Arnstadt

Because crystal is heavier and clearer than ordinary glass, so an Arnstadt tumbler feels solid in the hand and makes your whisky glow. Crystal refracts light more strongly, and cut patterns such as Karo, Oxford and Venedig enhance that effect. The material has little influence on flavour, but a great deal on the experience: a glass with some weight turns an everyday dram into a small occasion.

No, always wash Bloom Gold and Arabeske by hand. Dishwasher detergent and high temperatures gradually attack a 24-carat gold rim, making it dull or worn. Rinse the glass in lukewarm water with a mild washing-up liquid, use a soft sponge and dry it straight away with a lint-free cloth. Hand washing is also the safest option for the other tumblers, as crystal can turn cloudy in the dishwasher.

Choose 320 or 350 ml if you like your whisky with a large ice cube, and the 260 ml Palais if you mostly pour it neat. The capacity is the maximum fill: a normal dram is 3 to 5 cl, so every size leaves room to swirl the whisky. Venedig, Karo and Oxford come in two sizes, so you can choose within the same pattern.

Choose the pattern that suits the recipient's taste and interior. Classic cut designs such as Venedig, Empire and Palais fit a traditional whisky cabinet; lovers of clean design will appreciate Karo, Oxford or Pure Whisky. For an anniversary or retirement, Bloom Gold and Arabeske with their gold rims are a festive choice. Ideally give two matching glasses, so there is always someone to raise a toast with.

A tumbler suits whisky you drink in a relaxed way, perhaps over ice, such as bourbon or a rounded whisky from Rich & Sweet on the M4W Flavour Compass. The wide opening lets the alcohol escape quickly, so powerful whisky feels softer, but subtle aromas are less concentrated. If you want to really analyse a complex single malt, reach for a tulip glass; for an after-dinner dram, the tumbler is ideal.