Redefining On The Rocks
Whisky stones appeared in the first decade of the new century, around 2007. They were originally made exclusively from soapstone, a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. Soapstone is the perfect type of rock to make a whiskey stone, due to its soft composition. Once the stones have been cut and tumbled to remove sharp edges, a whiskey stone can be placed in a glass without the worry of scratches or breakage. Throughout history, soapstone has been used to create many types of kitchen ware, from mixing bowls, to fireplace surrounds, to sculpted works of art, so its a natural fit inside an Old Fashioned glass of whiskey. Some soapstone whiskey stones feature a semi-polished finish, retaining the muted look of natural rock. Others are highly polished, with a shiny, slick black surface. Both types of finishing work equally well, so it comes down to the individual drinkers preference in looks.
Whiskey stones also make enjoying a cold drink easier than before, especially when they come with unique whiskey glasses like this. Prefer a chilled whiskey but didnt put the bottle in the fridge or freezer? Simply drop a few of the soapstones into your glass and youve got pure unadulterated and chilled whiskey without having to add ice and risk watering down your expensive bottle of Glenmorangie Signet or Michters.
What Is A Whiskey On The Rocks
A Whiskey on the rocks is one of the most popular ways to drink whiskey. It is a simple drink that combines a straight pour of whiskey over ice, served in a whiskey tumbler.
It is widely considered to be one of the best ways to enjoy whiskey because it doesnt obscure the flavor of whiskey and can actually enhance it.
In this post, Ill explain how to make whiskey on the rocks. Ill also share some of the reasons why this is and isnt a great way to drink whiskey.
How To Use Whiskey Stones
Using this innovative drink accessory is very simple. Simply place in the freezer for 4 or more hours. When you are ready to drink, place your desired number of whiskey stones into your glass . Reach for your favorite bottle of bourbon, scotch, or blended whiskey, and pour as usual. Wait a minute or two for the temperature of your drink to go down, and poof! Youre ready to sip. The best whiskey stones will last a lifetime, so its worth the investment.
Also Check: Mixers For Honey Whiskey
Is It Wrong To Put Ice In Whiskey
Not exactly. In fact, whether you put ice in your whiskey comes down entirely to personal preference. However, some whiskey connoisseurs argue that the addition of ice dilutes whiskey and hinders the flavors. But others believe that ice can actually enhance the aromas of certain whiskeys.
In any case, the main purpose of putting ice into whiskey is to keep the drink cool. Nonetheless, some people prefer their whiskey on the rocks purely for the fact that it does dilute the drink and take the edge off as the ice melts.
How To Make Whiskey Taste Better
Last Updated on February 10, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Whiskey, as strong as it can be, isnt for everyone. It comes with a searing warmth that could wake up your senses in just one sip. And for some, its hard to improve a bottle of neat whiskey.
But why take it neat when you can make whiskey taste better?
Also Check: 100% Agave Tequila Brands Cheap
Can I Drink Whiskey On The Rocks
If youre looking to drink whisky as the distillery intended it, dont drink it on the rocks. But, if youre drinking a cheaper whisky, or just looking for a cocktail that goes down easy, then sure, drink whisky on the rocks. Just make sure the ice is good quality, or you may end up drinking a chlorinated whisky.
The Whiskey On The Rocks Debate
Any liquor can be served on the rocks. Whiskey just happens to be the spirit that is most often ordered this way. This frequently brings up a debate among whiskey connoisseurs:
- Do you need to add ice to your premium whiskey?
- Will ice dilute the whiskey and ruin the experience?
- Is there a better option that will chill the whiskey without the dilution?
First of all, with any drink, there is no right or wrong answer because it’s all about personal preference. If you enjoy it, then drink it. There are, however, legitimate arguments and instances that you may want to think about when exploring your options.
In the bar, the primary purpose of ice is to chill drinks. When drinking whiskey straight, you have the option of enjoying it at room temperature or slightly chilled the latter is achieved by pouring it over ice or into a chilled glass.
Dilution is the downside of adding ice to whiskey. Ice melts and that can lead to a watery drink, but it can be a welcomed addition. When mixing drinks, the water from shaking or stirring a cocktail with ice marries the various flavors and softens the alcohol kick to create a smoother drink. Whiskey aficionados have mixed opinions about whether this is good for whiskey, and several reject ice entirely.
You May Like: Strawberry Lemonade Svedka Nutrition Facts
There Are A Lot Of Opinions On How To Drink Whisky Some Of These Opinions Are Traditionalist Others Based Upon Regional Habits And Customs Others On Fashion And Trends But Is There One True And Proper Way
Well, letâs start by saying that there is no one right way to drink whiskyâ¦except the way that you enjoy the most. Like most choices in life, personal taste is usually the most influential factor.
However, the way you prefer the taste of your whisky can significantly influence the type and brand of whisky you buy.
To help you better appreciate the four ways to drink whisky, we want to provide you with some insights into what happens to a whisky when it is introduced to other liquids.
