So many Crystal Glassware Brands, but Which is the Best?
Bright and unyielding with a prismatic gleam, it’s no wonder crystal glassware are clear winners when it comes to entertaining in style. Crystal is generally stronger than regular glass, with a microscopically coarser surface. It is this particular characteristic that enhances the drink’s aroma when swirled, over having it swirled in a regular glass. These characteristics make it the prime choice for frequent entertainers and individuals who simply love the glitz of crystal glassware. So ultimately, what is the best crystal glassware? It depends on what you are after. Are you looking for glasses to sample your whiskey collection? Or perhaps wine glasses for the chardonnay or shiraz as you entertain your guests over dinner? We’ve carefully selected the best crystal glassware from top brands in the market to help you choose the best crystal glassware that suits your lifestyle. Whether you’re a single malt aficionado, wine connoisseur, or a casual drinker, there’s something for everyone here.Nachtmann, our Favourite Brand for Whiskey and Scotch
Nachtmann draws over 180 years of experience to bring you beautifully crafted Bavarian crystal glassware. Nachtmann glasses are made from the finest raw materials under a stringent process, ensuring that each piece showcases the highest quality and craftsmanship. This brand is favoured by whiskey and scotch drinkers thanks to its sturdy build. This means that you can pop in large chunks of ice without fear of chipping the glass. Have a look at these highly recommended selections below:
Nachtmann Aspen Whiskey 3 Piece Set
The Nachtmann Aspen Whiskey 3 Piece Set features brilliant glacial cuts on its crystalline body, embodying a visage of wintry holidays in ski resorts. Beautifully crafted from lead-free crystal glass, this set consists of an elegant decanter and two matching crystal glasses, perfect as a private set in your home office or boudoir.
Nachtmann Noblesse Whiskey 3 Piece Set
With dazzling diamond cuts making up its surface, the Nachtmann Noblesse Whiskey 3 Piece Set showcases a design fit for nobles. It bears just the right air of grandeur without compromising the functionality of the decanter and glasses. If you seek to add a touch of luxury to your home, look no further than this classic set.
Nachtmann Highland Tumblers Set of 4
We can’t recommend the Nachtmann Highland Tumblers enough to frequent entertainers. This set consists of 4 lead-free crystal glasses, each bearing a unique design on its exterior. The clever design makes it ideal for whiskey sampling sessions without the fuss of labels and tags. It is also a fantastic choice for parties as guests will unlikely confuse their glass with another.Riedel, Glasses Made Specially for Wine
There isn’t a glass in the world that can transform a bad wine, and then there’s Riedel. Riedel makes crystal glassware that not only looks stunning, but also elevates your wine drinking experience. With purposeful curves, unique bowls, and specially crafted rims, Riedel’s Austrian glassware is made to enhance the aroma and subtle notes of specific wines. Riedel is favoured by wine connoisseurs around the world thanks to its infallible design. Even though some of its collections may feature a hefty price tag, its innovative design, premium crystalline construction, and legacy certainly makes it worth every dollar. Below is a list of top Riedel glasses conscientiously selected for wines commonly enjoyed during soirees and intimate dinners. You won’t go wrong with any of these sets.
Riedel Extreme Riesling Set of 6 460ml
Riedel’s stunning Extreme range focuses on New World Wines like Riesling. The name is derived from the glass’ extreme contours that are specially made to bring out the flavours and subtle notes of particular grapes. Each glass in this set features a diamond-shaped bowl that spreads out wide and tapers in at the top to bring out the floral flavours of Riesling. It also pairs perfectly with unoaked Sauvignon Blanc, if that is your preference, or in the occasion that you run out of Riesling at home.
Riedel Performance Sauvignon Blanc Set of 2
The Performance Sauvignon Blanc glass by Riedel is made in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Riedel’s first ever Sauvignon Blanc glass. Perfect for all varieties of Sauvignon Blanc from the fruit-forward Marlborough to the oak-aged Bordeaux, this glass fully showcases the fruit and acidity of Sauvignon Blanc wines in perfect harmony. The key aspect of this glass is the optic impact that adds a pleasing visual aspect to the bowl while allowing the wine to open up every subtle nuance and aroma thanks to the increased inner surface.
