Nothing can be disgusting like missing a cold drink when you need one. Worst still; you end up using a poor chilling method which eventually ruins your drinking experience by diluting your drink or introducing strange smells and odors. However, with quality whiskey stones, you can now say goodbye to watered drinks and those strange smells. Unlike ice, whiskey stones are by nature non-porous and adding them to your drink will help you chill it faster while retaining its character. The stones achieve this by absorbing all the heat in your drink without melting, giving you the freedom to enjoy a chilled drink whenever you need one.
While the market will spoil you for choice, you ought to know which whiskey stone will work best for you. In case you are hunting for a quality whiskey stone to chill your drink, you are in the right place because in this piece, we will take you through the best whiskey stones in the market today. We have also done a detailed shopping guide to help you identify one that best suits your needs. Keep reading to find out more.Best Pick
Our best pick on the list goes to Brotec Whiskey Stones. The stone set features eight premium quality granite rocks which give an incredible cooling effect to your drink. The package comes along with one velvet bag, two whiskey glasses, and an elegant wooden gift box making it an excellent addition to your bar or a great gift idea to a whiskey aficionado.
Budget Pick
Kollea Reusable Chilling Stones is the best whiskey stone for the money. The set comprises of six food grade stainless steel stones which have high cold temperature retention. The rocks are easy to clean and comes with a stylish gift box and a pair of tongs making it our best budget pick.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Whiskey Stones
1. Brotec Whiskey Stones
Enjoy a cold whiskey without foreign odors, or altering the taste of your drink with this amazing whiskey stone set from Brotec. The set comprises of 8 premium whiskey stones, one Velvet bag( black in color), two whiskey crystal shot glasses, and an elegant wooden box designed with a refined wood with a soft velvet pouch making it one of the best whiskey stone gift set.
The whiskey stones have a capability of cooling your whiskey, Bourbon and other drinks for hours giving you peace of mind when enjoying every sip.
To maximize the cooling effect of your stones, all you need is to clean them perfectly well and place them inside a freezer for about four hours or more then put about three pieces in a glass and enjoy a smooth chilled drink. Overall, Brotec whiskey stones are a great addition to not only your whiskey but also to any drink. Adding them to your bar will give you versatility like no other by allowing you cool your drinks without distorting the taste or smell.
Highlighted Features
2. Kollea Reusable Chilling Stones
Cooling your drinks has never been easy but with this Kollea re-usable chilling stones, you can cool your drink faster without changing its smell or taste. The rocks are made from food-grade stainless steel which does not corrode or rust.
The stones are long-lasting, reusable, dishwasher safe, and FDA certified giving you the freedom to enjoy a chilled drink whenever you need one. The package comprises of 6 quality ice cube chilling stones and slip-resistant tongs for convenience when removing your chilled rocks from the freezer into your glass.
A plastic storage tray is also included for easy and organization of your stones during the freezing process. With this Kollea chilling stones, you will only need to freeze them for one to two hours and enjoy a chilled drink for up to four hours. In case you may be planning to surprise your loved ones or a friend, you do not have to worry because Kollea cooling stones come with a stylish gift box for better presentation of your present.
Highlighted Features
3. Quiseen Beverage Chilling Stones
Say goodbye to diluted drinks and strange smells in your whiskey with this amazing Quiseen chilling stones. The package comes as a set of 9 cooling rocks which gives your drink an authentic flavor without diluting it.
The chilling stones are designed with soapstone for convenience and efficiency. Quiseen chilling rocks are re-usable and come along with a carrying pouch to enable you to enjoy a chilled drink even when travelling or on a weekend gateaway.
With these chilling stones, you will enjoy versatility by cooling drinks of your choice including whiskey, vodka, cocktail, beer, wine among others making it a great addition to your bar.
Highlighted Features
4. ROCKS Whiskey Chilling Stones
Say goodbye to watered drinks and scratched glasses with this fantastic whiskey chilling stone from ROCKS. The package features six well-crafted round cooling rocks with a diameter of 1.37" and thickness of .78". The stones have a clean surface which is friendly to your glass and will not leave any scratches even when used regularly.
All the six cooling rocks are natural and feature distinct colors which help invigorate your drinking moods. Aside from their different colors, Rocks chilling stones have been crafted with premium quality granite to enable you to enjoy your drink up to the last sip.
With Rocks cooling stones, you will enjoy not only cold spirits but also other drinks like beer, wines among others. Adding these eco-friendly rocks to your home bar will enhance your drinking experience by allowing you to enjoy the true spirit of authenticity.
