RCR Etna

The tumblers come in 25 and 33 cl, the first for a short drink or a small glass of water, the second for whisky on ice. The 34 cl longdrink glass is the tall size. The stemmed glasses are 20 and 28 cl, classic proportions, and there is a 19 cl flute for sparkling wine. The 22 cl mug and the 14 cl tea glass with its own saucer are the unusual pair, made from the same textured wall. The 81 cl whisky decanter also comes as a set with tumblers.

The 22 cl mug has thicker walls than an ordinary glass and therefore holds heat, which makes it right for a hot toddy with hot water, whisky and lemon. The same goes for an irish coffee, though tradition serves that in a stemmed glass. For cold drinks, take the 33 cl tumbler with one large block of ice, or the 34 cl longdrink glass when tonic or a soft drink goes in.

Textured glass hides limescale better than smooth glass, but it also holds on to more. Wash on a short programme and rinse thoroughly, because soap stays behind in the deeper parts and you only notice it once the glass has dried. Luxion is lead-free and hard enough for everyday use. Wash the 81 cl decanter by hand, given its narrow neck.

Every other range from this maker is grouped under RCR, from finely cut to outspoken. You can compare the tea glass and saucer with other models under tea glasses, and the heavy tumblers alongside other brands under whiskey glasses. If you want a complete table in one go, the combinations sit under glassware sets. And if you mix regularly yourself, a bar spoon belongs to the basic kit.