What Are Soapstone Whiskey Stones?
Are These Rocks A Great Gift Set For Bourbon Lovers?
The soapstone whiskey stones are one of my favorite tools for preparing a glass of bourbon in the late afternoon. I just love the ritual.
The short answer to whether these rocks are a great gift set for bourbon or whiskey lovers is yes, but I will explain to you why, what they are and how we use them.
Also, I will show you when these stone ice cubes could not be the preferred way to enjoy whiskey for some people.
Let’s dive in!
- What Are Soapstone Whiskey Stones? Are These Rocks A Great Gift Set For Bourbon Lovers?
What Are Whiskey Stones?
First of all, these bar accessories have multiple denominations: whiskey or whisky stones, soapstone ice cubes, ice stones, bourbon rocks, chilling stones, cooling stones, whiskey ice cubes, frozen stones, on the rocks whiskey stones, rocks for whisky… and I stop here. They receive many names, but they are all the same little frozen rocks that chill the beverage without dilution.
What exactly are whiskey stones?
They are natural soapstone cubes, about the size of a dice, that are frozen to be used as substitutes for ice cubes to refresh whiskey, bourbon, or scotch.
Due to their success, different versions made of other materials and shapes exist today, in addition to the original soapstone cube. Materials like granite or stainless steel, and forms like cubes, diamonds or bullets. Although, the original that appeared on the market were of soapstone and are the most popular.
Typically, the cubes are 0.8 x 0.8 inches, or about 2 x 2 cm. You can see in the image below its actual size in a regular whiskey tumbler.
Where this idea come from?
Today “on the rocks” is the bartending terminology for a drink served over ice cubes.
But what is the relationship between ice cubes and “on the rocks”? And why is it mainly used for whiskey?
In ancient Scotland (the cradle of whisky), the story goes that they chilled the liquor with icy stones from the rivers.
So here it is, to drink whiskey on frozen rocks is the original way.
What Is The Purpose Of Whiskey Stones? What Do They Do?
Ok, now it comes the critical piece.
These stones do not cool whiskey as much as ice, so the liquor keeps all its natural flavors, and at the same time they do not add extra water, that is, they do not dilute the delicious drink.
This is the reason why we love them so much. In my opinion, it is the best way to enjoy all the delicate flavors and nuances of whiskey and bourbon.
As seen on geology.com, “Since soapstone has a very high specific heat capacity and changes temperature very slowly, a few stones can keep a drink cold for 30 minutes or more“.
And this is exactly my experience, once I have placed a couple of stones in the glass with whiskey and let a few minutes pass, I can even notice that the glass has cooled down.
Never at the level of water ice cubes though, but that is how I like it.
Do you like your whiskey with a bit of water? Add a splash with a spoon but never an unknown or unmeasured quantity, as with ice.
Are Soapstone Whiskey Stones Safe?
Soapstone is a rock used in different applications, like cooking bowls and plates because it is:
- Heat resistant – it will not melt.
- Nonporous and nonabsorbent – it will not absorb flavors nor give any taste to the food or drink.
- High specific heat capacity – it changes temperature very slowly. If it is cold remains cold, if it is hot remains hot.
Soapstone is structurally dense, its high density, about 3 g/cm³, inhibits moisture and compounds from penetrating the stone.
So, yes, they are absolutely safe to use.
Ok, now we know what they are, how they work and why they are used as an alternative to ice cubes. Let’s go now to the ritual 😉
How To Use Whiskey Stones?
Let’s See, What Is In The Box?
Let’s review the Yvento Whiskey Stones Gift Box, an excellent performer of soapstone whiskey rocks.
This is the list of items in the packaging box:
- 9 whiskey rocks, of 0.8 x 0.8 in, or about 2 x 2 cm
- 1 velvet pouch to store the chilling cubes
- 1 gift box with magnetic closure lid, of 3.9 x 3 x 1.4 in, or about 10 x 7.6 x 3.5 cm
Let’s see what to do with all this.
Step-by-Step Whiskey Rocks Instructions
When you open it for the first time, you wash the rocks with water, just under the tap. You let them dry.
The gift box includes a velvet pouch where to store the cubes. You can use this bag to put the rocks in the freezer. They need at least 4 hours to freeze.
Some people put the pouch inside a plastic bag if the freezer has unwanted odors, fishy for example. For us, this is not the case, and we use the storage bag directly.
When you want to enjoy your most delicious bourbon or whiskey, you pour it into the glass and add about 2 or 3 rocks, depending on your preference. I like the stones to be covered in liquid.
You let it cool down for a few minutes.
I love the appearance of it. It is so genuine and natural. I know the liquor is awakening its flavors to just the right level gently.
