MENU
The Different Types of Ice & When To Use Them With Whisky
Taking your whisky neat or on the rocks is one of the great debates of modern libations. If you choose to drink your whisky neat, you might earn respect from other avid whisky drinkers who prefer the brightest and boldest of flavors. If you choose to drink your whisky on the rocks, some may question if you truly have the palate for whisky drinking. However, we couldn’t disagree with those people more.
In fact, whisky on the rocks is one of the best ways to help the flavor of the drink bloom, allowing you to enjoy its velvety body and smooth flavor profiles. For those who prefer softer flavors as opposed to bold ones, whisky on the rocks is the way to go.
But, while taking your whisky on the rocks is an easy choice, which type of rocks you should choose is a more complicated question. Check out our breakdown below for the best ice to use in your glass of caramel and vanilla infused Texas Crown.
Round v. Square
When it comes to icing down your whisky, most people use one large cube rather than a handful of small ones. This is because the larger cube allows the ice to melt more slowly, diluting the drink less than the traditional cubes from an ice maker.
Whether you use a large round cube or a large square one, the choice comes down to personal preference. We tend to give the edge to the round cubes though, as their smaller surface area to volume ratio causes them to melt more slowly, diluting your drink less than a square cube would. You get all the benefits of a chilled whisky in its subtler, more palatable flavor, without the extra dilution from melted ice.
Whether you use a large round cube or a large square one, the choice comes down to personal preference. We tend to give the edge to the round cubes though, as their smaller surface area to volume ratio causes them to melt more slowly, diluting your drink less than a square cube would. You get all the benefits of a chilled whisky in its subtler, more palatable flavor, without the extra dilution from melted ice.
Stones v. Ice
Whisky stones, or the chilled soapstones that many avid bar cart suppliers and owners keep on hand, are used to keep your whisky on the rocks cold without any water dilution. So are they really better for your whisky than ice?
While whisky stones do follow through on their promise to not dilute your drink, the stones do not get as cold as actual ice. This is because they have a lower heat capacity than ice, meaning it takes less to raise their temperature. If you want a colder drink, ice is the way to go. But if temperature matters less than dilution, knock yourself out with some whisky stones.
While whisky stones do follow through on their promise to not dilute your drink, the stones do not get as cold as actual ice. This is because they have a lower heat capacity than ice, meaning it takes less to raise their temperature. If you want a colder drink, ice is the way to go. But if temperature matters less than dilution, knock yourself out with some whisky stones.
How to Add Ice to Whisky
Traditionally, whisky is served neat (without ice). However, if you’re enjoying the beverage on a hot, sunny day, or while hitting the links with friends, you may want the extra chill that ice brings to the drink.
If you’re looking for a quick drink in between rounds of golf, or while enjoying a drink with a friend, opt for several small ice cubes. This will dilute the drink more quickly, yes, but it will also get it as cold as possible as quickly as possible. And when you’re drinking it over the span of just a few minutes, dilution is less of a concern.
If you’re relaxing after a round of golf, or taking in your neighborhood views on your back porch, one large ice cube will do the trick. The larger cube won’t melt or dilute your drink as quickly, but it will cool it off more efficiently than whisky stones.
Whisky stones are great if dilution is a big concern. While they will chill your drink, they don’t get anywhere near as cold as real ice. So, if you’re going for a slightly chilled, non-diluted whisky, pick up some whisky stones on your next shopping trip.
If you’re looking for a quick drink in between rounds of golf, or while enjoying a drink with a friend, opt for several small ice cubes. This will dilute the drink more quickly, yes, but it will also get it as cold as possible as quickly as possible. And when you’re drinking it over the span of just a few minutes, dilution is less of a concern.
If you’re relaxing after a round of golf, or taking in your neighborhood views on your back porch, one large ice cube will do the trick. The larger cube won’t melt or dilute your drink as quickly, but it will cool it off more efficiently than whisky stones.
Whisky stones are great if dilution is a big concern. While they will chill your drink, they don’t get anywhere near as cold as real ice. So, if you’re going for a slightly chilled, non-diluted whisky, pick up some whisky stones on your next shopping trip.
Neat or On the Rocks: You Can’t Miss with Texas Crown
Whether you’re a whisky pro or new to the game, neat or on the rocks is as much a part of the experience as the type of whisky you drink. Use the guide above to determine which option is best for you. Then sit back and sip on the delicious taste of Texas Crown.
At Texas Crown, every bottle is crafted and completed by skilled hands. We start by selecting the finest grains. And we finish by meticulously slow aging our whisky in American Oak Bourbon barrels, giving Texas Crown Club Whisky a distinguished, smooth, mellow and creamy taste. To learn more, visit https://www.texascrownclubwhisky.com.
