Tritan Crystal Distil Kirkwall Old Fashioned Glasses, Set of 6

Why it works as a gift

Rocks glasses are one of those things most people make do with: a mismatched pair from a move, or two survivors of a set of four. A full set of six that match, in a crystal meant for everyday use, is a real upgrade, and it suits a home where people come over for a drink as much as one person with a favorite bourbon.

Schott Zwiesel's Tritan crystal is the reason this set works as a gift rather than a display piece. The listing describes it as a lead-free glass made with titanium and zirconium oxide that resists breakage, chipping and scratching, and says the glasses are completely dishwasher safe and will not etch, cloud or discolor. Each holds 13.5 ounces and stands about 3.7 inches tall, and the Kirkwall cut, part of the Distil collection, is inspired by Scotland's history and meant to recall old forests or ancient structures, according to the listing. The listing says they are made in Germany.

Against a pair of heavy hand-cut crystal tumblers at a similar price, this is the more usable choice: six instead of two, and no hand washing. The trade-off is that it is a well-made production glass, not an heirloom; if the person collects fine crystal, a single pair from a crystal house will mean more.

Who it’s for

• A friend or relative who keeps a whisky or bourbon shelf and pours a glass after dinner
• A couple who host often and need matching glasses for six
• A colleague or client, as a business gift that will be used rather than shelved
• A dad who makes old fashioneds at the weekend

Skip it if

• They drink wine rather than spirits; a pair of good wine glasses suits them better
• They already own a full set of rocks glasses they like
• They collect heavy, hand-cut crystal and would see a dishwasher-safe production glass as a step down

Giving it

• Pair it with a bottle they already like, or a book of classic cocktails, so the glasses get used the first evening
• Open the box on delivery and check all six glasses before you rewrap them
• Keep the receipt for Amazon's return window in case a glass arrives damaged

The facts

In the set

Six double old fashioned (DOF) glasses, Kirkwall cut, Distil barware collection

Size

13.5 oz; about 3.7 in tall and 3.5 in wide

Material

Tritan crystal: lead-free glass with titanium and zirconium oxide

Care

Completely dishwasher safe

Made in

Germany

Consider instead

• Marquis by Waterford Markham Decanter & Glasses Set — Adds a decanter, for someone who likes to serve as much as drink
• Zwiesel 1872 Pollux Decanter — For a wine drinker rather than a whisky drinker
• Nachtmann Noblesse Cocktail Coupes — Smaller and cheaper, for someone who shakes cocktails