When shopping for crystal rocks glasses, one thing to keep in mind is how much liquid they can hold. While the glass you pick is a matter of personal preference, not all these glasses are created equal. In this article, I will walk you through finding the best crystal rocks glasses and help you pick the one that suits your taste.
Tasting a whiskey is a sensory experience of smokey, malty, and briny flavors with rich complexity. And the glass you will use to drink it has a strong impact on the overall experience. If you want to not just taste but also enjoy your fine whiskey, you’ll need a good blend of flavor and aroma.
You should be able to sniff your whiskey before allowing it to run over your tongue and palate. A glass helps focus the scent, allowing it to catch your olfactory sense and seize the enticing nuances of the spirit.
Sure, you can drink from any glass. But the quality of the glass, its size, and how it feels on your lips are all important considerations. In fact, certain glasses are not built for the best tasting experience. Any old shot glass or coffee cup may suffice, but they won’t tickle your olfactory senses.
Glass has been used to make beverage vessels for ages. And while it has its advantages, it lacks the clarity of lead crystal or lead-free crystal. When it comes to choosing the perfect glass for whiskey, crystal rocks glasses are a great option.
Crystal scotch glasses or bourbon glasses, in particular, are more expensive than regular glasses. The price is partly due to their visual appeal. While the cost might be intimidating, you have to keep in mind that investing in a quality crystal rock glass set can give you a delightful whiskey-tasting experience for years.
My Top Picks
| Image | Product | Capacity | Price | |
| Best Overall |  | Marquis by Waterford Markham Rock Glasses | 11 fluid ounces | Check on Amazon |
| Runner Up |  | Venero Crystal Whiskey Glasses | 10 fluid ounces | Check on Amazon |
| Best Capacity |  | MOFADO Crystal Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses | 12 fluid ounces | Check on Amazon |
| Best Double Wall |  | Norlan Whisky Glasses | 6.9 fluid ounces | Check on Amazon |
| Best Giftable |  | KANARS Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses | 10 fluid ounces | Check on Amazon |
| Best Dishwasher-Safe |  | Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Rocks Glasses | 9 fluid ounces | Check on Amazon |
| Best Budget |  | GLASKEY Whiskey Glasses | 8 fluid ounces | Check on Amazon |
The Best Crystal Whiskey Glasses
Well regarded for their elegance and durability, here are some of the best whiskey glass sets. With each having its own set of pros and cons.
Marquis by Waterford Markham Rock Glasses – Best Overall
Looking for an elegant set of old-fashioned crystal rocks glasses? The Marquis by Waterford Markham Rock Glasses are one of the most beautiful crystal rocks glasses I’ve seen. These glasses function as an ideal receptacle for sampling spirits.
The glasses are durable. And they have a nice heft to them that’s easy on the hands. The laser etching also adds to the ergonomics of the glasses. With its weighted base, less heat goes into your drink. Plus, they can hold enough liquid at 11 ounces. Making them a must-have barware.
The Marquis by Waterford rock glasses are crafted of lead-free crystalline with beautiful details that will last for years. Many whiskey distillers adore these glasses not only for their weighted bottom, but they’re also especially great for swirling.
From what I’ve found out, these glasses have a more economical crystal out of all the glasses from Waterford’s Marquis collection.
Pros:
• Offers large capacity
• Durable glasses with weighted base
• Made from lead-free crystalline
Cons:
• Not dishwasher-safe
Venero Crystal Whiskey Glasses – Runner Up
Despite their unique yet attractive shape, you can also use the Venero Crystal Whiskey Glasses to serve other beverages with a 10 fluid ounce capacity. These glasses are highly durable — thanks to their thick walls and heavily weighted base. They can also keep your drink at the ideal temperature for a longer period of time.
The Venero crystal rocks glasses are blown from a solid crystal. And they shimmer wonderfully in the light, making any drink appear spectacular. Some users say the glasses have the right thickness, while others say it’s too heavy. So, these are things to keep in mind.
The best part about this set is that it is dishwasher safe if you want to give this set as a present, it comes in a beautiful satin-lined box. Which lessens the hassle of having to wrap it.
Pros:
• Has odd yet attractive design with good capacity
• Durable; made of solid crystal
• Dishwasher-safe
• Comes in a beautiful satin-lined box for gifting purposes
• Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
• Some users find it too bulky
MOFADO Crystal Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses – Best Capacity
If you’re looking for rock whiskey glasses that offer a generous capacity, then the MOFADO Crystal Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses may be a great option. With 12 ounces of fluid capacity, this pair of simple yet premium quality whiskey glasses make enjoying your favorite beverage a satisfying experience.
