The best whiskey glass you’ll find at Myer isn’t the heavy, cut-crystal tumbler everyone assumes is “premium” for whiskey; it’s the nosing glass designed for aroma and focused tasting. While Myer stocks an excellent range of tumblers from brands like Nachtmann and Krosno, if your goal is to truly appreciate the nuances of your spirit, seek out the tulip-shaped or Glencairn-style glass. These are usually found among their more specialized crystalware, often unassumingly, but they are the clear winner for an elevated drinking experience.
Why the Nosing Glass Wins for True Appreciation
Many assume a substantial, heavy-bottomed glass signifies quality for whiskey. And for casual sipping with ice, or making an Old Fashioned, they’re perfectly fine. But for serious appreciation, a nosing glass — whether a branded Glencairn or a generic tulip shape — is superior. Its design is intentional:
- Concentrates Aromas: The narrow rim funnels the complex scents of whiskey directly to your nose, revealing layers you’d miss in a wider glass.
- Optimal Swirl: The bowl allows for easy swirling, releasing volatile aromas without spillage.
- Comfortable Hold: While delicate, the base provides a sturdy grip without warming the liquid too quickly.
Myer typically carries these styles, sometimes under brands like Spiegelau or even unbranded crystal sets. This is where you should direct your search if you’re serious about taste over mere aesthetics.
The Glasses People Think Are Best, But Aren’t Always
A lot of articles on whiskey glasses focus on the aesthetic, not the functional. They’ll highlight:
- Heavy Tumblers/Rocks Glasses: Yes, they look impressive and feel good in hand. They’re excellent for drinks with ice, especially larger cubes or spheres, and for cocktails. But their wide rim dissipates delicate aromas, making it harder to pick up the subtle notes in a fine single malt or bourbon. For a deeper dive into selecting the ideal whiskey glass at Myer, consider how the glass shape impacts more than just holding ice.
- Cut Crystal Decanter Sets: Often sold with matching heavy tumblers. While undeniably beautiful and traditional, the focus is on presentation and bulk, not optimized nosing. If you’re buying a set, understand that the tumblers are for general enjoyment, not deep analysis.
Myer has fantastic options in both these categories, with brands like Nachtmann and Krosno offering beautiful, durable crystal. But for tasting, they often fall short of the nosing glass.
What to Look For When Shopping at Myer
When you head to the glassware section at Myer:
- Prioritize Shape: Look for a narrow rim and a bulbous body. If you see a Glencairn or a similar tulip-shaped glass, that’s your primary target.
- Consider Material: Lead-free crystal is the standard for clarity and thinness, offering a pleasant lip feel. Most quality glasses at Myer will be crystal.
- Hold and Feel: Even for a nosing glass, comfort is key. Ensure it feels balanced in your hand.
- Sets vs. Singles: Nosing glasses are often sold in pairs or sets of four. Tumblers are more commonly available in larger sets.
Final Verdict
The strongest recommendation for whiskey glasses at Myer, if your priority is truly appreciating the spirit’s aroma and flavor, is the nosing glass. For those who prefer a more robust feel and often enjoy their whiskey with ice or in cocktails, a quality heavy-bottomed tumbler from brands like Nachtmann or Krosno is an excellent alternative. Ultimately, for the purest tasting experience, go for the glass that respects the whiskey’s complexity.