Highlighted Features
5. Osleek Whiskey Stones
Osleek whiskey stones are made from high-quality food-grade stainless steel which defies corrosion and rust. The package features 8 Titanium gold coated stainless steel rocks, a tong, a velvet bag all packed in a wooden gift box.
The stones have high chilling power which keeps your drinks cold for an extended period. When inserted to your drink, the stones give your whiskey a shiny gold color while retaining its tastes, smell and quality.
Adding these osleek whiskey stones in your freezer will provide you with the freedom to enjoy a well-chilled drink anytime you need it. From whiskey, beer, cocktail, to wine, you name it, and this quality rocks will help cool down your drink faster.
Highlighted Features
6. Sipping Stones Grey Whiskey Chilling Rocks
With these sipping stone whiskey chilling rocks, you can now say goodbye to long freezing time. The stones are made from pure soapstone and only require freezing for a few hours, and they are ready for use. Due to the soapstone non-porous nature, adding them to your drink will not impact its taste, smell or overall quality.
The stones are finely crafted to prevent any chances of scratching your glass and can be a great addition on the table for your next party. Their grey color is cool to the eye and bringing them to the table will impress your guests and enhance their drinking experience.Highlighted Features
7. Spirit Stones Whiskey Chilling Stones
Enjoy a smooth chill which does not alter the character of your drink with these amazing whiskey stones from Spirit Stones. The rocks are an excellent choice for a whiskey aficionado. The set comprises of 10 re-useable rocks which are ideal for use on whiskey scotch and Bourbon.
Spirit Stones are made from 100% pure soapstone to ensure you enjoy a smooth chilled drink. The company gives attention to detail during the production process to make sure you enjoy quality drinks all the time.
Unlike any other standard whiskey stones you may find in the market, Spirit Stone chilling rocks have managed to stand out from its peers. They do not allow any soap or liquid to get trapped on them allowing you to add them to your drink with confidence.
Highlighted Features
8. Spirit Stones Whiskey chilling rocks
In case you may be in need of the best steel whiskey stones then these chilling rocks from Spirit Stones could be a great addition to your freezer. The stones are made from exceptional steel for a maximum chilling effect. To enjoy a cold glass of whiskey, you only need to freeze the rocks for only two hours, and you are good to go.
The stones have been adequately sealed to block soap or your drink from entering inside the rock allowing you to enjoy a smooth chilled drink free from any foreign smell or taste. The package comes as a set of 4 steel whiskey stones, a tray, and 1-inch ice cubes.
Each corner of every rock is professionally designed to prevent any scratches making them not only friendly to your drink but also your glass. The stones are also dishwasher safe which makes cleaning a snap.
Highlighted Features
9. BarMe Whiskey Stones
Nothing can ruin your drinking experiences like a diluted drink with foreign flavors. However, with these BarMe whiskey chilling rocks, you can enjoy faster chilling impact without altering the character of your drink. Though sold as whiskey chilling stones, you can also use them to cool down vodka, and scotch.
Inside the package are six stainless steel cooling stones, one velvet whiskey bag for freezing and storage, and a pair of tongs for serving your chilled stones. The rocks boast of their bullet-shaped design which makes them stand out.
Unlike other standard whiskey chilling stones which require you to wait for hours, these BarMe rocks will get your drink chilled to optimal temperatures within 3 to 4 minutes. To ensure every sip you have is healthy, BarMe has used high-quality stainless steel which is rust and corrosion resistant.
Aside from its fast chilling effect, the stones also have a high capability of retaining cold temperatures perfectly well allowing you to enjoy chilled drink glass after glass without any need for adding more rocks. That’s not all; the stones are durable which allows you to re-use them for an extended period making it a great investment or a gift idea for a whiskey fan.
Highlighted Features
10. Outset 76435 Whiskey Stones
Outset whiskey chilling stones come as a set of nine black polished granite rocks which feature stylish looks. The stones require chilling for few hours but once refrigerated they retain cold temperatures giving you the freedom to enjoy a smooth chilled drink without dilution.
A velvet bag is also included for comfortable and convenient transportation or storage of your stones when needed.
Highlighted Features
Benefits of Using Whiskey Stone
Maintains the quality of your drink
Whiskey stones are made using non-porous materials which enables you to enjoy a smooth chilled drink without impacting its characters. This is contrary to when you use ice cubes which melts down watering your drink. Worse still; ice cubes are prepared using hard water from the tap which increases the chances of introducing foreign flavors and smells into your drink impacting its natural tastes.
