Sommeliers Words of Wisdom

World of Glasses: Spirits Glasses

(Updated on: Oct 01, 2025)

At RIEDEL, we know that the right glass makes all the difference. While wine glasses often take center stage, the world of spirits deserves the same attention. From Cognac to Grappa, Sherry to Single Malt Whisky, the proper spirits glass doesn’t just hold your drink—it enhances aroma, tempers intensity, and reveals new layers of flavor. In this blog, we’ll explore the most iconic RIEDEL spirits glasses and why shape is the key to unlocking every sip.

The Importance of a Spirits Glass

A spirit is defined by more than its strength—it’s about nuance, aroma, and the story it tells in the glass. The right shape delivers the liquid to the palate in perfect balance, while guiding aromas directly to the nose. Unlike generic bar glasses, a varietal-specific spirits glass allows you to fully appreciate the craftsmanship behind Cognac, Whisky, Grappa, Tequila, and beyond. 

stemless and stemmed wine glass next to one another

RIEDEL Spirits Glass Collections

RIEDEL Sommeliers Sherry/Tequila Glass 

Designed for fortified wines and fine agave spirits, this handmade glass highlights delicate aromatics while balancing alcohol intensity. The shape softens harsh edges, allowing Sherry’s nutty notes or Tequila’s earthy complexity to shine. 

RIEDEL Vinum Brandy Glass 

The generous bowl of this Cognac and brandy glass warms the spirit gently, encouraging a slow release of aromas. Its design emphasizes richness and depth, creating an indulgent tasting experience. 

RIEDEL Superleggero Spirits Glass 

The lightest, thinnest, and most precise machine-made spirits glass RIEDEL has ever produced. Crafted for balance and elegance, it is ideal for those who demand precision in every sip. 

RIEDEL Sommeliers Cognac XO & Cognac VSOP Glasses

Fine Cognac deserves fine-tuned vessels. 

  • RIEDEL Sommeliers Cognac XO Glass: Amplifies maturity and complexity, channeling aromas of dried fruit, spice, and oak. 

  • RIEDEL Sommeliers Cognac VSOP Glass: Focuses on vibrancy and fruit-forward elegance, making it perfect for younger expressions. 
     

RIEDEL Veritas Spirits Glass 

A modern classic—light and elegant. This glass is designed for versatility, suiting a wide array of spirits while ensuring aroma concentration and palate precision. 
 

RIEDEL Sommeliers Grappa Glass 

The grappa glass proves that even the most robust spirits benefits from precision design. Its tall, narrow shape lifts floral and fruity notes, taming fiery alcohol and revealing hidden finesse. 
 

RIEDEL Vinum Cognac Hennessy Glass 

This premium machine-made glass celebrates heritage and performance. It enhances balance, tempers alcohol and stringency of the palate and elevates the Cognac tasting ritual for enthusiasts and professionals alike. 
 

RIEDEL Sommeliers Stone Fruit & Orchard Fruit Glasses 

These two masterpieces refine the enjoyment of fruit brandies: 

  • RIEDEL Sommeliers Stone Fruit Glass: Enhances the dense, rich aromas of cherry, plum, and apricot spirits. 

  • RIEDEL Sommeliers Orchard Fruit Glass: Celebrates lighter distillates like apple and pear, emphasizing freshness and elegance. 
     

RIEDEL Sommeliers Single Malt Whisky Glass 

A must-have for whisky lovers, this handmade glass reveals the spirit’s layered complexity. Its elongated thistle shape captures peat, malt, and oak aromatics, while directing the whisky to the right areas of the palate for a smooth yet structured tasting. 

Beyond Bar Glasses:

Why Shape Matters

Unlike standard bar glasses, varietal-specific spirits glasses are not about show—they’re functional tools. A schnapps glass is not interchangeable with a Cognac glass, just as a whisky tumbler cannot replace a Single Malt glass. Each RIEDEL shape has been developed through sensory workshops to reveal the true character of the spirit inside.  

hand holding cocktail in RIEDEL glass

The RIEDEL Difference

RIEDEL continues to revolutionize glassware with the principle: form follows function. Just as grape varietal-specific glasses transformed the wine world, RIEDEL’s spirits glasses set the benchmark for spirits appreciation.

Final Pour:

A Spirits Glass Is More Than a Vessel

Every spirit tells a story. Whether it’s the centuries-old heritage of Cognac, the artisanal craft of Tequila, or the alpine clarity of Grappa, the right glass completes the narrative. With RIEDEL, you’re not just serving a drink—you’re honoring the spirit.  

Explore RIEDEL Spirits Glassware now.