The 25 best crystal whiskey glass brands
Waterford, Baccarat and Cristal d'Arque lead our ranking of 25 crystal whiskey glass brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Crystal Whiskey Glass brands, ranked
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1
Waterford
Irish lead crystal in classic cut patterns, with weighted bases that suit pouring whiskey neat.
Top products: Lismore· Rosslare
Website: waterford.com |Brands like Waterford
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Baccarat
French crystal maker whose faceted tumblers, such as the Talleyrand, are often sought as collector pieces at premium prices.
Top products: Talleyrand
Website: baccarat.com |Brands like Baccarat
Popularity 7.2/10
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3
Cristal d'Arque
Credited with manufacturing the very first crystal stemmed glass that was produced from automatic production, Cristal d'Arque is a cult luxury French glassware and home decor brand that was founded in 1968. The unique construction of their glasses ensures total transparency and long-lasting luster, along with over 50% more strength and durability than standard market products, as well as excellent brilliance and purity retention. The brand sets the table for an elegant dining experience.
Website: cristaldarquesparis.com |Brands like Cristal d'Arque
Popularity 6.3/10
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4
Lenox
Lenox creates an incredible range of exquisite presents for all occasions, including tableware, serveware, and unique occasion gifts for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. They combine the newest fashion trends with their timeless knowledge to provide you with a beautiful assortment of gift products that are both elegant and inexpensive. It has helped brides celebrate their big day and honored visitors at every holiday gathering for almost a century. They are devoted to giving exciting new ways to show your style via tableware, serveware, gifts, and décor for any event, with distinctive designs that are constantly changing.
Website: lenox.com |Brands like Lenox
Popularity 5.2/10
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5
Nachtmann
German crystal maker whose cut Highland tumblers are sold as dishwasher-safe sets of four.
Top products: Highland
Website: nachtmann.com |Brands like Nachtmann
Popularity 5.0/10
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6
Bohemia
Czech crystal producer offering lead-crystal shot and spirit glasses, typically sold in multi-piece sets.
Popularity 4.6/10
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7
Bormioli Rocco
Italian glassware maker whose older Selecta cut crystal whiskey glasses are a common find among collectors.
Top products: Selecta
Website: bormiolirocco.com |Brands like Bormioli Rocco
Popularity 3.7/10
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8
Glencairn
Tulip bowl narrows toward the rim to hold aromas, with a short stem and a thin, light lip for sipping.
Top products: Glencairn Glass
Website: glencairnwhiskyglass.com |Brands like Glencairn
Popularity 3.5/10
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9
Rosenthal
Porcelain-focused maker whose Versace Medusa Lumiere crystal tumblers are a licensed fashion-crossover piece.
Top products: Versace Medusa Lumiere
Website: rosenthal.de |Brands like Rosenthal
Popularity 3.5/10
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10
Libbey
American glassmaker producing large volumes of barware and restaurant glasses at everyday prices.
Website: libbey.com |Brands like Libbey
Popularity 3.3/10
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11
Saint-Louis
Historic French crystal house whose hand-finished pieces sit at premium price points.
Website: saint-louis.com |Brands like Saint-Louis
Popularity 3.3/10
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12
Fostoria
Fostoria makes infrared heating equipment. Its catalogue covers electric infrared heaters, ceiling-mounted units, and garage heaters. The heaters use radiant heat to warm people and objects directly rather than only the surrounding air.
Website: infraredheaters.com |Brands like Fostoria
Popularity 3.2/10
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13
Lalique
Art-glass crystal maker from France, with pieces priced well above everyday barware.
Website: lalique.com |Brands like Lalique
Popularity 2.9/10
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14
Princess House
Princess House makes home goods for the kitchen and table, including serving bowls, pans, mug sets and decorative accents. The brand built its name in the home party tradition. Its catalogs feature cookware, blenders, dinnerware and recipes that pair with...
Website: princesshouse.com |Brands like Princess House
Popularity 2.8/10
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15
Ralph Lauren
Fashion label whose home collection includes cut crystal whiskey glasses in the Aston pattern.
Top products: Aston
Website: ralphlauren.com |Brands like Ralph Lauren
Popularity 2.7/10
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16
Anchor Hocking
Ohio-built glass company producing affordable everyday tumblers and barware in volume.
Website: anchorhocking.com |Brands like Anchor Hocking
Popularity 2.7/10
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17
Orrefors
City range of Swedish crystal double old fashioned glasses, sold in sets of four.
Top products: City Crystal
Website: orrefors.us |Brands like Orrefors
Popularity 2.6/10
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18
Kosta Boda
Swedish glassworks with design-led crystal tumblers in modern shapes.
Website: kostaboda.us |Brands like Kosta Boda
Popularity 2.6/10
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19
KROSNO
Polish glassworks whose BonApart bubble-base whiskey tumblers are heavy and reasonably priced.
Top products: BonApart
Website: krosno.com |Brands like KROSNO
Popularity 2.4/10
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20
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany and Co. is a luxury brand that curates the most creative jewelry line. With dedicated craftsmanship and the finest material, the brand has been appreciated by its affluent customers and has earned its name globally. Tiffany diamond watches are...
Website: tiffany.com |Brands like Tiffany & Co.
Popularity 2.4/10
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21
Arcoroc
Tempered and opal glass dinnerware maker, mostly everyday tableware rather than lead crystal.
Website: arcoroc.com |Brands like Arcoroc
Popularity 2.4/10
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22
Villeroy & Boch
The German tableware and kitchen company Villeroy & Boch has a long history in porcelain and ceramics. Its dinnerware sets, serving bowls, gravy boats and espresso cups are dishwasher and microwave safe. Its Manufacture and New Wave lines are among...
