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Whether you prefer to drink your whiskey neat, with a splash of water, in a cocktail, or on the rocks, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy the popular spirit. However, there are ways to enhance the experience – especially if you like your whiskey chilled. Whiskey rocks (also known as whiskey stones) are a sophisticated and reusable alternative to ice cubes, helping to keep drinks chilled without diluting the whiskey’s flavor, which is a common problem when using ice.
The best whiskey rocks are a staple for whiskey aficionados, but they are simple enough for anyone to use as long as you have space in your freezer and the foresight to plan ahead (whiskey rocks should be kept frozen for about four hours before use). Store them like you would with ice; when you’re ready to serve your drink, drop the cube-shaped stones into your glass. The whiskey rocks will help cool down your drink while bringing out a different flavor profile than you would get if you drank the whiskey neat.
When choosing the right set of whiskey rocks to suit your tastes, it’s important to consider their composition. Whiskey rocks made out of soapstone will keep your drink chilled – but not as chilled as ice cubes would. This is intentional since whiskey will start to lose the nuances of its flavor around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you simply love an ice-cold drink but are frustrated when your whiskey is too watered down, stainless steel whiskey rocks will keep your beverage much colder (and for a longer period of time).
Even if you’re just starting to seriously explore your whiskey palate, whiskey rocks are a must-have tool for experimenting with temperatures, with different drinks, and with finding your preferred drinking styles. We found four popular sets to get you started.
