chilling power) to take ice from 31☏ to 32☏, or water from 32☏ to 33☏ But it takes a ton of energy to turn 32☏ ice into 32☏ water. Without getting too much into it, the fact that ice is cold isn’t why it’s so good at chilling liquids. You would think that 2oz of whiskey stones and 2oz of ice, both straight from the freezer, would have a similar effect, no? Just that one dilutes while the other doesn’t? While that indeed does seem intuitive, you’d be wrong. I’m going to save you the suspense: almost none. (1): How Much Cooling Power do they Have? But we’re going to tackle it anyway, because this is a blog. The second two fall to personal taste, and are therefore more vexing. The first question can be answered with science.

(2) Is chilling without dilution something you even want? I get asked about Whiskey Stones a lot, about whether someone’s boyfriend or son would like them, about what the best kinds are (there are a few), about how I feel about ice, and several other versions of the same basic question: are Whiskey Stones worth it? One package gets you nine little rocks, and it costs $20. Whiskey Stones are 1″ cubes of soapstone that you keep in the freezer and drop (gently) into your glass of whiskey, they claim, to chill your whiskey without diluting it. Sitting, ostensibly, in the latter camp, nearly standard on such lists for the last few years, are Whiskey Stones. a small electronic pouch to pre-warm your pijamas, $39.99). R2-D2 Measuring Cup Set, $19.99) or the solutions to problems that really don’t exist (i.e. Not because the suggestions are worthless, but because every single one seems to be just barely on the far side of useful. There are two kinds: the chintzy necessities you already have, except this time imprinted with kitsch (i.e. While the concept of a cold drink without watering down seems like a good one, the general consensus is that this novelty is better suited for lemonade.There’s something about Holiday Gift Guides, in magazines and such, that I find tremendously frustrating. Drinkers want these served cold, but added water from ice definitely alters the flavor – and not in a good way.įew true whiskey connoisseurs can say that their drinking habits have been enhanced by the introduction of whiskey stones. Where they are most useful is with mixed whiskey drinks, such as a Jack and Coke.

The drink is not being watered down the way it should be with whiskey stones.

One could make a similar argument for an ice cube tray, but with regular ice cubes, the drinker does not need to worry about any sanitary issues. These need to be washed and then put back into the freezer after each use.

Keeping whiskey stones chilled is not always convenient.

If they unexpectedly make it past the lips, a whiskey drinker could end up with a chip on the front teeth. Depending on the material they are made from, whiskey stones can roll around the glass while you sip, rocking against the glass and causing small fractures in it.

Whiskey stones may chip the glass – or even teeth.

There are a few problems with whiskey stones that make many discard them after only one use: Some whiskey enthusiasts suggest that whiskey stones are typically given as gifts by people who don’t truly appreciate the qualities of spirits. For them, especially if they are taking their time with the glass, whiskey stones with a splash of water does provide a sensible solution.

And some people just like to be served a cold drink over a room temperature one. The temperature of the whiskey doesn’t make a difference with the flavor, although it can take some of the edge off of a strong dram. Without it, the drinker may not appreciate the brand’s unique taste qualities. In other words, a small amount of water added to whiskey will bring out the aromas and flavors that are being masked by the alcohol. There is a reason why whiskey enthusiasts drink it warm with just a splash of water. A problem that “on the rocks ” whiskey drinkers have unless they are downing the cocktail quick. This allows drinkers to keep a drink chilled without the melting ice affecting the strength and flavor of the drink. Small containers made from plastic – or other safe material - are filled with water and then kept inside of a freezer. Whiskey stones are nothing more than fake blocks of ice. Whiskey stones are a way of chilling the alcohol without watering it down, but is this the right way to drink it? What are Whiskey Stones? However, for the majority, it’ s “on the rocks ” to help soften the blow. For the real whiskey enthusiast, spirits are served neat with just a splash of water to bring out the flavor.

Are whiskey stones better than ice