The "Rocks" Glass (aka Old Fashioned Glass)

Recommend: Rocks Whiskey Glasses Set of 6

Okay, so the Glencairn is for tasting. But what about for drinking? What if you want to make an Old Fashioned, or you just want a healthy pour with a big cube of ice? Trying to build a cocktail or fit a large ice cube into a Glencairn is a fool's errand. You need a different tool for a different job.

This is your workhorse glass. It's what you see Don Draper use. It's sturdy, it feels good in your hand, and it’s meant for business.

What It Is: A "rocks" or "Old Fashioned" glass is a short tumbler with a wide mouth and a thick, heavy bottom.

Why You Actually Need It: It’s the glass for whiskey cocktails (like an Old Fashioned or Sazerac) and for "whiskey on the rocks." The wide mouth gives you room to muddle ingredients, stir, and—most importantly—fit a large ice cube. The heavy base makes it stable and gives it a satisfying "heft."

How It Makes Your Whiskey Experience Better: It’s the right tool for enjoying whiskey in a more casual, less analytical way. It’s perfect for your everyday bourbon while you're watching the game or for mixing a cocktail for a friend. It's the "regular person" glass, and it's essential.

What to Look For:

Weight: Look for a glass with a nice, heavy "sham" (the thick glass at the bottom). Flimsy, light glasses feel cheap and tip over easily.

Size: Aim for something in the 8-10 oz. range. This gives you plenty of room for a 2 oz. pour and a big ice cube.

Avoid: Super-thin, fragile crystal. You want to be able to give this a solid thud on a coaster.