Rum Glassware Guide: Tasting Glasses For Rum
Rum Glassware Guide
Choosing the right glass for your rum can be the difference between a good drink and a great one. Glassware can elevate your experience in many ways. It might contain the perfect amount of liquid, or make the most of the aromas of your rum due to the size and shape of the glass. Some rum sipping glasses perfectly warm the liquid in your hand, while others keep your drink cool by design.
All elements – the brim, body, stem and foot – work together to craft a completely different experience with every type of glass. Discover more about how the types of rum drinking glasses can influence your drinking experience, so you can be sure to select the best glass to add to your home bar collection for your specific serve.
Rum tasting glass
Do you want to pick a drinking glass based on getting the most out of the flavors of your rum? This approach is the perfect way to decide how to drink premium rum for either a group tasting, or to simply enjoy the experience of savouring the complex notes of your rum. The correct glassware can certainly bring out the best of the rum.
Broadly, we recommend any type of glass that funnels the aromas towards your nose for tasting rum. This means that any tulip-shaped glass with a slightly narrower brim will help you to breathe in the aromas as you tip the glass up to your mouth. The bulbous shape is designed to allow more evaporation from a larger surface area.
Glencairn whisky glass
Though originally designed to get the maximum flavors when drinking whiskey, this glass also allows the full flavor of your rum to make an impact. Breathe in the aroma briefly but often to enhance your drinking experience.
Brandy glass
The most traditional way to drink rum, and how our Maestro Roneros choose to sip theirs, a brandy glass will amplify the flavors and expose the depth of your rum. As the top of the glass is flared, it expels lighter vapors while trapping heavier compounds to make the most of the aroma while lessening potential alcohol burn.
Rum sipping glass for nearly neat cocktails
How do you like to sip your rum? If you prefer to enjoy nearly neat classic cocktails, there are a few types of glasses that are especially suited for sipping rum cocktail recipes. They tend to be shorter glasses within the tumbler category, as the shape allows your serve to slowly warm in the palm of your hand.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned glass was developed in the 19th century at the advent of the first, classic cocktails. It has a thick, heavy base and a flat, round rim that’s perfect for Old Fashioned cocktails as the name suggests, and to sip spirits like rum straight too.
Rocks
Rocks is another stemless glass designed to sip from, with or without ice. It is hardier and thicker than the Old Fashioned glass, which makes it suited to drinks that require vigorous muddling or stirring in the glass. It can also be used for Negroni recipes like a Negroni Dominicana or Jungle Negroni.
Glass for drinking rum cocktails
Rum works well in a variety of cocktails, as it contains a variety of complex notes and flavors that can elevate any liquid. The possibilities of cocktail combinations are endless – explore our cocktail recipes for inspiration.
Nearly neat cocktails that are made to sip may typically be served in the types of glasses we’ve already mentioned, like Old Fashioned and Rocks glasses, while other cocktails crafted from a few more ingredients can be made with the following glasses…
Highball
A highball glass is a lot taller than an Old Fashioned glass and can hold more volume, which makes it perfect for holding spirits combined with mixers or cocktails that require a lot of ice within the glass. Use for classic rum cocktails like a Mojito, Cuba Libre or Santo Libre.
Nick and Nora
Similar to but slightly smaller than a Coupe, this classy long-stemmed glass is named after characters in the novel The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett. It evokes the glamor of the 1930s cocktail culture enjoyed by the fictional couple. Use for a range of Manhattan cocktails, either classic or with a twist.
Unusual rum glasses
There are many unusual or novelty rum glasses available that can provide an interesting talking point for guests. Look for interesting designs or clever takes on the classic shapes to inject some wit while still benefiting from a well thought out rum tasting glass.
How to pick the best rum glass
There is no one perfect glass to enjoy your rum in. Instead, match your glass to your serve, and the occasion – whether a cocktail party with friends or an intimate tasting.
And to make the absolute most out of your rum, discover how to drink sipping rum and everything you need to set up your home bar.
