Scotch Glasses Diamond Cut

Diamond cut scotch glasses are built around a faceted, cross-hatched pattern on the outside of the glass, and the pattern changes how a pour looks and feels in the hand. Light breaks across the cuts and throws small reflections through the whisky. The raised, textured surface also gives fingers more grip than smooth glass. These are Esplanda glasses meant for scotch and other whisky served neat or over ice. The listing doesn't give a capacity, glass material or set size, so check those on the product page before you buy. Glasses in this style are usually short, wide-mouthed tumblers, often called rocks or old fashioned glasses. That shape suits a measured pour of scotch, bourbon, rye or Irish whiskey, and it has room for a large ice cube or sphere. A single big cube melts more slowly than several small ones, so it chills the whisky with less dilution. For a neat pour, a few drops of room-temperature water can loosen the aroma of a cask-strength or high-proof whisky and soften the alcohol on the nose. Peated and smoky scotches tend to open up with that small addition. The tumbler also works for stirred and built drinks. An Old Fashioned is the classic fit, since the sugar and bitters can be muddled right in the glass and the cube stays visible through the cut sides. A short Highball with soda over ice works too, though a taller glass gives you more room if you like a longer pour. Keep in mind that a thick-walled, faceted tumbler will hide some of the color of a pale whisky. If you want to judge color or concentrate on aroma, a tulip-shaped Glencairn nosing glass is the better choice, and this tumbler is the one for relaxed sipping. For care, faceted glass catches water spots and residue in its grooves, so rinse promptly and dry with a soft cloth. Hand washing is usually the safer choice for cut glass. Confirm any dishwasher guidance for this particular set before you rely on it.