Did You Know Wooden Whisky Glasses Exist?

Wood and whisky share an intimate bond when it comes to maturing the nectar of the gods. After that, whisky usually only sees the inside of glass bottles and glasses. But it doesn’t have to. Did you know there are wooden “whisky glasses” too?

When you pour a dram, you’ll likely reach for a Glencairn, a copita, a tumbler, or another familiar whisky glass. Those are typically made of glass or crystal, but not always. There are also whisky “glasses” designed to deliver a very different experience.

In fact, wooden whisky cups have emerged that, according to their description, change the way you experience your whisky.

These “glasses,” or rather cups, are carved from solid oak, walnut, or cherry wood. They’re beautiful to look at, but they serve a purpose too. Because wood absorbs heat more slowly, they stay cooler for longer if you chill them before drinking.

The inside of the cups is where things get truly interesting. The wood is charred, just like the inside of a whisky cask. As a result, the cups are said to impart a subtle smoky character to the whisky you pour into them. It’s unclear whether this means the interior isn’t sealed and the whisky comes into direct contact with the charred layer.

Either way, sipping from an oak whisky cup naturally calls to mind the ageing process of the good stuff, after all, whisky matures in oak casks.

Whether a wooden whisky cup actually alters the taste is uncertain. It’s likely more about the experience. The seller does claim the shape helps release aromas more effectively.

Do note that these cups must be washed by hand and are not dishwasher-safe. Otherwise, the wood could suddenly become porous.

These cups are primarily intended as gifts for enthusiasts. An example of the wooden whisky glass is The Whiskey Grail, which can be found here.

Want to discover more whisky facts? Check out the “Did You Know?” articles on this page.