Whisky stones are a gadget gaining popularity, attracting increasing interest among connoisseurs of this noble spirit. But are they safe to use? What material are they made from? How should whisky stones be used to fulfill their purpose?
Whisky stones - how to use them?
It's worth having whisky stones in your home – how to use them and how to care for them so that they fulfill their purpose? This gadget usually consists of small, shaped cubes made of natural minerals, such as granite or soapstone. Increasingly, you can also find cheaper versions made of plastic and exclusive ones made of steel – however, those made of real stones are still the most desired by whisky lovers. They look very elegant, and they do not directly affect the taste of the drink.
The small cubes were created with the idea of chilling the drink, which sometimes gets warm too quickly from holding the whisky glass in hand. Unlike ice, they cause the temperature to drop slowly, and the drink does not get diluted.
Whisky stones - what for?
Whisky stones make a great gift idea for connoisseurs of strong spirits, along with a designer decanter and glasses – what are they for and how to use them? It is best to keep them clean and ready for use directly in the freezer – they need at least 4 hours to acquire their cooling properties.
When dropped into a glass, unlike ice, which melts quickly and cold water circulates throughout the vessel, they release coolness slowly and gradually, which is of paramount importance for the sensations during tasting. Whisky is not served cold. According to connoisseurs and producers, the best experience comes from a drink with a temperature of about 15-20 degrees Celsius. So, it cannot be too cold or too warm.
Whisky chilling stones
After tasting, simply wash the whisky stones in water with a mild detergent and place them back in the freezer until their next use. They do not require special care, nor do they take up much space. There's no need to soak them; just dry them after cleaning and chill.
There are many opinions on the benefits of using whisky chilling stones. Those who value the pure taste of this spirit appreciate that the stones do not affect the experience. However, some experts claim that over-chilling whisky can reduce its intensity. Therefore, it is advisable to use 3-4 stones per glass to avoid lowering the temperature too abruptly.
Natural whisky chilling stones have no impact on health. They can be used not only for serving spirits but also for juices or water. A cheaper alternative, plastic chilling stones, are colorful and come in interesting shapes, but consuming beverages that contained them carries the risk of ingesting small doses of microplastics. Stainless steel cubes, which – unlike natural stones – come in many colors and forms, will certainly be a luxurious gift and are worth considering when looking for the perfect whisky stones.