Whisky Stones

A whisky stone (cooling cube) is a cooling unit made of stone or metal, used to chill whisky without dilution by lowering the liquid's temperature.

Materials

• Stone: non-porous stones such as soapstone and granite.
• Metal: stainless steel or similar alloys.
• Shape and size: cubic or oval cubes; typical dimensions around 2–3 cm; weight about 20–60 g.

Usage

• Preparation: Freeze the cubes in the freezer for at least 4–6 hours before use. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
• Use: When the cubes are cold, place them in a whisky glass. The number of cubes depends on glass size and desired cooling; typically 2–4 cubes per glass. Let them sit in the liquid for a few minutes, until the desired temperature is reached.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Advantages: no dilution, reusable, easy to store.
• Disadvantages: cooling is often less intense than ice, and the effect diminishes over time.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean the cubes with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Dry them completely, and store in a clean container. For stone- and glass-protected cubes, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Special notes: Avoid placing stones in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.