What are soapstone stones used for?

All you have to do is put a couple of stones in a glass of whiskey and you will be known as a gourmet who knows about scotch. But this “accessory” has a much more important function. The stones cool the drink and maintain the “correct” temperature for a long time without distorting the taste. Let’s figure out how whiskey stones “work”. Are they really that good? Maybe we should still use ice the old fashioned way?

Whiskey stones: what are they for?

Scotch is one of those drinks that can be enjoyed both neat and in a duet with ice. Perhaps someone will say that whiskey is good “without anything at all,” but clear rules have long ceased to work here. The problem is that the water formed in the glass from the ice cubes “distorts” the bouquet of the whiskey. This is sometimes beneficial for strong drinks – sharp bitterness and coarse peatyness disappear. But what if you like your scotch chilled, but don’t want to dilute it with ice? This is where stones come in handy. They cool the whiskey and maintain its optimal temperature for a long time. At the same time, not a single drop of water will “spoil” the bouquet of the drink. Stones for cooling whiskey can be made of different materials. But they all work on the same principle. The stones absorb the heat from the whiskey, making it cooler. The rocks seem to be perfect when it comes to tasting scotch “properly.” But their use also has disadvantages. Firstly, the stones cool the drink for quite a long time. When you don’t have much time to taste scotch, this becomes a problem. And secondly, in practice, stones still cannot keep the drink cool for a long time, as the manufacturers say. Moreover, having absorbed the warmth of whiskey, they themselves become warm. And when this moment comes, the stones no longer cool, but, on the contrary, the tape heats up. That’s why some gourmets say that they haven’t come up with anything better than ice when you need to quickly and for a long time cool strong alcohol in a glass. Yes, the bouquet of the drink changes a little, but it will remain at the optimal temperature for drinking for a long time.

Which whiskey stones to choose?

Considering the popularity of adhesive tapes all over the world, there are plenty of accessories on the market for their proper use. Stones come in different shapes and sizes – usually cubes or balls. But there are also accessories in the form of miniature barrels or bullets, for example. The average price tag is 300-2000 rubles. However, the cost may be higher if we talk about large gift sets of whiskey stones. But when choosing them, it’s not even the shape and size that are important. We look at the material from which the stones are made. Their effectiveness depends on this. Soapstone whiskey stones are very popular. They have micropores on their surface, which allow the drink to cool quite quickly, and they are cheaper than other accessories. Another option, also based on natural materials, is granite stones. In general, they have the same properties as steatite. Only these accessories are more expensive. It is believed that granite and soapstone stones have one serious drawback – they only slightly and briefly reduce the temperature of the drink. In addition, some of them may scratch the glass. There are also steel whiskey stones made of stainless steel. They are good because they cool faster in the freezer, which means you can start tasting the delicious drink faster. They do not crumble, do not wear out, and do not impart a metallic taste to the adhesive tape. And some people prefer to use real “exotics” in the process of tasting elite alcohol – for example, jade whiskey stones. It is believed that their properties differ little from cheaper soapstone and granite, but the price tag is much higher. There is a possibility that this is just marketing and not true effectiveness. Which whiskey stones are best is up to you to decide. It may be worth experimenting with several types to find the best option for you.

How to use whiskey stones?

It is believed that a standard 50 ml portion of scotch tape will require 2-3 stones. That’s why accessories are mostly sold in whole sets – for at least two people. Before using the stones, it is recommended to keep them in the freezer for 2-3 hours. Then we put them in a glass and pour whiskey in there. We drink and enjoy.

Storing and caring for whiskey stones

Regardless of what the stones are made of, it is best to store them wrapped in cotton cloth. Some of them are sold in beautiful bags – we’ll put them away here until our next whiskey tasting. After using the stones, they should be washed under running water, wiped dry and placed in the freezer. Preferably away from food. A long-awaited evening after a busy day at work. Ideal conditions for leisurely sips of strong amber whiskey. To chill your drink properly, it’s time to figure out how to use whiskey stones.

Why you shouldn’t put ice in whiskey

• The cubes will melt and the melt water will dilute the whiskey. Because of this, the alcohol strength will decrease and the taste will change. If you want to enjoy a cool drink longer by adding more ice, you will end up with a pitiful semblance of whiskey.
• It is difficult to accurately determine the number of cubes to sufficiently cool the drink. It’s easy to overdo it, causing the essential oils to harden and prevent you from experiencing the full range of flavors.
• Making ice will take some work. After all, diluted whiskey is not so bad. It is much worse when the melted water has an unpleasant or simply peculiar taste and smell. To avoid completely ruining your whiskey, you need to freeze a clean, non-carbonated liquid, such as bottled liquid.

It is customary to take the first sip of pure whiskey and then add water. Already diluted drinks with 40 percent alcohol content go on mass sale.

What to replace ice cubes with?

The best replacement for ice was invented in the USA in 2007. If the demand for whiskey stones has lasted for so many years, then they really “work” as the manufacturers claim.

Whiskey stones are made from various materials: steel, shungite, green jade, but most often from soapstone. Its other names: soapstone, soapstone.

There are several forms of ice coolers, but the usual cubes are the most popular.

• they are natural, environmentally friendly;
• have no smell or taste, and are also unable to absorb them;
• stones have no expiration date;
• do not require special care;
• chemical resistant;
• do not change the composition of the drink;
• quickly accumulate both high and low temperatures and release them for a long time.

Soapstones can be used to cool any beverage. They are also suitable for heating liquids. To do this, they are placed in the microwave.

You don’t have to be afraid of spoiling soapstone, because it begins to melt at temperatures above 1 degrees. To avoid getting burned, do not forget to take the stones with special tongs.

How to use whiskey stones

You can find reviews on the Internet about the uselessness of soapstone whiskey stones. Usually the reason for negative opinions is that people do not understand how to properly use whiskey stones.

The goal of whiskey stones is to set and maintain the desired temperature of the drink. The stones do not affect the taste and aroma, which allows you to fully experience every note of the bouquet.

In addition, whiskey is a specific alcoholic drink. If you don’t like him by himself, no stones will help you love him.

1. Before first use, rinse the cubes with warm running water without detergents.
2. Dry, put in the linen or cotton bag that comes with the kit. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
3. Pour the whiskey into a thick-walled, wide-bottomed glass, such as a rocks glass or old fashioned.
4. Add stones for 50 ml of drink – 3-4 cubes.
5. After use, rinse whiskey stones with water.

Where is it profitable to buy a set of stones for whiskey in Ukraine

It is important to order whiskey stones only from trusted stores. There are many counterfeits on sale that are not only ineffective, but can also irreversibly ruin fine alcohol.

Why choose Whiskey Stones:

• We are fully responsible for the quality of our products.
• We offer a large selection of sets consisting of 4, 9, 12, 16 or 25 cubes measuring 2 x 2 x 2 cm. This allows you to order the product at the right price.
• The set includes: soapstone stones, stylish wooden packaging, tongs, storage bag, instructions.
• We apply individual engraving to the cubes and box.

A gift set of soapstone stones is a prestigious gift idea for a boyfriend, husband, father, boss, colleague or friend.

When choosing an individual engraving, delivery is carried out within 1-3 days, only upon full prepayment. In other cases, cash on delivery is possible.

Delivery by Nova Poshta to Kyiv – 1 day, to other cities – up to 3-5 days, depending on the work schedule of the transport company.

Details about payment and delivery can be found on the website.

Leave a request to please your loved ones with an original gift that will help them enjoy noble Scottish alcohol.