More Whisky questions...

Both those questions probably have more OPINIONS than ANSWERS. I'll let others give them.

Since you mentioned navigating the site, though, let me give some un-asked-for advice: When you post a new topic, try to make the subject something meaningful and indicative of the details inside. That will make people who have the desired info more likely to reply, I bet. I know it makes it easier for casual readers of the chat here to identify topics they're interested in reading about.

Rock on.

Regarding whisky stones/rocks, they're mostly a novelty gag (often bought and given to anyone who consider themselves a proper whisky person).

There are several reasons not to buy one, in my opinion: 1) They can wear down and leave a residue of stone/dust in your whisky. That's not pleasant. 2) I've read about incidents where people chip their front teeth, when raising the tumbler/glencairn/generic whisky glass, and the stones fall down onto your pearly whites. True or not, it's something worth remembering. 3) Most importantly, they don't really work well. The stones don't chill the whisky down more than pre-cooling your glass in the fridge would do.

Supposedly, the metal spheres (which are filled with some sort of liquid?) work better, but if I really wanted to chill my whisky, I'd use a pre-cooled glass or even add a tiny ice cube.

@ErikE I use wine searcher.com to locate good deals on any whisky/bourbon/wine etc etc.

There's a few online stores in your state of California that I would recommend...

K & L Wines - www.klwines.com/default.asp

Hi Times Wine Cellars - www.hitimewine.net/home.php (they have a $9.99 flat rate shipping in California)

San Francisco Wine Trading Co - www.sfwtc.com

Good luck!

OK, now I'll reply with a real answer.

On whisky stones, I agree with fiberfar: They exist for non-whisky drinkers to buy as gifts for their whisky-drinking loved ones. They have zero value.

On stores: The LA Whisky Society's got you covered: lawhiskeysociety.com/stores_list_group.…

Also, Binny's online.

Not sure if this site delivers to SoCal: www.wineandcheeseplace.com

I have purchased from them before through a U.S. based friend and they have some interesting stuff on offer.

I think the more you develop your palate, the more you'll enjoy whisky at room temperature. Before I started taking whisk(e)y seriously, I poured my Scotch and bourbon over a full glass of ice. I recoil in horror at the thought of doing this today. (Although if it's a hot day and I'm visiting a friend who has only cheap stuff in his cabinet, I might consider it.) I sometimes add a dollop of cool (not cold) water to cask-strength stuff with a serious burn, but that's as far as it goes.

I agree with Fiberfar: chill your glass if you like it cool. Avoid the rocks and save the steel balls for Captain Queeg.

Last 10-15 cc of my mini of Bladnoch 9 year old lightly peated 46%. I was planning to write a review, but looks like I already did.

I have 1 or 2 more sealed minis of this expression, and they will be for saving until ready to share with someone who specifically wants to try it.

oops, that was supposed to be in what was the last bottle you finished...

For inexpensive alcohol that has ginger ale, coke, etc added I might consider whisky stones in the glass. However, for fine whisky, perhaps a drop or 2 of water to open up the flavour. Other than that, nothing and I mean nothing, other than the whisky goes into the glass.

@PeterG7

I wouldn't even bother with whisky stones then. If you're adding ginger ale, what's a little water from the ice, anyway?

My take on using objects/chillers in one's drink is rather simple: don't. :)