Saves space
Unlike ice cubes which melt completely, whiskey stones do not, which saves you space which you could have used to place ice trays. Their re-usable nature makes them economical and a great addition to your drink.
Healthy
Using whiskey stones ensures high levels of sanitation which helps bar any foreign material from contaminating your drinks giving you the confidence to enjoy every sip.
Gives your drink striking appearance
Whiskey chilling stones feature different shapes which give your drink a striking appearance which invigorates your drinking moods.
Chills drink faster
With whiskey stones, you do not have to wait the entire night to enjoy a chilled drink as you would when using ice. The rocks also have incredible temperature retention properties which chill your drink faster.
Versatile
Whiskey stones are ideal for cooling down other drinks aside from spirits. They can also be microwaved to keep drinks warm allowing you to enjoy your drinks just the way you would love them.
Factors to Consider When Buying Whiskey Stone
If you are looking forward to a smooth chilled drink which its characters are not altered, then you will have to invest on quality whiskey stones. The rocks have different features and will require you to be well informed before making your purchase. Detailed below are some of the critical factors you should consider each time you are buying whiskey stones.
Material
Whiskey stones are made of soapstone, granite or stainless steel. Whiskey rocks made of soapstone are affordable, soft, odorless and non-porous. Unlike granite and stainless steel, soapstone rocks are only ideal for use when a slight chilling effect is needed.
Granite whiskey stones are long-lasting, quality and have a tremendous chilling effect as compared to soapstone. You will only need to chill it for a few hours before using them. The only drawback for using granite cooling rocks is that they are by nature hard and if not handled appropriately they will scratch your glass.
Stainless steel whiskey stones are smooth, non-porous, rust resistant and do not corrode. They have a non-toxic chilling gel which offers an incredible chilling effect which allows it to retain cold temperatures for long making it a great pick if you are looking forward to chilling your drink to optimal temperatures. Regarding durability, stainless steel rocks are highly durable as compare to soapstone and granite.
Stainless steel stones are BPA free, dishwasher safe and ideal for use not only in all alcoholic drinks but also on other beverages which may need chilling.
Quantity
Every whiskey stone package comes in varying quantities depending on the manufacturer. Most whiskey stones come in sets of four to ten. While the quantity varies, the recommended number of rocks to use per glass will vary depending on the chilling stone power and ability to retain cold temperatures.
For instance, some rocks will require you to use 2 to 3 pieces while others will need only one or two. Before choosing the right package, consider the number of drinks you are looking forward to chill. For a party, you may need to buy several packages to avoid keeping your guests waiting. This will, however, depend on the recommended stones per drink and the number of people.
There is no recommended quantity, and the number you choose will depend on your personal preferences.
Ease of cleaning
Whiskey stones will require proper cleaning after use to help prevent any cross-contamination between drinks. Hard to clean stones will consume much of your time to clean. Models which are fully sealed bar soap and other liquids from getting absorbed making cleaning a snap. Dishwasher whiskey rocks also facilitate easy cleaning and are highly advocated.
Recommended drinks
Whiskey stones are versatile and can be used to chill other beverages. This will vary from one brand to another. Before you invest in one, ensure you know where to utilize them. Some may limit you on the number of drinks you can chill depending on the material used, but others will allow you to chill any drink. Never use a whiskey stone to cool down a drink that is not recommended by the manufacturer.
Shape
The market will spoil you with different whiskey stone shapes. Chilling stones usually come in rounded shapes, square, bullet or flat discs design. These shapes give your drink a shimmering appearance. However, the shape of your cooling rock may have an impact on your glass. When not used with vigilance. Square shaped stones may scratch your glass.
Going for smooth or refined stones will help reduce any chances of scratching your glass.
Wait time
Before using your whiskey stones, you will be required to chill them first for some time as recommended by your manufacturer. Before selecting your preferred cooling stones, get to know the chilling time to avoid any inconveniences. Always go for cooling rocks with less chilling time.
Temperature retention power
Each cooling stone will have a specific period at which it can keep your drink chilled depending on its ability to retain cold temperatures. Most manufacturers will specify for how long the whiskey stones will keep your drink cold. To avoid any disappointments, go for rocks which can retain cold temperatures for long.
