What Are Whisky Stones?

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Declan LeachExpert Advice · 3 May 2018 · Updated on 23 Jan 2023What are Whisky Stones?Whisky is one of those drinks that can be enjoyed both neat and on the rocks. The trouble is that the taste of whisky changes significantly when you add water to it. This is why you sometimes see people adding water to their whisky. Water opens up the whisky allowing more subtle, hidden flavours and tones to breathe and come forward. But what if you enjoy your whisky chilled, but don’t want to dilute it in anyway? Well, there is a handy solution - whisky stones.

What Are Whisky Stones?

Whisky stones are an exciting, fairly new innovation that came to be in the late 2000s. They are small stones that can be frozen and added to your whisky in order to cool it without diluting your prized dram! If you want to appreciate the flavour of a neat whisky yet have a cool drink, whisky stones are the solution for you. They have become increasingly popular over the past couple of years and are now used around the world. Most whisky stones are made from soapstone which is a perfect material for absorbing cold temperatures. Soapstone is a non-porous natural stone - this means that no unwanted flavours or smells will seep into your whisky from the stones. Soapstone is also a pretty soft stone which means you don't have to worry about the whisky stones scratching or breaking any of your glasses. The stones are also cut specifically to have rounded edges to further prevent any kind of damage. While most whisky stones are made from soapstone, stainless steel and granite variants are becoming increasingly popular. All of these stones are available in a variety of styles and sizes which means you can find some to fit any type of glass. Whether you prefer a couple of small whisky stones or one large spherical stone is up to you. You can even find some in the shape of bullets or skulls if that's what you're into! There's something on the market for everyone. Stainless steel stones are found to be particularly effective as they contain gel on the inside that freezes. This gel keeps the stainless steel stones colder for longer periods of time than other types of whisky stone. However, the downfall of these stones is that they can sometimes impart an unwanted metallic flavour into a dram.

How Do Whisky Stones Work?

Upon placing the frozen stones into a glass of whisky, they absorb the heat from the liquid. This allows you to enjoy a cold dram without the whisky losing any of its original flavour. However, the lack of melting that occurs means that the whisky stones won't keep your drink as cold for as long as ice cubes would. Instead, the stones totally retain the heat and, after about half an hour, your dram will be back to room temperature. If you want to enjoy your whisky cold and free from dilution, you'll need to drink up fast! However, if this is a sacrifice that you are willing to make to prevent your dram from diluting, whisky stones are definitely worth the investment.

Why Not Use Ice Cubes Instead?

Just like whisky stones, ice cubes absorb the heat from a dram. However, ice cubes stay colder for longer because the melting ice continues to keep the drink cool whereas whisky stones keep the heat inside them which quickly leads to the dram warming up. The melting ice cubes dilute the whisky, however. While some people enjoy savouring the flavours that come from a diluted dram, it is not necessarily for everyone. If you prefer your drams neat yet cold, whisky stones could be the answer to your prayers.

How to Use Whisky Stones

Store your whisky stones in your freezer when they are not in use. They must be stored for a minimum of four hours before being used in order to get the full effect of the stones. When you are ready for your dram, simply take your stones out of the freezer and put as many as you like in your glass. Pour your whisky then wait for a couple of minutes before drinking to let the stones absorb the heat from the drink. After this, you are ready to enjoy a refreshingly cold dram. After use, simply wash, dry, and place the stones back into their bag (if they came with one). Then, pop your stones back into your freezer for next time.

How Much Do Whisky Stones Cost?

Whisky stones cost around £19 for a bag of 9. However, this price can vary depending on the type of stones you are looking for. Granite and stainless steel whisky stones tend to be a bit more expensive than their soapstone counterparts. While they may not be for everyone and some whisky fanatics may shake their head at them, whisky stones are a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to enjoy a cold whisky without sacrificing any of the straight-from-the-bottle flavour.

AUTHORDeclan Leach

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