Just one other thing before we start, our whiskies are exactingly made by hand to ensure a very specific taste and performance parameters for each of our products. We design them to be enjoyed pure and at room temperature. Therefore, while we all enjoy whisky cocktails and experimenting with adding water to some cask strength whiskies, we do not and would not recommend doing so with our whiskies.
Pause Between Sips For The Ice To Melt
As mentioned, one of the points of drinking whiskey on the rocks or with ice is to taste all the flavor changes as the ice melts and the added water opens up more of your whiskeys flavors. You need to pause between sips so the slowly melting ice can do its job.
How long to wait between each sip will vary from whiskey to whiskey and person to person, so once again youll need to experiment to discover how long it will take for the melting ice to change the flavor of a particular whiskey.
After each pause for the ice to melt, youll need to smell and taste your whiskey again to see what new aromas and flavors have turned up.
Good luck.
You May Like: Svedka Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Recipes
Pour 2fl Oz Of Whiskey
When drinking whiskey on the rocks or with ice, the point is not to get drunk but to have a more substantial drink whose aromas and flavors you can explore and enjoy over four or five sips. Thats why a normal amount to pour when drinking whiskey with ice is 2fl oz.
This is an approximate amount. You dont have to measure this out precisely and you can always use the two fingers rule which just means pouring until you reach the height of the width of two fingers held horizontally against a regular sized glass .
Add Ice And Wait A Few Minutes For It To Melt
It only takes a few minutes for ice cubes to start making your drink colder, but youll probably want to wait 5 10 minutes for your whiskey to become cold enough that the burn of the alcohol is reduced, and the ice starts to melt and add water to your drink. The amount of time will depend on the exact size of your ice cubes, the temperature of the surrounding environment and your personal preference, so this will need some experimentation.
Be careful not to wait too long. Even though larger ice cubes melt and change the flavors of your whiskey slower, they still melt and change the flavors of your whiskey, and if you wait for too long you can miss some of it.
Don’t Miss: How Many Carbs In Svedka Strawberry Lemonade Vodka
The Whiskey Dilution Continues To Increase
The problem with putting ice in your whiskey is that it will continue to melt, which continually changes the dilution of your drink.
If you don’t drink it fast enough, your whiskey will pass that “sweet spot” where the whiskey is perfectly diluted and turn into “whiskey flavored water”.
This is an absolute tragedy if you are drinking a high quality whiskey.
This is why most whiskey aficionados disapprove of ice with whiskey.
Instead they prefer to drink it straight or with a small amount of water source . If you are drinking a mediocre whiskey, this is a relative problem.
The Tale Behind Whisky On The Rocks
You can trace the phrase on the rocks can back to ancient Scotland, the great-grandfather and inventor of whisky. In the days before ice cubes and freezers, the story goes that a savvy Scotsman could chill his whisky with cold rocks from the river.These days, many folks drink whisky with an ice cube or two. It might surprise you to find out that this is generally frowned upon in the Highlands where they first distilled whisky.
In Scotland, whisky is traditionally served one of two ways: neat, or with a drop of water. The tradition of adding a drop of water opens the aromatic profile of the drink, bringing out the complexities of the whisky. Very seldom is a whisky ordered on the rocks in Scotland. History considers on the rocks an American take on the spirit.
In America, whisky on the rocks became a drink of choice in the 1940s. Before that, Americans frequently diluted their Scotch and other whiskies with fizzing seltzer water and ice in a mixture known as the Highball.
To increase the popularity of the beverage, whisky brands like the Scottish-owned Famous Grouse promoted the drinking of whisky with ice. As the popularity of scotch without seltzer grew, the on the rocks trend became cemented in history.
You May Like: Pinnacle Vodka Mixers
What Are Whiskey Stones
Whiskey stones, or whiskey rocks, are small cubes of clean, cut natural stone used to chill whiskey and other spirits. These stones, available in a variety of sizes, are designed to be stored in the freezer, and added to straight shots of whiskey, bourbon, or scotch, in order to chill them without the risk of diluting the drink. The best whiskey stones for keeping drinks ice cold however, are the ones that are made of stainless steel. These chilling stones of steel have gel inside them that freezes allowing them to stay colder longer than traditional stones. However many purists would swear regular soapstone whiskey stones are the best. To that we say, to each their own.
While its true that different drinkers have varying preferences, including some who prefer to have a little water added to their drink, whiskey stones such as these create the possibility to quickly lower the temperature, while preserving unadulterated straight-from-the-bottle taste. Since good whiskey is aged over many years, a nice bottle isnt always cheap. Maintaining the distilleries desired balance for flavors is important, and too much water can lead to a watered down taste. Whiskey stones eliminate any and all danger of too much moisture, and still give you a tasty, chilled beverage.
You Should Be Drinking Your Whiskey On The Rocks Experts Say
Prefer your booze neat? You could be missing out
If you prefer your whiskey neat instead of on the rocks, a study published in the journal Scientific Reports may convince you to take it otherwise. The team behind the study used computer simulations to reason why the dilution provided by ice can make your booze taste better.
