Whiskey stones are a great way to enjoy the full flavor of the famous alcoholic beverage without diluting it with ice cubes. But what kind of stone should you get? Do you even need stones? Learn about what makes these stones so special by reading this comprehensive buyer’s guide.
What is a Whiskey Stone?
A whiskey stone refers to a stone that’s smoothed and designed to be used for cooling and drinking whiskey. It is meant to serve as a reusable substitute to ice cubes that don’t melt, which allows one to enjoy the pure flavor of the chilled whiskey. Most whiskey stones are made of minerals such as soapstone. Some cubes aren’t made out of stone at all, with steel being used instead.
Why is it Important to Have a Whiskey Stone?
It’s easier to use and reuse
Unless you have an automatic ice-making machine at home, you probably have to deal with refilling your ice tray every time it runs out of ice. This can be a hassle to do, and you can get your clothes wet in the process, which might not be ideal if you’re preparing some ice in the middle of a party or gathering. In these situations, you’ll want something more low-maintenance— whiskey stones.
Whiskey stones are perfect if you find yourself needing to use ice often. Simply place them in the freezer when not in use, take them out when using them, wash them when you’re done, and repeat. This is far easier to do than refilling your tray on a regular basis, which can be difficult if you’re pressed for time.
It keeps the whiskey’s flavor pure
This is the main reason many people opt to use whiskey stones and cubes instead. One fatal drawback to using ice is the fact that over time, ice melts, and the water will end up mixing with your precious whiskey. This ends up diluting the whiskey’s flavor, reducing what was once a sophisticated batch of whiskey into a muddled and bland water cocktail. If you spent hundreds of dollars on bottles of fine whiskey, you deserve better than that, which is why whiskey stones are vital.
Whiskey stones keep your drink cool without dilution, ensuring that the only thing you taste with every sip is the raw, undiluted flavor of your whiskey. If you have any interest in understanding the intricacies of whiskey, you should consider saving up to buy a set to ensure you enjoy all of the flavors whiskey has to offer.
It looks good
Finally, it’s worth mentioning a point that almost everybody can agree on— whiskey stones look good in a glass. They add an air of sophistication and class to your drink, and they stand out far more than a pair of ice cubes. Even if you’re completely fine using ice cubes and diluting your drink, it may be worth considering using stones for their visual appeal alone.
Tips When Using Whiskey Stones
Keep them in the freezer for as long as possible
Whiskey stones are great, but there’s one flaw— they don’t freeze quickly. Sure, they can keep your drink cold, but it takes a while for the cubes to get cold in the first place. This can be a problem if you want to drink right after you put them in the freezer. As such, you’d do well to place the cubes and stones in the freezer whenever they’re not in use to ensure they’re ready whenever you want to use them.
The exception to this rule, however, is when you’re using stainless steel cubes. These cubes freeze faster because they’re made of metal, far better than soapstone or granite. However, you still want to be sure they are in the freezer when not in use so you’ll always be ready.
Clean them regularly
A good way to treat your whiskey stones and cubes would be to see them as kitchen utensils, not unlike spoons or forks. They’re reusable and very handy, but they need to remain clean, for hygiene and health reasons. Of course, when you’re only using them to drink whiskey, you may be tempted to clean them sparingly, but it’s best to ensure they’re always clean just to be safe. A good rinse every now and then should be more than enough to keep them ready for reuse at all times.
Types of Whiskey Stones
Whiskey stones
These are the whiskey cubes made out of stone, usually granite or soapstone. They cool much slower than steel whiskey cubes.
Steel Whiskey Cubes
These cubes are made of stainless steel instead of stones. As such, they cool much faster. And, stainless steel whiskey cubes are generally more expensive than their stone counterparts.
Whiskey Stone FAQ
Q: What are whiskey stones used for?
A: Whiskey stones are used to keep whiskey cool without diluting them with water.
Q: Are whiskey stones food safe?
A: Whiskey stones are, in fact, food-safe, and you shouldn’t worry about getting sick due to the stones themselves.
Q: Do whiskey stones affect the flavor of whiskey?
A: No, they do not - whiskey stones and cubes are treated in a way that they do not affect the flavor of the whiskey they cool.