What type of glass is used for serving whiskey neat or on the rocks?

The rocks glass, also known as an Old Fashioned glass, is specifically designed for serving whiskey neat or on the rocks. Its short, wide design makes it easy to enjoy the aroma and flavor of the whiskey while providing enough space for ice if desired. This type of glass allows for a pleasant sipping experience, as it comfortably holds a reasonable amount of spirit without requiring excessive volume, which might dilute the flavor.

When whiskey is served neat, the drink is poured directly into the glass, highlighting the spirit's color and clarity. If served on the rocks, a few ice cubes are added, which helps chill the whiskey slowly without overpowering its flavor profile.

Comparatively, a highball glass is typically used for cocktails that are mixed with a larger proportion of mixer, which doesn’t fit the specific use case for whiskey neat or on the rocks. A cocktail glass is a stemmed glass designed for mixed drinks or cocktails that require shaking or stirring, not for straight spirits. Lastly, a shot glass is used for serving spirits in small, quick servings, often intended for shots rather than leisurely sipping, which wouldn’t accommodate the experience that a rocks glass provides.