Nachtmann Aspen

Two glasses with the same capacity and a different silhouette: that is a choice about use, not about volume. The low tumbler is meant for whisky, rum and stirred cocktails, where a wide surface releases aroma. The tall glass holds on to carbonation better and is the better choice for a mule, a highball and soft drinks with ice. Crystal glass is thinner and clearer than toughened hospitality glass, so if the glasses go through a full dishwasher every day, a sturdier range is wiser. Count on six glasses per model. That gives you plenty at home.

Fill the tumbler with one large block of ice instead of a handful of small cubes: the drink dilutes more slowly and the cut stays visible. Stir an Old Fashioned until the glass mists over and then do not strain it off. The tall glass suits a Moscow Mule, with the lime wedged against the wall so the facets pick up the green. Serve whisky neat at room temperature, about four centilitres. Let the glass stand for a moment after pouring so the ice settles.

Nachtmann's crystal glass is lead-free and dishwasher safe, but thinner than hospitality glass. Place the glasses separately in the basket so they do not rattle against each other, because hairline cracks near the rim almost always come from contact with other glassware. Choose a programme with a lower final temperature, because drying too hot leaves a haze on cut surfaces sooner. Polish with linen rather than cotton, which leaves less lint.

The full brand is listed under Nachtmann, from coffee glasses to carafes. Looking for the same function in a different range? Compare via old fashioned glasses, whiskey glasses or longdrink glasses, where the sizes stand side by side. Anyone who stirs rather than shakes at home gets more out of a long bar spoon than out of an ordinary teaspoon from the drawer. That keeps the build of the drink calm and the layers intact.