Bourbon Glass & Whiskey Stones Help

[BourbonBinder]

Thank you for the Bourbon recommendations, I've learned much and have a pretty tasty list going.

I'm now searching for a decent (not too pricey) bourbon glass; something that helps bring out the characteristics and nuances. Also, I want to get a set of whiskey stones. Can anyone please explain the differences between them, like steel, soapstone, teroforma. What are the differences and benefits? So far I've looked at Glencairn glassware but I'm not too sure if the whiskey stones will be a good fit. I'm looking for a glass that as a smaller mouth to it. There's so much cheap stuff on eBay and Amazon that I don't know what to trust. Thanks brothers

 

[hopzilla]

My only input is in regards to expectations for the stones.

Whiskey stones help knock the whiskey down a few degrees off of room temperature, and help keep it there. They do not chill your whiskey like ice cubes would.

This may be what you want, or it may not. I prefer my whiskey neat and just slightly cooled (to make take a little of the heat off). But if you like your whiskey cold, I'd save your money.

For what it's worth, I use whiskey stones every time I pour whiskey at my house.

 

[BourbonBinder]

My only input is in regards to expectations for the stones.

Whiskey stones help knock the whiskey down a few degrees off of room temperature, and help keep it there. They do not chill your whiskey like ice cubes would.

This may be what you want, or it may not. I prefer my whiskey neat and just slightly cooled (to make take a little of the heat off). But if you like your whiskey cold, I'd save your money.

For what it's worth, I use whiskey stones every time I pour whiskey at my house.

I too will want it cooled slightly, I'm not a huge fan of putting ice in my drinks, probably why I like red dry wine opposed to white wine.
thanks for the input.

 

[jerseyjetset]

I have a nice set of soapstone whiskey stones that I use on a regular basis. They were relatively inexpensive, are easy to clean, and came in a nice little felt bag i can put on the freezer door so they don't take up a huge amount of space. I have a set of cut crystal rocks glasses w/ a cut crystal decanter that will easily hold a 750mL bottle of whatever I want to put in it (on a shiny silver tray to boot!). It's attractive behind the bar, helps aerate the whiskey a bit, and the glasses are thick enough that the heat from my hand doesn't elevate the temp of the whiskey. I too am a bourbon guy, but my daily drinker is Maker's Mark so I am not usually trying to go nuts with specialized gear. Every now and again I find myself into something nicer, but not often enough to spend big bucks on fancy glassware, etc. I'd rather just spend that cash on the bourbon (and some nice cigars to go with it)

 

[Monsterdg]

I tried stones, but found I need it cooler than they would make it. I would get an inexpensive set first & see how you like them. Consumer reports or something similar did a report about a year ago & found most of them (metal, stone, etc.) were roughly the same cooling, etc.

 

[mwlabel]

Glencarin glass ftw.

I have several sets of whisky stones but don't really ever use them any more. I think they're more work than reward (again, just MY opinion).

 

[Sirspanksalot]

I got some whiskey stones from a gift set of dewarts that my mom gave me. Haven't actually tried them yet though.

 

[Stogies and Suds]

Get a Ice Sphere mold, the large surface area melts slower and chills the whiskey while the slight melted water helps bring out more characteristics in the drink.
or if yo like the surface area without the ice...
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/top-shelf-soapstone-whiskey-spheres-set-of-2/1043800650?

 

[RacFocus]

I use these large square ice cubes. I have the stones but found I like my drinks colder than what they did. I was afraid the large cubes would water down my bourbon too much, but they melt pretty slow as to not get too watery.

 

[TonyRome]

I just saw a set of 9 stones on groupon for 8.99

 

[rdomfoto]

Another "me too" for the ice spheres. My wife bought me a silicon set that makes two large balls of ice, 2½" in diameter. They melt really slowly but chill the whiskey quite nicely. Now, that being said, I prefer chilled whiskey in a cocktail only (like an Old Fashioned) and drink my whiskey neat at room temperature.

 

[JohnnyB]

Add me to the list of guys that like the Ice Molds.. the stones just don't do it for me. To be honest, I barely can tell they work at all. If I were you @BrewsBro13 , since they both are inexpensive, you can usually find them for under $10 each, I would buy stones and Ice molds and see which one you like better. If you don't like the ice molds you can always use them for mix drinks, or when guests come over.

 

[CVAC085]

My girlfriend got me a set of the whiskey stones for Christmas. I used them for the first time last week. They didn't do much for me but like others have stated maybe down a few degrees (if that) from room temperature.

I've been eye-balling the ice ball mold for some time and might pull the trigger and buy one if they melt really slow.

One reason I got the stones was to avoid watering down my bourbon and whiskey to take away some of the notes of flavors.

 

[plumber1965]

Buy the mold u will love it

 

[BourbonBinder]

I have a nice set of soapstone whiskey stones that I use on a regular basis. They were relatively inexpensive, are easy to clean, and came in a nice little felt bag i can put on the freezer door so they don't take up a huge amount of space. I have a set of cut crystal rocks glasses w/ a cut crystal decanter that will easily hold a 750mL bottle of whatever I want to put in it (on a shiny silver tray to boot!). It's attractive behind the bar, helps aerate the whiskey a bit, and the glasses are thick enough that the heat from my hand doesn't elevate the temp of the whiskey. I too am a bourbon guy, but my daily drinker is Maker's Mark so I am not usually trying to go nuts with specialized gear. Every now and again I find myself into something nicer, but not often enough to spend big bucks on fancy glassware, etc. I'd rather just spend that cash on the bourbon (and some nice cigars to go with it)

Well said, thank you.

 

[BourbonBinder]

Awesome suggestions thanks brothers.

 

[K Williams]

Glencarin glass ftw.

I have several sets of whisky stones but don't really ever use them any more. I think they're more work than reward (again, just MY opinion).

Do you have the original size or the larger glass?

 

[mwlabel]

Do you have the original size or the larger glass?

Original. Didn't even know they came in larger sizes

 

[BourbonBinder]

I've decided to hold off on the whiskey stones until I attempt to enjoy my bourbon neat, then I will adjust accordingly (since I have no idea which will taste like what until I try). I ordered a damn fine Glencairn Whiskey Glass with a US Coast Guard logo and inscription on the back. I will take pictures when I receive it and have introduced bourbon to it for the first time. Thanks brothers
http://www.glencairnwhiskyglass.com/

 

[marshall9779]

I have some stainless ones that my wife got from Marshall's. I think the are gel filled or something. They are kind of small so I use 2. The don't make it cold but cool enough to take some of the burn off.