Included accessories
There are different accessories which come along with whiskey stones, but they will vary. These accessories provide convenience and your choice will depend on your preferences. And among them include:
Tray
Whiskey stone tray is one of the essential requirements when freezing your rocks. They ensure that there is no contact between the stones allowing them to cool faster and also prevent any contamination with other foods. When not in use, the trays offer convenient storage for your stones when needed.
Tongs
Holding your chilled stones with hands or a piece of cloth may tamper with the character of your drink. A pair of tongs makes access to your chilled rocks easy and prevents any chances of contamination and prevent the stone falling on dirty areas ensuring high sanitary levels.
Whiskey glasses
Whiskey is recommended to be enjoyed with whiskey glasses, and if you are a novice or buying chilling rocks for your bar, you should go for those brands which come with these accessories.
Bag
When transportation is needed, this is where your bag comes for your rescue. These bags are specially designed to accommodate your box for a comfortable and hassle-free transportation.
Gift box
In case you may be planning to surprise your loved one with a whiskey stone set, a gift box will allow you to present your gift professionally.
Price
The price of whiskey stones is majorly determined by the material used, the number of stones and accessories included. While it is advisable to stay on your budget, you need to consider what you are looking for. Buying your chilling stones without some accessories that you will need to will cause inconvenience or even cost you more than you may think. Always make a comparison and go for the best deal.
Who makes the best whiskey stones?
Whiskey chilling rocks are of different types, and the market will always spoil you for choice. One thing you need to know before jumping in and making your selection is that whiskey stones are not equal and not every rock out there will enable you to attain the desired results.
People will always have varrying tastes in regards to chilled drinks. Some love slightly chilled while others like enjoying when the optimal temperatures are reached. The way you love enjoying your drink should guide you to choosing your whiskey stone set. All the above stone brands we have reviewed are an excellent pick if selected accordingly.
Tips for using whiskey stones properly
- Never freeze your whiskey stones without cleaning them. After every use, ensure you have adequately cleaned them using warm water and mild dish soap. This helps get rid of any whiskey flavors which may later form bad odors impacting your drink character
- Never clean soapstone whiskey stones in a dishwasher as they may end up breaking.
- Whiskey flavor may be hard to remove with warm water and soap. To get rid of them, you will required to soak your stones in a solution of vodka and warm water for three to four hours. Rinse them with warm water, dry well and return them in your freezer
- For optimal chilling effect, always use the recommended number of stones by your manufacturer
- To keep your drink character well maintained, always use a pair of tongs to prevent your stones from falling and acquiring dirt or bacteria from your hands
Whiskey stones frequent asked questions
How long does it take whiskey stones to chill my drink?
The chilling time will vary from one rock to the other depending on its material and its cold temperature retention capabilities. While some whiskey stones have the power of cooling down your drinks in minutes, others will require you to wait for a few hours.
Are whiskey stones safe?
By nature whiskey stones are non-porous which implies that they do not add any foreign flavor, smell or even water your drink. FDA approves them for use on several beverages. However, get to know which drinks your preferred cooling stone is recommended for.
How does whiskey stones cool drinks?
For your whiskey stone to chill your drink effectively, you will be required to freeze it depending on your manufacturer’s recommended chill time. Once they are ready, put then inside your whiskey glass and pour a considerate amount of your drink to cover the stone then wait for the stones to do their job. The wait time your drink will take to attain its cooling temperatures will vary depending on the stone brand you are using.
Which whiskey stones won't scratch my glass
Most whiskey rocks which feature square shape have high chances of scratching your glass as compared to round ones. However, with great care, you can minimize the chances of the stones from knocking your glass. Alternatively, you can opt for softer rocks made from soapstone or choose models which are polished.
Final verdict
Whether you are whiskey novice or aficionado, taking advantage of whiskey stones will enable you to enjoy smooth chilled drinks without altering their character. Better still; you will also enjoy using your chilling rocks on different drinks. The fact that whiskey stones can also be microwaved to warm your drinks gives you the freedom to enjoy your drinks the way you would love to anytime.
However, if you have never used them before you need to be well informed. While every rock will differ from each other, the set that you will settle for should match with your preferences. All the best whiskey stones we have featured above are from quality manufacturers and are designed to help you chill your drinks as preferred. Note that the rocks vary and a wrong choice will ruin your drinking experience. Please take advantage of our guide to make your right decision.
The point of whiskey stones is not to chill your whiskey to the point of losing the lovely flavour notes, it is to take your drink to lower than room temperature. They are very effective at this and they also look great in a glass and are always a talking point.