The Importance of Bottle Shape in Whisky

Because of what we do here at GreatDrams, we’ve been lucky enough to sample some of the finest whiskies from around the globe. As well as all tasting unique in their own right, one thing I’ve also noticed is that different whiskies come in different shaped bottles.

Now, to some people, when it comes to whisky, the bottle shape isn’t important, it’s what’s inside the bottle that matters. However, not so fast. It turns out that, a lot of the time, specific bottle shapes are chosen for very specific reasons, and not just because they look cool.

The shape of the bottle that your favourite dram comes from is about so much more than making it look nice. Bottle shape and size can tell you a lot about the whisky before you’ve even sampled a drop.

‘But Greg’ I hear you cry ‘how can the shape and size of a bottle help people to understand a whisky before tasting it? Well, that’s what you’re about to find out.

Keeping Things Traditional

A lot of the time, you’ll find that whisky bottles are chosen as a way of paying homage to whisky from the past, and celebrating its rich history and being faithful to its roots.

A lot of the more commonly known whiskies that are readily available feature a straight-sided design with a short and stubby neck. This design is known as a ‘fifth’ and there’s a very good reason for that. You see, whisky used to be sold in one-fifths of a gallon measurements. These bottles pay homage to that, and are also designed in ways that we sub-consciously associate them with whisky.

Now, if you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, you’ll find what is known as a ‘punted bottle’ design. This has a unique indentation at the bottom and liquids associated with status and wealth, especially in Europe, were served in one of these. We’re big fans of these types of bottles ourselves, as you’ll see on our site.

Now, as for bourbon and Tennessee whiskey bottles, you’ll know that these traditionally are sold in square and rectangular bottles made from thick glass. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey and Jim Beam bourbon being prime examples. These were chosen mainly for aesthetic purposes, though the thicker glass design was also practical as it reduced the risk of breakages in transportation.

What a Whisky’s Bottle Says About It

Though you should never judge a book by its cover, you can tell a lot about a whisky based upon the bottle it’s stored in.

If for example, you find a square/rectangular bottle with a fairly tall and thin neck, made from thick glass, you’d probably associate it with a bourbon. As a result, you could expect the whiskey to have all the trademarks and characteristics associated with a bourbon.

You’d get the sweet caramel and honey notes from the corn and the vanilla, maple syrup, and light char flavours from the oak. Before even sampling the whiskey, you’d have a rough idea of how it would probably taste.

A flask-shaped single-malt, however, is much more likely to have strong and peaty flavours and aromas because a lot of peated whiskies, especially those from Islay, were traditionally sold in these bottles.

A taller, sleeker, straight-sided whisky bottle resembling a fifth bottle is much more likely to be smoother and fruitier. A lot of Speyside drams such as The Glenlivet for example, are sold in these types of bottles. Speyside whiskies are generally smoother, creamier, and heavier on the sweet and fruity notes. They’re very light on the peat (if they provide any at all), so again, you know roughly how a whisky will taste if it is sold in one of these types of bottles.

As you can see, here at GreatDrams.com we’re big on the punted bottle design as we provide a wide range of timeless, sophisticated, classy, and delicious whiskies to suit all budgets and palates. We’ve smooth and fruity, harsh and peaty, and everything in between. Don’t take our word for it, just browse our shop and see for yourselves.

Tags: Bottle ShapeWhisky

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.