamante Double Old Fashioned Glass

$80 for set of four at Myer

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Trusty Italian glassmakers Luigi Bormioli have hit another home run with their dazzling new Diamante Old Fashioned Glass set for whisky. This well-priced whisky glass set is sishwasher-safe and made from lead-free crystal for an ultra-clear finish, so you can rest assured that these sparkling glasses will make it through several washes without smudging.

Key features:

  • Made from carbon-free crystal

  • Size appropriate for whisky as well as cocktails

  • Classic Luigi Bormioli etching to match other glassware

  • Dishwasher-safe

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Versace Medusa Lumiere Whisky Pair whisky glasses

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Versace Medusa Lumiere Whisky Pair

$479 for set of two at David Jones

Versace does it all. Clothes, shoes, bags. Whisky glasses. These incredibly chic crystal whisky glasses are embellished by a hand-blown, raised Medusa figurehead, symbolically locked between two layers of crystal at the bottom of each glass, alluding to the Gorgon’s petrifying gaze. Each figure is individually crafted, distinguishing them from other glasses bearing similar motifs, with no two the same.

Key features:

  • Made from crystal

  • Heavy base for insulation bearing hand-blown Medusa figurehead

  • Simple, stylish cut

  • Hand-wash only

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Mayfair Whisky Double Old Fashioned whisky glasses

Mayfair Whisky Double Old Fashioned

$110 for set of two at Myer

Have you ever heard of titanium-reinforced crystal glass? No? Well now you have. These elegant whisky glasses by Mon Verre are cut with titanium for a super sturdy and exceptionally clear finish. A thick bottom adds a luxe feel to the glass, while the design is characterised by traditional diamond and wedge cuts. These glasses show why classic styles are always in fashion, blending seamlessly into any décor as a style piece of their own.

Key features:

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  • Made from titanium-reinforced crystal glass

  • Heavy base for insulation

  • Diamond and wedge cut design

  • Dishwasher-safe

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What is the difference between whisky and whiskey?

The difference between whisky and whiskey isn’t just in the spelling; it’s down to the country of origin. Spirits that have been made in Scotland, Canada, Japan and Australia, for example, use the spelling ‘whisky’ (sans ‘e’). However, drops made in the United States or Ireland are referred to as ‘whiskey’. The distilling practice comes down to the country of origin which leads to different flavour profiles and aromas characteristic of the type of whisky/whiskey produced. For example, Irish whiskey is typically distilled three times before the aging process begins while Scottish whisky, or Scotch, is generally distilled twice. For more, see our articles on Japanese whisky and new-world whiskies.

What type of glass is best for whisky?

The best glass for whisky hinges on how you prefer to sip. Are you a serious whisky drinker who prefers the spirit in its purest form? A Glencairn or tulip-shaped glass made of very thin crystal is best for you. These glasses allow you to warm the whisky easily with your hands and are perfecting for swirling the liquid, so you can best appreciate the flavour notes. If you prefer your whisky on the rocks or mixed, old fashioned glasses, tumblers or rocks glasses, like the ones you’ll find above, are what you’re looking for.

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