In the world of spirits, savoring a fine glass of bourbon is as much about the ritual as it is about the drink itself. A crucial component of this ritual is the glassware, which can elevate the bourbon-drinking experience from mere consumption to a sensory journey. I happened to enter into my bourbon journey around the same time I started rewatching the show Boston Legal. Nearly the episode ends with Denny Crane and Alan Shore sitting on a balcony with a fine glass of whiskey, and I had to know where I could get the same glasses that they were using.
After some research, I determined that the glass they were using was from the Italian glassmaker Luigi Bormioli. Specifically, it was their iconic “Vivaldi Double Old Fashioned” glass, now as rare as a hen’s tooth. While my search did yield a specific glass, I can say it found me a glass ware maker that I can enjoy.
The history of the Luigi Bormioli glass company dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Borniolle family specialized in glassmaking in France. Today, the Bormioli Luigi Group remains a family-owned business, with impressive annual sales of 600 million euros and a workforce of over 2,300 people across five production sites. The company’s presence in the United States has also strengthened, with a subsidiary employing eighteen people in the cosmetics and fragrances niche.
Ultimately, I chose the Luigi Bormioli DOF glass, and I have been ecstatic with the purchase. But I recognize it is not for everyone. So, what should someone consider when looking for the best glass? Read on! You can also find our favorite recommendations and the latest best sellers on our Drinkware page.
Luigi Bormioli – Michelangelo 15.75 oz Double Old Fashion Glass
For a beautiful combination of aesthetics, functionality, and materials; this glass has been the perfect choice.
The Essence of Glassware in Bourbon Enjoyment
The right glass can enhance the bourbon’s aroma, color, and taste, transforming each sip into a discovery of the spirit’s depth and complexity. Unlike other beverages, bourbon, with its rich palette of flavors and aromas, requires a vessel that can capture and concentrate its essence, allowing the drinker to appreciate the subtleties hidden within.
Key Considerations in Selecting the Perfect Bourbon Glass
- Shape and Size: The ideal bourbon glass has a wide bowl that tapers towards the top, like the classic Glencairn or the more versatile double old fashioned glass. This design allows for a generous surface area to let the bourbon breathe while focusing the aromatics towards your nose, enhancing the olfactory experience.
- Rim Diameter: A narrower rim concentrates the vapor and directs it, amplifying the bourbon’s aroma before the first sip. It’s a delicate balance; too wide, and the aromas escape; too narrow, and the experience can become too intense.
- Material: Crystal is often preferred for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to retain clarity and shine. More importantly, fine crystal has just the right weight and balance, contributing to the tactile pleasure of holding a drink. Additionally, the slight roughness of cut crystal can aerate the bourbon slightly as it is swirled, subtly altering its flavor profile.
- Thickness: The glass’s thickness affects heat transfer. A thinner glass allows the warmth of your hand to subtly warm the bourbon, releasing more volatiles into the air and enhancing the aromatic experience. However, it should not be so thin as to risk overheating the spirit or fragility in hand.
- Aesthetics: Beyond function, the perfect bourbon glass appeals to the senses with its elegance and craftsmanship. It should be a vessel worthy of the drink it holds, enhancing the overall experience through its design and beauty.
What Sets Great Glasses Apart
The journey to finding the perfect bourbon glass reveals that the best vessels share certain attributes that elevate the drinking experience:
- Ergonomics: A great glass feels right in your hand. Its weight, balance, and how it rests against your lips contribute significantly to the drinking experience. It should invite you to take a sip and feel comfortable to hold, enhancing rather than detracting from the moment.
- Versatility: While specialized glasses like the Glencairn are designed specifically for whiskey tasting, offering the best olfactory experience, a truly great glass can adapt to different situations. A double old fashioned glass, for instance, is versatile enough for both neat spirits and cocktails, making it a superb choice for bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate both.
- Durability and Practicality: A glass that combines form with function stands out. It should be durable enough to withstand regular use but not so heavy or cumbersome that it detracts from the experience. Additionally, glasses that are dishwasher safe offer a practical advantage, though hand washing is often recommended to preserve their clarity and luster.
The Intangible Qualities
Finally, beyond the tactile and technical, there is an intangible aspect to the perfect bourbon glass. It’s about how the glass makes you feel – the sense of anticipation it builds as you pour your bourbon, the history and craftsmanship it evokes, and the way it complements the ritual of relaxation and reflection. The perfect glass is a companion to your journey through the world of bourbon, enhancing every sip with its presence.
Conclusion
The quest for the perfect bourbon glass is a deeply personal journey that intertwines with the broader adventure of bourbon appreciation. It’s a search for a vessel that not only enhances the sensory experience of drinking bourbon but also resonates with the drinker on an emotional level. Whether you prefer the precision of a Glencairn, the versatility of a double old fashioned glass, or the unique charm of a bespoke artisan piece, the perfect bourbon glass is out there, waiting to be discovered. In the end, the best glass is one that complements your personal drinking style, elevates your bourbon experience, and becomes an integral part of your savoring ritual. Cheers to finding that perfect glass that makes every bourbon moment unforgettable.
