Williams-Sonoma Sphere Ice Molds ($12.95)
Can we talk about whiskey stones for a minute? Every blog I read is singing the praises of whiskey stones as a gift for the man in your life. But ladies, while the stones may look cool and sound cool, they do not, I repeat, do NOT, keep your drink cold.
My male friends are serious drinkers of whiskey, bourbon and rye. Get on the wait list for Pappy Van Winkle, travel hundreds of miles just to buy that special bottle, keep a whiskey tasting diary (also a good gift), serious. And the only thing these gents agree on is that whiskey stones are a waste of money, but ice molds are the bomb.
The spherical ice molds above are the ideal choice because they melt slowly and evenly. If you serve more than two cubes at a time, you might also consider this silicon tray that makes six large cubes.
So skip the pretty stones that the other lady bloggers tell you to buy, and pick up the ice molds that actually get the job done. Oh, and if you were not one of the happy few who made it to the top of the Pappy Van Winkle wait list this year, check out this Bon Appetit article on affordable, great tasting bourbons and ryes.
15 comments
Lisa says:
https://www.caphillstyle.com/capitol/2011/12/06/2011-gift-guide-stocking-stuffers-for-him-html.html
Belle says:
Yep, I made the whiskey stone mistake in 2011, and my guy friends set me straight, That’s why last year’s guide and this year’s guide contain molds.
Liz says:
gotta say… this gift also works for soda! I hate a watery Diet Coke just as much as I hate a warm one!
DCDrinkess says:
Where did you get Pappy Van Winkle? For the third year in a row I’ve missed it, and I’m beginning to think I’m going to have to quit my job to work at a liquor store to buy any.
Belle says:
I put myself on the waiting list at congressional liquor in December 2011. They called in 12 to say my number came up.
A says:
I found it in two different stores in DC this weekend. But be prepared to pay: the small bottle was $500.
Lauren says:
Ditto the whiskey stone sentiment! We love our globes, and now the whiskey stones are simply relegated to a life in the freezer. Our stones seem to get kind of dirty too?
N says:
My fiance has both the stones and the globe ice molds… he always uses the globes.
Jenna says:
Ditto on the ice spheres. I originally bought these to freeze dog treats into for a summer cool down for my dog. However, I like using them for my drinks so much I now only use them for myself.
You can find these a few dollars cheaper on Amazon…
https://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-Sphere-Ice-Molds-Set/dp/B007ACTN54/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386973054&sr=8-1&keywords=ice+sphere
I’ll also second the advice that Belle gave last week, when you want to go the extra mile using boiling water creates a crystal clear sphere.
Jill says:
It’s more of a summertime thing — but in addition to ice from water, you can freeze leftover brewed coffee (for iced coffee) and iced tea — to keep those drinks from getting watered down.
Sarah says:
FWIW I think part of the point of the whiskey is that it’s not meant to be enjoyed ice cold. That’s why the stones only chill it a little bit. Some people add a little cold water to enhance the flavor but actual ice can mess up the flavor. I’m not a huge drinker, just went to college in Kentucky where learning things like this is mandatory. But I’m all for people just doing what they like best. But there is at least some good logic behind those stones.
Pancakes says:
I completely agree with Sarah.
I guess it depends on how you like your whiskey, but I don’t like mine on the rocks or super chilled (as it gets with ice). I also generally don’t like to add water to my whiskey. So I prefer the slight chill whiskey stones give off.
Giggling Gourmand says:
I agree, I don’t like ice in my whisky and I don’t like it too cold either. I do add a little water. And not to start a *^%)storm here, but this post kind of sounds like whisky is a boy drink that women know nothing about. Either way, another fun gift if you have a whisky lover about(though way more expensive than a stocking stuffer) is a whisk(e)y explorer’s club membership. https://www.forwhiskeylovers.com/store/membership/whiskey-explorers-club-scout-annual-membership
Belle says:
I didn’t mean that at all. There are many women who know more about whisky than I ever will, but I think there are a lot of bloggers who don’t drink brown liquor and don’t know much about it recommending a gift because every other blogger is. The previous commenters are right, it does depend on personal preference, as you mentioned, but most of the posts I’ve read talk about how the stones will keep your drink cold, and in my opinion, the spheres do a better job of that.
Giggling Gourmand says:
😉 – there are differing opions on this and many long conversations can be had. I’m sure my husband has repeatedly considered buying https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/77461/?catalogId=60&bnrid=3120901&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Tabletop_&_Bar&cm_pla=Bar_Tools&cm_ite=Cirrus_Ice_Ball_Press_Kit%2C_2%22_%7C_Williams-Sonoma&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=33-239818430-2
only to realize bad things would happen to him if he did. He’s an ice ball guy. I just think he’s nuts.