Per the report, whiskeys unique flavor mainly derives from guaiacol, a molecule that can respond well to water in the right dosage. The team simulated how different concentrations of water affected guaiacol in an effort to find the sweet spot between the two.
Make the perfect whiskey sour:
Simulations showed that guaiacol is likely to be floating to the top of your glass when your whiskey is between 40 and 45 percent alcohol, which is approximately the alcohol by volume of Jack Daniels. Its presence can intensify smell and taste, but you can also give that taste a boost by adding just a tiny amount of water to your glass, as it’ll push more guaiacol to the top of the drink rather than spread it throughout. If the ABV is higher than 59 percent, you’ll definitely want to dilute it. Without any water at this percentage, the guaiacol is dispersing throughout the drink, causing you to miss out on that precious flavor.
You May Like: Absolut Vodka Is Made From
How Is Whiskey Made
When you are sipping on your favorite whiskey, have you ever wondered how brewers make it?
With all the varieties out there, you may wonder what whiskey is made from and what gives them their distinct flavor? And is the process of making it always the same?
While different distilleries have their way of doing things, whiskeys primary process is usually the same. Read on to find out more about exactly how whiskey is made.
Jump to a section
Whiskey Rocks: A Few Crazy Options You Should Try
- Products
- Whiskey Rocks: A Few Crazy Options You Should Try
Wondering the best whiskey rocks to go with your favorite whiskey or old fashioned? We’ve got you fully covered! Whiskey lovers now have several options when it comes to serving up their favorite liquor. And, interestingly, the best ice may actually be no ice at all! So, if youre looking for types of liquor stones you’re in the right place.
Continue reading to learn different types of whiskey rocks to put into your drinks – including scotch and bourbon.
Also Check: What Proof Is Patron
Why Should You Drink Your Whiskey On The Rocks
The primary flavor of whiskey is obtained from a molecule called guaiacol, which provides a better taste when the whiskey is diluted with the right amount of water or ice.
In a computer simulation by researchers, it was found that guaiacol floats to the top of the glass when the alcohol percentage of your whiskey is around 40-45 percent, which is the alcohol percentage in a classic Jack Daniels whiskey.
It intensifies the taste and smell, which can be enhanced by adding even a small amount of water to the glass. In addition, the water or ice will push guaiacol to the top of the drink instead of spreading it in the whole drink.
If the alcohol percentage is even higher, say around 59 percent, then it is even more critical to dilute your drink otherwise, the guaiacol will disperse in the whole drink.
Get Hold Of A Whiskey Tumbler
When drinking whiskey on the rocks or with ice you need to use a tumbler and not a nosing glass. The difference between these two types of whiskey glasses is:
- Nosing glasses are tall-ish with a wide bowl, long narrow neck, thin stem and pedestal.
- Tumblers are short and wide with straight sides, a thick or heavy flat bottom and no stem or handle.
There are three reasons why you should use tumblers when drinking whiskey with ice and not nosing glasses. The first is because the thicker sides and bottom of tumblers make them stronger than nosing glasses which are more delicate and fragile. Ice cubes shouldnt break or scratch whiskey tumblers, but they might damage nosing glasses.
The second reason for using a whiskey tumbler is because they have a wider opening than nosing glasses. Since for the above-mentioned reasons, you need to use larger ice cubes, youll also need to use a glass with an opening thats large enough for them to fit through. Large ice cubes wont fit through the narrow opening of nosing glasses.
Finally, you need to use a tumbler when drinking whiskey with ice because their thicker sides insulate the contents of the glass from the heat coming from your hand or the surface on which the glass is resting and prevents it from melting the ice quicker and causing the above-mentioned problems.
You May Like: Is Costco Vodka The Same As Grey Goose
The Dilution Of Your Drink Keeps Changing
The trouble with putting ice in your whiskey is that it will continue to melt which continually changes the dilution of your drink. If you dont drink it fast enough, your whiskey will move past that sweet point where the whiskey is perfectly diluted and will turn into whiskey flavored water.
This is an absolute tragedy if you are drinking a high-quality whiskey. This is why most whiskey aficionados frown upon mixing ice with whiskey.
Instead, they prefer to drink it neat or with a small amount of spring water . If you are drinking a mediocre whiskey, this is less of an issue.
Go For Bitters To Personalize The Flavor
You can also try to mix bitters to personalize your single-malt whiskeys aroma. These alcoholic-based flavoring agents are made to infuse a neutral spirit with any number of aromatics such as tree bark, roots, and herbs.
Bitters are very potent, and dosing and frequency will vary on what youre using them for. But often, a few drops will do. It also enhances the underlying notes of fruits or baking savoriness. You may taste a bittersweet or bitter sour zest when adding them to your whiskeys. But, what does whiskey really taste like?
Also Check: What Can You Mix With Honey Whiskey