Riedel Veritas Old World Pinot Noir Glass Set of 2
Delicate and lightweight, the thinly crafted Riedel Veritas Old World Pinot Noir Glass Set is designed to bring out the best of your Pinot Noir wine. It is perfect for light-bodied red wines with moderate tannin and high acidity, highlighting the grape’s rich, fruit-forward characters. Enjoy the full flavours and aroma of your favourite Pinot Noir, Burgundy, or Beaujolais Cru in these crystal glasses.
Riedel Extreme Shiraz 709ml Set of 6
Riedel’s Extreme range highlights the glass’ extreme contours that are purposefully shaped to allow room for the wine to breathe. The Riedel Extreme Shiraz glass spreads out wide and tapers in at the top to let the natural aroma of Shiraz fill the glass while emphasising its silky and velvety structure. With 6 glasses in this set, it’s the ideal one for those who frequently entertain with a bottle, two, or more, of Shiraz.
Riedel 'O' Cabernet and Chardonnay Buy 6 Get 8
If you frequently entertain with both red and white wines, look no further than the Riedel ‘O’ Cabernet and Chardonnay set. These wine tumblers are carefully designed by Riedel to suit casual entertaining while maintaining its ability to enhance the flavours and aroma of both red and white wines, particularly Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The only trait that distinguishes this set within Riedel’s creations is the stemless design which gives it a modern appearance, along with the benefit of little to no storage hassle.Schott Zwiesel, Glassware for the Restauranteur
Value for money and lead-free with a beautiful sparkle that rarely dims, German-made Schott Zwiesel is a long time favourite of middle to upmarket dining establishments. Schott Zwiesel glasses are stronger than regular glass as they contain titanium, giving it more durability to withstand frequent usage. They typically come in a set, making them highly affordable considering its premium quality.
Schott Zwiesel Audience Champagne Glasses Set of 6 250ml
Let’s start with the champagne, shall we? These Schott Zwiesel Audience Champagne Glasses boast a sleek and curvy profile that tapers towards the rim. Feel like an aristocrat as you pop open a bottle of bubbly and have it in a Schott Zwiesel Audience Champagne Glass thanks to the crystalline gleam that enhances the typically golden hue of champagne. Its Tritan crystal body also makes it far more resistant to breakage and scratches, making it the perfect champagne glass for clinks in celebrations. The best part? These glasses can go right into your dishwasher!
Schott Zwiesel Grand Cru Shiraz Set of 6
Loved by Australians and frequently at the top of their favourites, this guide is certainly not complete without throwing in a set of Shiraz Glasses from Schott Zwiesel. If you’re a small cafe owner or even a restauranteur, these glasses are the perfect addition to your glassware inventory. Highly resistant to breakage, chips, and scratches, these Shiraz glasses are perfect for daily use, both commercial and casual.
Stolzle, Reliable Everyday Crystal Glassware
Stolzle’s crystal glasses are made from the finest sand with 128 years of experience behind each piece, making them high quality pieces to behold. Each piece of glassware features a finely polished edge, a chalice that tapers towards the opening, smooth transitions with a solid stem, and an overall dishwasher safe construction. Combined with its affordable price tag, Stolzle’s glassware is the ideal choice for restaurateurs and casual drinkers at home.
Spiegelau, expertly crafted beer glasses
If a cold one is your go-to choice, then Spiegelau’s crystal beer glasses will be your top pick. Each beer glass by Spiegelau is custom-tailored with the spirit of Bavarian artisan glass craftsmanship to suit the beer it was developed for. Whether it’s an IPA (India Pale Ale), stout, or a classic wheat beer, these custom shaped beer glasses will perfectly enhance and deliver the beer’s aroma and flavour.Next Read: Glassware to Get the Party Started!
