Buying guide for best whiskey stones
Anyone who enjoys whiskey will tell you there are few things worse than a watered-down glass. Diluted whiskey falls short of its full flavor and aroma potential. You can’t really savor the distinctive taste of whiskey with too much water in your glass. Unfortunately, you run this risk if you want a cold glass of whiskey. Unless you have whiskey stones, that is.
Whiskey stones can be chilled in your freezer like regular ice. But because the stones aren’t made of frozen water, they won’t melt and dilute your drink. It’s important to know precisely what to look for when shopping for whiskey stones. You'll want to consider the material of the stone, its shape, and how many you want to get.
How to use whiskey stones
Whiskey stones are small cubes or balls made of stone or another solid, non-porous material, such as stainless steel. When they are chilled, they can be added to a glass of whiskey to help cool it without melting or watering down the beverage.
To use whiskey stones, place the stones in the freezer. Allow them to chill for at least four hours so they’re as cold as possible.
Once cold, add the whiskey stones to your glass of whiskey just as you would ice.
Expert Tip
Place the whiskey stones in your glass before you add the whiskey, then pour just enough liquid to cover the stones.
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Whiskey stone material
As the names implies, most whiskey stones are made from actual stone. However, there are also some whiskey stones made from stainless steel.
Soapstone and granite are the two of the most common types of stones used. They’re less porous than other stones, so they won’t absorb tastes and odors as easily.
Granite tends to be harder than soapstone, so granite whiskey stones are usually more durable. However, there’s a greater chance of granite stones scratching your glasses.
Stainless steel “stones” are also available. They’re less porous and more durable than both soapstone and granite. And because they’re completely smooth, stainless steel whiskey stones don’t absorb flavors or odors at all.
Stainless steel also gets colder than granite or soapstone, so if you want to get your beverages as cold as possible with a non-ice option, it’s usually the best choice.
Did you know?
Stainless steel whiskey stones aren’t as porous as those made from stone, so they’re less likely to absorb flavors and odors.
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Other considerations
Shape
Most whiskey stones are shaped like ice cubes. However, you can also find whiskey stones in flat discs and round balls. These options may give your beverage a more striking appearance.
Quantity
Whiskey stones typically come in sets of six or nine. It’s recommended that you use two to three stones per glass. Therefore, a six-stone set would work if you want to make two or three drinks at a time. A nine-stone set can accommodate three or four drinks at once.
"There are five to seven regional whiskeys: Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, Canadian whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, and Kentucky whiskey, which is known more commonly as bourbon."
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Accessories
Some whiskey stones come with accessories that you may find useful.
Storage container
It’s best to choose a whiskey stone set that comes with some sort of storage container. That allows you to keep track of them when you chill them in the freezer, so you don’t lose any.
Some stones come with pouches to hold them; others feature wooden or plastic boxes
Bar equipment
Whiskey stones are also available in sets that include other bar equipment as well. This may include whiskey glasses, tongs, and bottle stoppers.
A set like this is usually more expensive, but it’s ideal if you’re new to whiskey drinking or looking for a gift for the whiskey drinker in your life.
Expert Tip
Even if you like to add a splash of water to your whiskey, it’s not a good idea to use ice in your glass. That’s because ice is usually made of tap water, which can completely ruin the natural flavor and aroma of the whiskey.
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Whiskey stone prices
Whiskey stones vary in price based the number of stones included in the set, stone material, and any included accessories.
You can typically expect to spend between $10 and $45 on a set of whiskey stones.
For a set of six stones without accessories, you’ll usually pay between $10 and $15.
For a set of six stones with a storage case, you’ll usually pay between $12 and $25.
For a set of six to nine stones with accessories like a storage case, tongs, and drinking glasses, you’ll usually pay between $25 and $45.
Did you know?
Whiskey lovers often prefer a glass with a wide base so the spirit can be swirled around to open up its flavors. Conveniently, this type of glass also provides enough room to hold the whiskey stones.
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Tips
Wash your whiskey stones after each use. Rinsing them with mild dish soap and warm water works well.
Make sure to dry the whiskey stones thoroughly before storing them in the freezer again.
To remove absorbed flavors from whiskey stones, soak them in a solution of warm water and vodka for a few hours. Rinse and dry them, and return them to the freezer.
For the best results, chill your whiskey stones in the freezer for at least four hours before use. In fact, you may want to store your whiskey stones in the freezer so they’re ready to go when you need them.
Don’t wash your whiskey stones in a dishwasher. They could end up crumbling, particularly if they’re made of soapstone.
For the best results, use two to three whiskey stones in each drink.
FAQ
Q. Are whiskey stones safe to use?
A. Whiskey stones are completely safe for use in your drinks. Soapstone is approved for use with food and drink by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so there’s virtually no chance of any pieces breaking off into your beverage. If you’re concerned, though, opt for a stainless steel set.
Q. Can whiskey stones be used with beverages other than whiskey?
A. Whiskey stones can help cool off any beverage, though they work particularly well for drinks that you don’t want to water down. You can use them with other spirits, wine, and even soft drinks.
Q. Will whiskey stones scratch the glasses?
A. It’s highly unlikely. Soapstone, the most frequently used material, isn’t hard enough to scratch glass. Stainless steel stones are completely smooth, so they won’t scratch your glasses, either. If you buy whiskey stones made of granite, however, you may want to use extra care when placing them in your glass.