Website: villeroy-boch.com |Brands like Villeroy & Boch
Popularity 2.3/10
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23
Royal Doulton
Royal Doulton, founded in 1815 in Stoke-on-Trent, England, makes dinnerware, serving bowls and dinner plates. Its tableware is recognised for being lightweight, durable and contemporary in design. Mugs, cups, drinkware, flatware and figurines suit everyday meals and special occasions.
Website: royaldoulton.com |Brands like Royal Doulton
Popularity 2.2/10
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24
RIEDEL
Austrian stemware maker whose Spey tumbler gives whisky drinkers a dedicated option beside its wine glasses.
Top products: Spey
Website: riedel.com |Brands like RIEDEL
Popularity 2.1/10
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25
Luigi Bormioli
Luigi Bormioli is well-known Italian glassware, barware, tea, coffee mugs, and kitchen accessory manufacturer. Their products are distinguished for their excellent quality and stylish design. Bormioli Luigi creates one-of-a-kind glassware that you may use to prepare and serve various foods....
Website: luigibormioliusa.com |Brands like Luigi Bormioli
Popularity 2.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterford | waterford.com | /waterfordcrystal | waterfordcrystal | – | waterfordchannel |
| Baccarat | baccarat.com | /pg | baccarat.australia | – | Baccarat |
| Cristal d'Arque | cristaldarquesparis.com | – | – | – | – |
| Lenox | lenox.com | /Lenox | lenox | – | – |
| Nachtmann | nachtmann.com | /glashersteller | nachtmann_de | – | – |
| Bormioli Rocco | bormiolirocco.com | /bormiolirocco | quattrostagionibormiolirocco | – | Bormioli Rocco Casa |
| Glencairn | glencairnwhiskyglass.com | /GlencairnWhiskyGlass | – | @GlencairnWhisky | – |
| Rosenthal | rosenthal.de | /rosenthal.fanpage | official_rosenthal | – | – |
| Libbey | libbey.com | /Libbey | libbey | – | – |
Crystal Whiskey Glass Buying Guide
Whiskey is not just a drink, it's an art, and every true whiskey aficionado knows that the container is just as important as the drink itself. When it comes to drinking whiskey, having the appropriate glass is paramount. There's a variety of whiskey glasses on the market, and choosing the perfect one for your needs can be a challenge. However, there are certain things that you should consider when purchasing a crystal whiskey glass.
Why Crystal Whiskey Glass?
Firstly, you might be asking why you should opt for crystal glasses, after all, there are plenty of other materials on the market. The answer is that crystal glasses offer a variety of benefits that other materials simply cannot. Crystal glasses are clear and, as a result, they provide a unique and visual appreciation of the whiskey's color, aroma, texture, and overall appearance. Moreover, crystal glass captures and enhances the aroma of the whiskey, providing a fuller and more relishing drinking experience.
Furthermore, crystal glasses are generally heavier and more substantial than other glasses, providing a more comfortable feel in the hand. Earlier, crystal glasses were used only by formal events or for special occasions but now, they are a must-have for every whiskey enthusiast, be it for personal use or gifting purposes.
Glass Shapes
Whiskey glasses come in several shapes, with the most popular being:
- Tumbler – This is the most popular type of whiskey glass, also known as a lowball, and is most commonly used for serving whiskey on the rocks. It's short and solid with a heavy base that keeps the drink steady on the table.
- Glencairn – The Glencairn glass is a favorite among whiskey snobs. It's made of crystal and is shaped like a tulip. It's specifically designed to focus and enhance the aroma of whiskey and is the perfect glass for tasting whiskey.
- Snifter – The Snifter glass has a large bowl and a narrow opening, which allows the drinker to swirl the whiskey, releasing the drink's aroma. It's commonly used to serve cognac or brandy, but it also works well for tasting whiskey.
- Copita – This glass has a stem and a tulip-shaped bowl. It's perfect for serving and tasting sherry, but it can also be used for whiskey.
Quality
Choosing the right crystal whiskey glass means paying attention to the quality of the glass. Quality is determined by the clarity, thickness, and weight of the glass. Opt for glasses that are balanced and well-constructed, with a thickness and weight that feels substantial in your hand. Crystal glasses should feel sturdy and durable, yet delicate and refined.
One way to gauge the quality of the glass is the clarity of clarity. A high-quality crystal whiskey glass should be completely clear, without any tint or discoloration. Lower quality crystal glasses have a greasy, cloudy look.
Size
The size of the glass is another important factor to consider when choosing the perfect whiskey glass. For serving whiskey on the rocks, opt for a tumbler or old-fashioned lowball glass. These glasses are short, squat, and stabilized, making it easy to add ice and stir the drink. For drinking whiskey neat or adding a small amount of water or mixer, go for a Glencairn or snifter glass which has a more narrow opening and a tulip or balloon shape which allows the aroma to build.
Care and Maintenance
Crystal whiskey glasses are delicate and require proper care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Always handwash, never use a dishwasher or abrasive scrubbers as it may cause cracks or chips. Use a soft, clean cotton cloth to dry the glasses and never stack or rub glasses together as this may cause scratches. Do not leave glasses in direct sunlight as it may cause discoloration or fading of the glass.
Price
Like anything, the price of whiskey glasses varies. You can find a set of four low-quality glasses for around $10, but these glasses won't provide the same experience that a higher quality, well-constructed crystal glass will. For a set of high-quality crystal glasses, expect to pay between $50 to $150 or more depending on the brand, quality and craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The right crystal whiskey glass complements the fine spirit and enhances the overall whiskey-drinking experience. A well-constructed crystal whiskey glass does not just enhance the aroma, colors and texture of whiskey. It exemplifies respect for the art of drinking and sets the mood for a perfect whiskey evening. Investing in a quality crystal whiskey glass set is a must for every whiskey enthusiast.
