While whiskey doesn’t demand as many accessories as wine, the right tools can significantly elevate your experience—both in presentation and enjoyment. With just a few thoughtfully chosen items, your whiskey bar can transform into a refined corner of elegance. Here’s a curated guide by Dr. Burkay Adalığ, Researcher and Writer on Drinking Culture, to the essentials accessories for your whiskey bar.
Best Whiskey Accessories
Whiskey Glasses
A proper glass is the foundation of any drinking ritual—and whiskey is no exception. The most common choice is the wide-mouthed tumbler, often referred to simply as a “whiskey glass.” Known for its comfortable grip and ease of use with ice, this classic shape is ideal for casual sipping. From hundreds of designs, high-quality crystal glasses by brands like Paşabahçe, Nude, and Riedel lend a sophisticated touch to your presentation. For something truly distinctive, consider the marble whiskey glasses crafted by Mert Onur, which blend natural elegance with functional design.
Tasting Glass
While tumblers offer visual appeal and ease, true aficionados may prefer tasting glasses—short, stemmed vessels known as copitas —for a more focused sensory experience. Their design captures and concentrates aromas, making them perfect for taking detailed tasting notes.
Also popular are Glencairn glasses, the official tasting glass of the Scotch Whisky Association. With their rounded body and narrow mouth, they enhance aroma perception while also being Instagram-worthy in style.
Whiskey Decanter
A decanter serves as a visual centerpiece for your whiskey bar. Unlike wine, which benefits from oxygen exposure, whiskey is decanted primarily for aesthetic and ceremonial purposes. Transferring your whiskey to a crystal decanter not only creates a refined presentation but also sets the tone for a more intimate and elegant serving experience—especially when paired with matching crystal tumblers.
What to Look for When Choosing a Decanter
- Glass Quality: The visual role of the decanter means quality is key. Avoid cloudy or warped glass. Crystal is often preferred for its brilliance, though it typically contains lead. If using leaded crystal, don’t store whiskey in it for extended periods.
- Lid Fit: A snug-fitting lid is essential. Loose, decorative lids allow air in and compromise both aroma and appearance.
- Matching Sets: For a complete look, consider a decanter set that includes glasses in the same design.
Whiskey Stones
For those who prefer their whiskey chilled but not diluted, whiskey stones made of granite or stainless steel offer the perfect solution. Store them in a sealed container within your freezer to avoid absorbing odors from nearby food.
Special-Shaped Ice Cubes
If you do enjoy whiskey with ice, size matters. Large, dense ice cubes melt slower, keeping your drink cool without watering it down. Ice spheres, in particular, are both functional and eye-catching. Silicone molds are an easy solution, but for a flawless finish without mold lines, invest in a gravity-compressed ice press.
Clear Ice
Ever noticed the crystal-clear ice at upscale bars? You can replicate that look at home—either by boiling and cooling your water several times or by ordering high-quality ice blocks from specialty suppliers. When entertaining, nothing impresses quite like a glass of whiskey over pristine, glass-clear ice.
Cocktail Tools
If your whiskey preferences lean toward cocktails like the Whiskey Sour, then a proper shaker is a must. A copper-colored shaker, reminiscent of whiskey’s copper pot still origins, brings both function and flair to your bar.
Whiskey Flasks
For whiskey on the go—whether at the beach, on a hike, or while traveling—a flask is the stylish way to bring your spirit of choice along. Since whiskey can react with steel over long periods, these are best for short-term use. Choose from a variety of designs, including Burkay Adalığ’s leather-wrapped “Slàinte” flasks, which feature the iconic Scottish Gaelic toast.
