Micaela JularbalDrinking whiskey is all about the experience. Aside from the liquor itself, many accessories can heighten the sensation of whiskey drinking, even more so, if you choose top-shelf products that are especially designed for this purpose. Consider upping your whiskey game by getting a few of these accessories.
Whiskey Glasses
The experience of drinking whiskey, which has a complex flavor, comes from the combination of what your nose smells and what your tongue tastes. While it is perfectly fine to drink whiskey out of any kind of container, whiskey glasses can ensure that the flavor of the whiskey is not tainted. Using tin, paper, or plastic cups for example, may change how they whiskey tastes.
There are many kinds of whiskey glasses out there. There are regularly shaped glasses which you can personalize. There are also specially designed glasses that give you a different kind of whiskey experience, functionally and visually. Glasses that get smaller at the top can help you smell, taste, and savor the different flavors of the whiskey better.
Special Whiskey Ice Molds
Instead of using regular ice cubes which can easily dilute your drink, you can also try out ice molds that make uniquely shaped ice. By exposing less surface area to the whiskey, they tend to melt slower than their regular counterparts.
There’s ice that is shaped like a ball which you might have seen already in many trendy bars. There are also bigger versions of regular ice cubes. And then there’s whiskey wedges.
By placing a mold on your glass, it creates a triangular ice wedge that fills up about half of the space from the bottom to the rim. When properly positioned in your glass, it only exposes one part of the ice to the whiskey so it can chill the drink for a long time while maintaining the whiskey’s flavor.
Whiskey Stones
For people who do not want to water down their drink at all, they may opt to use whiskey stones. You might have heard of them before, either positively or negatively. Despite the disdain that other people may have about whiskey stones, their popularity only continues to rise.
They come in many shapes, such as cubes, balls, and disks, and can last for an indefinite amount of uses. These stones are typically made from soapstone, plastic, or stainless steel. They usually use non-porous materials to ensure that there is no added odor or taste to the drink. They are simply kept in the freezer to chill and are added to a glass of whiskey in the same manner as ice cubes.
You typically only need three stones to chill your drink. Depending on the material used, there may be differences on how fast it can chill whiskey and how long it can keep it cold. Soapstone materials are usually softer so they won’t scratch your glass. But they can’t chill and sustain your drink’s temperature better than stainless steel materials.
To ensure your safety, make sure that whatever whiskey stone that you buy is approved by the FDA or an equivalent regulatory body. Also, a quick rinse with water is all that you need to clean and maintain the stones.
Whiskey Decanters
Decanters were originally invented in order to make the flavor of wine bolder and more apparent. This happens when the sediment in the wine settles and oxygen is infused with the wine. However, for whiskey, exposure to oxygen doesn’t really affect the flavor negatively.
Whiskey decanters serve a decorative and cultural purpose. Because of their unique patterns and high-quality materials, they look more attractive than a half-finished bottle of whiskey. They are great for social events and can impress potential business partners. Many consider it good manners to serve whiskey from a decanter than from a bottle.
When shopping for whiskey decanters, it is important to check the quality of the stopper, as well as the capacity of the decanter. The stopper should provide an airtight seal on the decanter just like if it was stored in a bottle. Next, it should have enough capacity to store the contents of your favorite bottle of whiskey. A typical bottle usually has 750ml of content.
Lastly, consider if the design and price is the right fit for your personality and purpose. Will you be using it mainly for yourself or for sharing with other people?
They are usually made from crystal or glass. Crystal is clearer than glass making it look more impressive, but they also more expensive. If you do see cheap crystal decanters, be wary of them. They might contain lead that is poisonous to you and your loved ones. To be safe, always opt for a well-known brand.
Whiskey Barrels
Another great way to enjoy whiskey is by putting it in a barrel with a tap. It’s a great addition to social drinking and can also serve as a conversation piece. These barrels are made of the same materials, like oak, that whiskey is usually aged in. They are also smaller than the usual barrels so you can easily place them on a table or a bar counter.
Whiskey Flasks
Whiskey flasks provide a vintage feel to your regular whiskey drinking experience. They are also ideal for camping trips and other outdoor excursions. Similar to decanters, the cap of the flask is the most important part because it can prevent the whiskey from spilling.
There are many kinds of designs available so browse around and see what you like. There are also shops that offer whiskey flasks that can be personalized with engravings.
Whiskey Notes
There are many kinds of whiskeys out there. These include American bourbon, Scotch whisky, and Canadian rye. If you’re interested in trying out all sorts of flavors, then you might want to get a specialized whiskey notebook. These notebooks usually come with whiskey tasting, distilling, and recording guides that will help you grow as a whiskey aficionado.
Whiskey Making & Aging Kits
Have you ever wanted to distill your own whiskey? Try it out in small-scale using a whiskey making and aging kit. These kits include unaged whiskey, a small aging barrel, a pouring funnel, and step-by-step instructions on how to do it on your own. Who knows? Once you get the hang of it, you might be able to open your very own whiskey distillery in the future.
There are also many other kinds of whiskey accessories available. These include whiskey-themed tables and chairs, leather and wood coasters, and even food.
Whether you’re buying whiskey accessories for yourself or a loved one, selecting the right accessories can greatly enhance the drinking experience. Take your time in deciding on the accessories that fit your purpose and personality. They’ll be your best friends for every whiskey drink to come.
