It’s definitely an investment piece, so if it’s a little too extravagant for your needs, you can get a similar drinking experience with the more affordable plain Glencairn glasses. They have the same iconic shape, without the delicacy of crystal. Both versions are dishwasher safe and presented in a gift box, making it a great gift for whisky fans. All the same, the novel is a decent read. The central plot is a good one, and the author's genuine understanding of the locality means he can visually picture, even feel, the scenery really well. It might well be that I read this book when I wasn't in the right mood for it. I'd certainly consider reading another Jim Daley novel.

A bit fancier, crystal is a type of glass that adds a bit of sparkle to any drink, and the material allows the maker to craft more intricate designs. Of course, it’s typically handwash-only and can be rather expensive. While crystal has traditionally been made with lead oxide because it makes the glass more refractive, we recommend searching out lead-free versions as wines and spirits can leach lead over time—plus, lead can impart some unwanted flavors. However, according to the FDA, the occasional drink taken from a leaded crystal glass shouldn’t pose too much of an issue, unless you’re pregnant or plan on becoming so. You may think this glass resembles a conical flask from a science experiment, but it’s surprisingly easy to drink from and does an excellent job of releasing the whisky’s complex aromas. Just like other nosing glasses, it has a bulbous bottom and a thin rim. The glass itself is delicate and thin, making it perfect for special occasions. However, unlike its classic counterparts, it has two distinctly different features.

The best whisky glasses to buy in 2023

I wanted to know more of Jim Daley, who is supposed to have a "volcanic temper" and has even been to anger management classes, yet has risen to quite senior levels in the police force; and his temper isn't really an issue in this novel either. Then there's Daley's wife - her releationship with him is unconvincing, and an important character in that relationship simply disappears in he plot, as if forgotten. I felt there was enough for two novels here, and it might have been better as two much shorter ones.

Need a cool gift for a whiskey drinker? Consider these Urban Map glasses from the Boston-based Well Told design shop. The vessels themselves are made in Ohio and then etched in New Hampshire. Each detailed design flows around the glass. From Atlanta to Los Angeles and Miami to Pittsburgh, there's a large number of cities from which to choose, whether your recipient left his heart in San Francisco or she calls the Windy City home sweet home. The glasses are 11 ounces, so they are big enough to hold a sizable drink.

For Kinloch, (fictional place), look up Kintyre and you'll have a perfect understanding of where this crime thriller is set. Other materials like plastic, wood, metal, and even ceramic can make good, attractive whiskey glasses, but you’ll want to think about what best serves your lifestyle and aesthetic, and go from there.