Hand-blown from the best and super clear lead-free crystals, the MOFADO crystal whiskey glasses ensure optimum clarity and sparkle. I love how the glasses have a broad, weighted bottom and can hold big ice cubes or whiskey stones.
Keep in mind though, if you’re not a fan of large vessels, this set might not be for you. But if you do, you’ve come to the right place! These glasses could be a wonderful option for those who love huge, hefty glasses. As these can carry oversized ice cubes or ice balls.
Pros:
• Large with generous capacity
• Made from lead-free crystal
• Simple yet durable
• Wide and weighted bottom
Cons:
• Large size may take up storage space
• Heavy
Norlan Whisky Glasses – Best Double Wall
The Norlan Whisky Glasses isn’t your typical whiskey glass. I love it because of its double-wall design, which separates it from the other crystal rocks glasses on my list. These glass designs were created using a 3D printer and were originally funded by an impactful Kickstarter campaign.
It’s been carefully crafted with two formed borosilicate glass pieces fused together by rotating them over a linear flame. The stunning outcome refracts the color of the whiskey up through the rim. Offering it a sparkling effect similar to gold paint.
The Norlan glasses hold up to 6.9 ounces of liquid. A tip I learned from whiskey connoisseurs who happen to love these glasses is that you shouldn’t fill all the way up or add too much. Loading the glass with a lot of ice might ruin the scent of your drink.
I also like how the double-wall design wasn’t conceptualized for the sole purpose of aesthetics. The style keeps your hand’s heat away from the liquid, keeping your cold drinks and refreshing.
The exteriors wall’s circular curves snuggle the glass securely in your palm. And the interior concentrates and diffuses the smell to expose complex tastes.
Pros:
• Beautiful, unique design
• Double-wall keeps your drink cold
• Made from hand-blown glass
Cons:
• Small capacity
• Not dishwasher-safe
• Expensive for a set of two glasses
KANARS Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses – Best Giftable
A set of exquisite crystal rocks glasses could be the perfect present for a wedding or whiskey lovers. With the KANARS Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses, you may help your newlywed friends have a romantic night of honeymoon!
Made from lead-free, quality crystal, these glasses feature diamond-like etching for texture. As well as stunning refraction that sparkles wonderfully in the light. These lowball glasses have great clarity and are ideal for Bourbon, Scotch, and whiskey.
The gorgeous, timeless design of the KANARS crystal rocks glasses makes it a work of art. These whiskey tumblers are also sturdy and hefty. Which are two of the things that make a good crystal rocks glass.
Beyond its beauty, what I really like about this set is that the glasses are almost indestructible and dishwasher-safe. They are also durable enough to keep their luster after each wash. The set comes in a beautiful box case with four giftable pieces, and with each glass holding 10 ounces of liquid.
Pros:
• Beautiful, intricate design
• Made from lead-free
• Durable and weighted
• Good capacity
• Dishwasher-safe
• Comes in a beautiful box case
Cons:
• Some users don’t find the glasses heavy enough
• Rims are too thick
Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Rocks Glasses – Best Dishwasher-Safe
Another set that could make an excellent present for any occasion is the Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Rocks Glasses. This crystal rocks glass is designed to hold bigger chunks of ice, ensuring that any melt is slow and does not dilute your drink.
The broader design was created by spirits expert Zane Harris, who collaborated with Riedel to guarantee adaptability. With this gorgeous glass, you can bring part of the feeling of sipping at a handmade cocktail lounge into your own home bar.
This pair of glasses are also among the best dishwasher-safe barware options available. It doesn’t hold a lot of liquid. But I think it’s a great pick for when you need a quick pour.
Pros:
• Wide weighted bottom
• Beautiful, intricate design
• Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
• Small capacity
• Rims are too thick
GLASKEY Whiskey Glasses – Best Budget
The GLASKEY Whiskey Glasses might be one of the most budget-friendly options for crystal rocks glasses. This stunning set of four glasses is created from the finest lead-free crystal. With sophisticated contemporary linear cuts and dazzling diamond cuts on the base.
Its non-slip circular straight body ensures a firm grip that’s also comfortable. With an 8-ounce liquid capacity, these glasses can hold a double shot of liquor. As well as a cocktail mixer, rocks, whisky stones or ice balls.
I really like the thick sides and base of the glasses since they won’t shatter easily and will keep your beverages warm for a longer period of time. The GLASKEY crystal rocks glasses, like any good barware, are microwave and dishwasher safe.