When you feel it is ready, you enjoy your drink.
The Yvento stones have soft and rounded edges. There is no risk they scratch the glass.
When the party is over, you rinse the stones under the water. No need to clean them in the dishwasher.
I have the bag always in the freezer, ready for next time.
When someone comes home, I surprise them with a real whiskey on the rocks.
I, of course, explain to them about the old Scottish refreshing their whisky with river stones, and they love it!
Customer Reviews: What Others Have Said
The Yvento Whiskey Rocks have more than 190 customer reviews on Amazon:
★★★★★ Whiskey cubes
Watered down whiskey (unless you order that way) is a disappointment. This is made even “Watered down whiskey (unless you order that way) is a disappointment. This is made even worse if you live in an area with bad local water used for the ice. These stone prevent that from happening. They chill the whiskey (or any other cocktail) nicely without changing the flavor. Anyone who appreciates fine spirits will have these.“
★★★★★ Great stones for the price
“Good product, delivered on time. Yvento seems to really care about customer service which is a nice change from a lot of companies. Only down side is I use all of them for 1-2 drinks, then they lose their chilling ability. 2 sets for this price isn’t a bad idea.”
★★★★★ Great gift!
“Ordered these for my husband as a stocking stuffer after a friend highly recommended them. Will be ordering more for parties!”
★★★★★ Brings Out the Best of the Best
“I received them a couple of days ago and found them to be exactly what I ordered and needed. I just returned from Dublin a couple of weeks ago with a bottle of Redbreast and Powers 12. The stones certainly helped bring out the flavor and nuances of the golden liquid. You definitely have a satisfied customer!”
Final Thoughts: Pros & Cons, and Who is It For
If you are doubting if these little rocks are for you or make a good gift, let’s review its features:
Pros
- They do not add extra water and do not dilute the liquor.
- They cool the drink less than ice cubes, ideal for savoring all the flavor nuances of the delicious beverage.
- They are 100% reusable, they never lose their effectiveness.
- They can always be ready in the freezer, you don’t have to worry about refilling the ice trays or buying more ice.
- They are an excellent conversation opener with friends 😉
- They make a surprising gift for whiskey and bourbon lovers.
- The tumbler looks fashionable and natural at the same time, pretty different than conventional ice cubes.
Cons
- They do not cool down the whiskey like ice cubes for the people that want that low temperature.
- If you like water in your whiskey, you need to add it separately. However, you can do it with a teaspoon in a measurable way.
- A set of 9 rocks has a capacity for 3-4 glasses. In case you need more for more people, you need to buy more than one set.
Who Is It For?
Whiskey stones are for whiskey and bourbon lovers that prefer to enjoy the liquor with no dilution, without the extra water added for the ice cubes.
Also, the soapstone whiskey rocks are for imbibers that love their delicious liquor chilled down but not that much as with ice cubes so that they can savor the delicate nuances.
Very especially, those who love or want to develop their drinking rituals: crafting a cocktail, serving beer, aerating wine and now, pouring the whiskey on icy rocks in a stylish tumbler.
Finally, the whiskey stones gift box is an excellent surprising present to offer to hard-to-buy-for man or woman who loves to drink whiskey.
Alright! Where To Buy Soapstone Whiskey Rocks?
The Yvento Whiskey Stones Gift Box is sold on Amazon what is pretty convenient.
It is a Prime product so you can benefit from free and fast shipping if you are a Prime member.
9 Real Rocks With A Storage Bag, In A Magnetic Closure Gift Box
Frequently Asked Questions
Do whiskey stones absorb flavors?
No, they do not. Soapstone is a nonporous stone, its high density makes it the perfect rock for chilling without adding or absorbing any taste.
Do whiskey stones affect or change the taste?
No, they do not. Soapstone is a rock used in cookware for a long time. It does not absorb or leach any material into the drink.
Do you refrigerate whiskey stones?
Yes, definitely. The rocks need to be “icy” to substitute the water ice cubes.
How long should you freeze whiskey stones?
You have to freeze the rocks for at least 4 hours. I have them in the freezer all the time.
Do you freeze whiskey stones in the bag?
Yes, you can. The bag is to store them, and also you can freeze them in it. However, some use an extra plastic bag to avoid absorbing odors from the freezer, such as the smell of fish. Personally, I freeze them in the bag.
Will whiskey stones scratch glass?
Good quality whiskey stones, like the ones we show you in this article, have soft edges and do not scratch the glass, even the most delicate. Pay attention to use only the number of rocks you need, don’t fill the glass with stones to the brim :-)
How many times whiskey stones can be used?
The soapstone whiskey stones are pure natural rocks, and they last a lifetime. They are totally reusable and can be used as many times as you need.