The glass is crystal clear to show off the colour of your whisky and the shape of the glass is designed to enhance the overall experience from start to finish as you nose and taste your whisky. Click here to learn more about the official glass for whisky - the Glencairn Glass.
Most glasses are dishwasher-safe, but some of the more delicate offerings call for hand-washing only. (This is the opposite of what you'll often see with high-end wine glasses, as your dishwasher is less likely to break off their delicate stems than you are.) You also want to make note of how to use your glass.Short answer: the design. There are three primary criteria by which spirits are assessed: color, aroma (or the nose,) and taste (palate.) With its bulbous bottom that tapers into a narrow opening, the Glencairn was designed to maximize each experience in order to fully appreciate whichever spirit it contains.
In addition, they're dishwasher safe and stackable for easy cleanup and minimal storage. While they look like they might be the Glencairn's little brother, they are a bit different—and based on our experience with the Glencairn glass, we found the Libbey distinct enough that you may want to own both.