Whisky cooling stones made of soapstone are widely used by connoisseurs of expensive alcoholic beverages. Frozen Soapstone Whiskey Stones Chilling Rocks (steatite cubes) keep the right temperature for a long time, do not change the taste of alcohol and do not affect its smell.
You can read more about the properties of soapstone on our blog Soapstone Guide, take this article What Is Soapstone.
How To Use Soapstone Whiskey Stones?
Using whiskey stones is simple: before use, put the stones for at least one hour in the freezer. It is preferable to use an Old Fashioned glass, which will freely accommodate several stones. For cooling one serving of whisky (30-50 ml), 3-4 small steatite stones are required. Steel whisky stones should preferably be stored in a zero-temperature chamber to prevent excessive cooling of the whisky, but permanent storage in the freezer is also possible. The stones should be washed with warm water after use.
How To Carve Whiskey Stones Yourself?
Yes, you can create a unique masterpiece with your own hands. This will be a gift for a friend, or you will keep the stones for yourself to impress guests at a party.
Our soapstoneguide.com project is dedicated to carving soapstone. I wholeheartedly suggest you start by carving Soapstone Whiskey Stones Chilling Rocks – it’s easy, won’t require a lot of material or a large investment. This kind of work will be fun and will introduce you to the craft of stone carving.
What shape can Soapstone Whiskey Stones Chilling Rocks be?
Any shape you like. It all depends on your imagination. Soapstone Whiskey Stones Chilling Rocks are limited by their relative size – an Old Fashioned glass should hold about 4-5 stones. Their shape can be a regular cubic shape, or it can be arbitrary. You can carve monograms, floral designs, lines and reliefs.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Carve Whiskey Stones
Carving whiskey stones from soapstone is a creative and practical way to make your own whiskey chilling stones. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Materials you’ll need:
- Soapstone: You can purchase soapstone blocks or slabs from a craft store or online. Soapstone is a soft, easy-to-carve stone that is safe for use with food and drinks.
- Safety Gear: Wear safety goggles and a dust mask to protect your eyes and lungs while carving.
- Carving Tools: You’ll need carving tools like chisels, rasps, and sandpaper. A rasp is particularly useful for shaping the stones.
- Design Plan: Plan out the size and shape of your whiskey stones before you start carving. You can make them square, rectangular, round, or any other shape you prefer.
Steps:
- Safety First: Put on your safety gear to protect yourself from dust and debris.
- Design Your Stones: Draw or mark the outline of your whiskey stones on the soapstone block. Make sure they are the size you want and have rounded edges to avoid sharp corners.
- Carve the Stones: Use the chisels and rasps to carefully carve away the soapstone outside of your marked lines. Take your time and work slowly to shape the stones as desired. It’s essential to be patient and precise during this process.
- Smooth and Refine: After rough carving, use finer rasps and sandpaper to smooth the surfaces of the stones. Continue shaping and smoothing until you achieve the desired shape and a smooth finish.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wash the soapstone stones thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dust or debris from the carving process. Rinse them well to ensure they are clean.
- Let Them Dry: Allow the soapstone whiskey stones to dry completely before using them. This will ensure there is no moisture trapped inside the stones.
- Chill in the Freezer: Once the stones are dry, place them in the freezer for a few hours. Soapstone has excellent temperature-retaining properties, making it a great choice for whiskey stones.
- Enjoy: After they’ve been in the freezer, you can place your homemade whiskey stones in your glass of whiskey or other drinks to chill them without diluting the beverage. Soapstone does not absorb flavors or odors, so it won’t affect the taste of your drink.
Remember that soapstone is relatively soft, so take your time during the carving process and be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid cracking or breaking the stones. With patience and practice, you can create your own unique whiskey stones for a personalized drinking experience.
How And Where To Buy Materials And Tools For Soapstone Carving.
The easiest way is to look on Amazon, for example here.
When buying soapstone raw materials and carving tools for beginners on Amazon, it’s essential to start with a clear plan. Begin by searching for “soapstone raw material” to find suitable soapstone blocks for carving. Pay attention to the size and quality of the soapstone. Ensure that the product description specifies it’s suitable for carving. Once you’ve chosen your soapstone, add it to your cart. Next, search for “stone carving tools” and look for sets designed for beginners. These sets usually include chisels and rasps, essential tools for soapstone carving. Add the selected carving tools to your cart as well. Before finalizing your purchase, review your cart to confirm the quantities and details. Proceed to checkout, provide your shipping address, and complete the payment process. After placing your order, track its status through your Amazon account. Once your materials and tools arrive, you can start your soapstone carving journey, following instructional guides and videos to develop your skills and create beautiful soapstone carvings.
