White Oak Tumbler: Genius or Gimmick?
As I delve deeper into the bourbon world, I constantly encounter new ideas and concepts. Some of these are great new products that enhance my experiences, while others are nothing more than gimmicks aimed at riding the whiskey wave. Last Christmas, my social media was full of people peddling their oaken glasses, so I had to jump in and see what all the fuss was about. The TLDR is: Yes, toasted white oak tumblers are the bomb, and you should scroll down to my recommendations and buy one immediately. For those looking for a more detailed analysis, read on.
It turns out, given the high demands and nature of production methods required, it is not easy to find a consistent source. But, they are indeed getting more common. Here are (3) places I have found them pretty consistently.
For reference, I purchased my tumbler from Artisan Oak. AO is run by Jacob Holliday, a young entrepreneur in his mid-twenties who absolutely blew up on social media last winter and has been back-ordered for months. (I just received the glasses I ordered in December) But his customer service was great, he was transparent with everyone, and I highly recommend getting one of his tumblers if you can. They are well worth the wait.
So… Why are We Doing This?
White oak toasted tumblers for whiskey have garnered attention and appreciation from whiskey enthusiasts for several reasons, primarily due to their unique contribution to the whiskey-drinking experience. These tumblers are not just vessels for holding whiskey; they are crafted to enhance the sensory experience of whiskey tasting, echoing the conditions under which whiskey is aged and bringing out the spirit’s complex flavors. Personally, I think the most significant selling point is that this is how bourbon ages, so it is fun to drink it that way. Ironically, some bourbons filter their bourbon to get rid of those taste profiles… and here we are, shoving them right back in with our glasses.
Why People Like Them
- Replicates Oak Cask Aging Conditions: The interior of these tumblers is flame toasted, a process that heat seals the wood grain and replicates the slightly smoky, oak cask aging conditions of spirits like scotch, whiskey, tequila, vodka, rye, or bourbon.
- Enhances Flavor: The charred oak interior of the tumblers is said to absorb part of the strong alcohol aroma, allowing drinkers to feel the true characteristics of whiskey. This is akin to the effect of aging whiskey in charred oak barrels, where the interaction with the wood imparts complexity and depth to the spirit.
- Durability and Aesthetic Appeal: White oak makes the tumblers very durable, suitable for various settings like cottages, country houses, boats, or outdoor gatherings. Their handcrafted nature and the polished finish with beeswax and pasteurized coconut oil also add to their aesthetic appeal, making them a desirable object for many.
- Unique Drinking Experience: The use of wood instead of traditional glass or crystal offers a novel drinking experience. The wood’s texture and the slight smoky aroma from the charred interior can enhance the overall enjoyment of the whiskey.
My Artisan Oak toasted American Oak tumbler shown next to a Glencairn glass.
How They Rate
The reception to white oak toasted tumblers among whiskey lovers tends to be positive, with several key points highlighted in reviews and product descriptions:
- Positive Sensory Impact: Users report that drinking from these tumblers adds an oaky note to the whiskey, enhancing the flavor profile without overwhelming the spirit’s inherent characteristics.
- Gift Potential: These tumblers are often mentioned as an excellent gift for whiskey enthusiasts, offering something unique and functional.
- Craftsmanship Appreciation: The handmade nature and the detailed process of creating these tumblers are frequently praised. The effort to replicate the aging conditions of whiskey through the toasting of the interior is particularly appreciated.
- Novelty and Enjoyment: While some purists may prefer traditional glassware, many users enjoy the novelty and the different experience that these wooden tumblers provide. They are seen as a fun addition to a whiskey lover’s collection, especially for those open to exploring new ways to enjoy their favorite spirits.
My Experience
I wanted to find out if the tumbler made a difference, so I picked the strongest uncut and unfiltered Bourbon I could find. Pulling out a bottle of Bookers Rare Uncut & Unfiltered (Tagalong Batch, to be precise), I poured generous amounts into both the tumbler and a traditional Glencairn. After going back and forth a few times between the two, I had to admit, it does make a pretty significant and delicious difference. I officially had a new way of loving my bourbon.
The only gripe I have is that the darn oak tumbler sucks up bourbon. If you have a rare bottle of something, I don’t recommend using the tumbler with it, or you will quickly find out why the bourbon trapped in oak barrels was called the “devil’s cut” by distillers. I finally understood how they feel.
