No. 01 / 02Small gift
Small giftGlencairn whisky glass, set of 2
The nosing glass whisky drinkers default to. It’s inexpensive and durable.
Gift ideas · Whiskey
The whiskey lover’s whimsical collection: 10 quirky stones
Whiskey stones chill without watering down your drink. Here’s what independent tests say about how well they work, plus ten fun styles and the glass to drop them in.
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I · The short versionQuick picks
| No. | Pick | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Game-night giftWhiskey stones dice set $$$$ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
| 2 | Gift boxStainless whiskey stones gift set $$$$ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
| 3 | Glass to drop them inGlencairn, set of 2 $$$$ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
| 4 | Splurge: the decanterWaterford Lismore decanter set $$$$ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
II · Read this firstDo whiskey stones actually work?
In category tests from the Alcohol Professor, Doing Science To Stuff and threads on r/whiskey, stainless-steel stones chill better than soapstone, and both chill less than real ice. Stones don’t water the drink down, and they make a good gift. If you want your whiskey properly cold, use one big ice cube.
III · The whimsical tenTen quirky stone styles
01 Dice
Six-sided steel dice. Roll for who pours next. Whiskey stones dice set.
02 The classic gift box
Steel stones plus glasses and tongs in a presentation box. Stainless steel whiskey stones gift set.
03 Arctic animals
Polar bears and penguins. Fun with a peaty Islay. Shapes like these come and go, so search for the style and read the current reviews.
04 Meteorite-look stones
Dark, pitted and otherworldly. Shapes like these come and go, so search for the style and read the current reviews.
05 Nautical shapes
Anchors and ship’s wheels for the sailor. Shapes like these come and go, so search for the style and read the current reviews.
06 Dinosaurs
T. rex in your rye. Shapes like these come and go, so search for the style and read the current reviews.
07 Puzzle-block shapes
Stack them like a game from the ’80s. Shapes like these come and go, so search for the style and read the current reviews.
08 Rune-engraved stones
For a quiet dram and a long think. Shapes like these come and go, so search for the style and read the current reviews.
09 Guitar shapes
For the rock fan. Shapes like these come and go, so search for the style and read the current reviews.
10 Film-reel gift case
For the movie buff. Shapes like these come and go, so search for the style and read the current reviews.
IV · Finish the pourWhat to pour over them
No. 02 / 02Splurge
SplurgeWaterford Lismore square 3-piece decanter set
Cut crystal for the bottle you want to show off. There are few public owner reviews, so treat it as a classic-brand gift.
More glassware: the best whiskey glasses.
V · Asked oftenFAQ
How do I use whiskey stones?
Freeze them for at least four hours, add two or three to a glass, then pour. Wash and refreeze.
Will steel stones crack my glass?
Drop them in gently, or set them in first and pour over them. A heavy-bottomed rocks glass is safest.
Keep reading: The best whiskey glasses · The bar spoon · Novelty flasks