It does matter what glass you drink whiskey from. The choice of glass can greatly enhance or diminish your whiskey drinking experience. While any glass can technically hold whiskey, certain glasses are designed specifically to enhance the aroma and flavor of whiskey.
One popular choice for drinking whiskey is the rocks glass, also known as an Old Fashioned glass. This glass is short, wide, and typically has a thick base. It is commonly used for whiskey cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned, where ice and other ingredients are added to the whiskey. The wide opening of the glass allows for easy stirring and sipping, while the thick base provides stability. However, the rocks glass is not ideal for drinking whiskey neat.
For those who prefer to drink whiskey neat, or without any added ice or mixers, the Glencairn glass is often considered the best choice. The Glencairn glass is a tulip-shaped glass with a wide base that tapers towards the top. This shape is specifically designed to enhance the fragrance of the whiskey and allow it to concentrate at the top of the glass. When you bring the glass up to your nose, the tulip shape helps to usher the aromas directly to your nose, intensifying the olfactory experience. Additionally, the Glencairn glass is comfortable to hold and has a good weight, making it easy to pick up and sip from.
I personally find that the Glencairn glass truly enhances the whiskey drinking experience. The shape of the glass really does make a difference in the aroma and flavor perception. When I use a Glencairn glass, I can detect more nuances in the whiskey's aroma, and it feels like the flavors are more concentrated on my palate.
In addition to the Glencairn glass, there are other specialty whiskey glasses available, such as the copita glass and the snifter. These glasses also have tulip shapes that help concentrate the aromas, but they may have slightly different designs and sizes. Ultimately, the choice of glass comes down to personal preference and what you find works best for you.
To summarize, the choice of glass does matter when it comes to drinking whiskey. While rocks glasses are great for whiskey cocktails, the Glencairn glass is often preferred for drinking whiskey neat. The tulip shape of the Glencairn glass enhances the fragrance and allows for a more intense olfactory experience. However, it's important to remember that everyone's taste and preference may vary, so it's worth experimenting with different glasses to find the one that enhances your whiskey drinking experience the most.