If you're a whisky lover, then you know that nothing beats a nice cool dram on a hot day. We all know though that using ice can come with some pitfalls - it melts and dilutes your whisky, altering its flavour. That's where whisky stones come in. Whisky stones are natural rocks that have been specifically chosen for their ability to keep whisky cool without melting and diluting it. In this blog post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about whisky stones - who needs them, what they are made of, and whether they actually work!
Should you buy whisky stones?
Whiskey stones are an important tool for all whisky enthusiasts - whether you like your whisky straight, or with a dash of water, whisky stones help you better control the final taste of your scotch, without needing to worry about over-diluting or needing to finish your whisky quickly because of the ice melting.
What are whisky stones made of?
Whisky stones, sometimes called whisky rocks, can be made from a variety of materials. Most commonly whiskey rocks are made from non-porous soapstone, though variants are also made using stainless steel and granite. At Malt & Brew, we use non-porous soapstone for our whisky stones set, as we feel they maintain their coolness the longest and simply look great when paired with a nice whiskey glass.
Do whisky stones really work?
That is a resounding yes! When whisky stones are placed in the freezer for a minimum of four hours, they will be sufficiently chilled to then be added to your whisky. We recommend adding two or three whisky stones to your glass, depending on the size, and then filling it with your favourite scotch.
How do you use whisky stones?
- Place them in the freezer for at least 4 hours before use, this ensures the stones have been thoroughly cooled.
- Find your favourite whiskey glass, ideally one with a large base.
- Pick out your scotch of choice, place 2-3 whisky stones into the glass and pour your dram.
- Wait a few minutes for your whisky to cool, the preferred temperature is usually around 15 degrees Celsius.
- Enjoy a perfectly chilled whisky.
Who should use whisky stones?
For the avid whisky connoisseurs, whisky stones enable an even greater level of flexibility to your whiskey drinking. Depending on the whisky and your taste buds, you might find that adding a few drops of water (or a lot... yes, we know you exist), can open up the flavour of your favourite scotch, making it possibly easier to drink and allow a stronger sensory experience. With ice, as it melts, water is released into the whisky, eventually taking it to a point where your whisky is being used more like a cordial - a true Winston Churchill approach to whisky drinking. Whisky stones and a whisky pipette (though an eye dropper or syringe works just fine) mean you can cool your whisky and also add the desired amount of water, without any dilution.
How do you keep whisky stones clean?
Keeping your whisky stones clean is an important part of responsible whiskey stone ownership. Whisky stones can either be cleaned by hand in dish washing-soap, or in the dishwasher. Ensure to rinse your whisky stones and dry them completely prior to placing them back into the cupboard or in the freezer.
Are whisky stones a good gift?
Of course! Whisky stones are the perfect gift for the whisky lover in your life or for those hard to gift people. They are affordable and practical.
Where can you buy whisky stones?
We see whisky stones as an affordable, clean, environmentally friendly, and long-term means of keeping your whisky cool. You can buy whisky stones online, or in most higher-end liquor stores.