Pros:
• Durable, lead-free whiskey glass
• Beautiful intricate etchings
• Microwave and dishwasher-safe
• Budget-friendly
Cons:
• Smaller capacity
• A user finds it to be too heavy
A Buyer’s Guide in Choosing the Best Crystal Rocks Glasses
Before you buy a new set of crystal rocks glasses, there are a few things you must consider: the glass’ material, quantity, design, among others. You may refer to the handy buying guide I’ve curated below.
Glass Material
Glass is the most common material for the best whiskey glasses. Aside from the glass, crystal glasses are among the best since they do not add the other flavors to your drink.
Quantity
How frequently do you host guests? What’s your storage capacity? Ask yourself these questions when deciding on the number of glasses in a set. Most of these glasses set are available in four-packs. You might want to get only one set, but in my experience, even a small party will necessitate a couple more.
Capacity
Another factor to consider is the glass’ capacity to hold liquid. The typical glass for serving whiskey beverages is an Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass or a whiskey tumbler. Such whiskey glasses usually hold 7 to 12 ounces of liquid. And they are suitable for serving whiskey neat, on the rocks, or in whiskey cocktails.
Design
There are several crystal rock glass styles to choose from. You may get them in practically every size and form, double-walled, embellished with etchings, bejeweled, and geometric crystal glasses. Some even have a metallic rim. But they would likely be more difficult to clean.
Purpose
A true Scotch connoisseur enjoys deciphering the intricacies of a dram. If you are one, then perhaps a higher-end rocks glass is the best option. And if you love cocktails as well as the casual neat pour, you may consider using a more versatile crystal rocks glass.
Care and Maintenance
Crystal rocks glasses require careful maintenance. And handwashing a large quantity of crystal or fragile glassware can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Some glasses can go in the dishwasher, but others can’t.
You may want to go for adaptable whiskey glasses that are dishwasher-safe. With crystal glasses or those made with a more fragile material, make sure to read the cleaning instructions before you buy them.
If you must hand wash, a soft sponge and non-abrasive soap should suffice. After washing, crystal glasses will require polishing again. So try to include a cleaning cloth with your purchase.
Storage
When it comes to storage, you may choose stackable glasses. This is great if you want to have a larger amount of glasses on hand for parties.
Drinkware may easily consume storage spaces. And when you store them, you may want to keep some space between the glasses or stacks. This way, they don’t contact to avoid potentially breaking each other.
Price
The prices of crystal rocks glasses can vary greatly. While many of these glasses can get expensive, you’ll still find low-cost rocks glasses. You might also spend a lot of money on a single piece of handcrafted crystal from Ireland or France, while a set may cost so much more.
In general, their prices may vary greatly based on what you want. But you may always get a set of four elegant glasses that you’ll love holding for less than $50.
Crystal Rocks Glasses FAQs
What are rocks glasses called?
Rocks glass or rock glass or lowball glass or just lowball is a small tumbler used for drinking whiskey and other spirit-based drinks. As well as plain or with ice cubes. This type of glass is also commonly used to serve specific cocktails, including the old-fashioned, from where it gets its name.
What is the difference between a rocks glass and an old-fashioned glass?
The rocks glass, also known as an old-fashioned or lowball glass, is short and broad with a solid bottom. Rocks glasses are built to handle mostly spirits-based beverages. With a rocks glass, you can serve old-fashioned cocktails.
How much should a rock glass hold?
A small, circular glass or rocks glass, suited for serving cocktails or liquor on the rocks has a typical liquid ounce of 8-10. Shot glasses often carry 1 to 2 ounces. But a double old-fashioned glass normally holds 10 to 12 ounces.
What glass do you use for a whiskey sour?
On the rocks, a whiskey sour is often served in a double old-fashioned glass. Whereas you can pour one served up in a coupe.
Wrap Up
My favorites from the list are the Marquis by Waterford Markham Rock Glasses and the Venero Crystal Whiskey Glasses. While these two are completely different from each other, they seem to be in a tight fight for the thrown of the best crystal rocks glasses.
If you prefer a more old-fashioned set, you may consider the Marquis by Waterford rock glasses. It offers a large ounces capacity, durable lead-free crystal, and a weighted base, making it ideal for any beverage.
The Venero one has an odd yet appealing shape. It is just as robust and dishwasher-safe, too! Which makes cleaning a breeze.
Aside from these two, there are plenty of other alternatives on the list that offer outstanding quality and may make your whiskey tasting a satisfying experience. Don’t forget to have a look at them, and good luck!
