On Whisky Stones, Tumblers, and Finding that Perfect Gift...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Uncommon Goods.  All opinions are my own.

I'm one of those people who thinks long and hard before giving a gift.  There's no better feeling than finding just the right fit.  I love something to scream out a person's name.  The more unique, the personalized, the more individual...the better.  I want the receiver of the gift to want to use what I give them.  I want them to want to show it off, keep it close, use it, cherish it.  I may not always succeed, but I always try.

Those are my favorite gift to receive, too.  You know, in case you were putting your holiday gift list together.

Half of the time, that is why I like to make my gifts by hand.  But in all honesty, not everybody loves food and cooking as much as I {gasp}.  So, I begin the hunt.  Locally, I love searching the farmer's market, flea markets, vintage shops (ahem, that's a nice way of saying second-hand store), and smaller shops that feature artisan made goods.  But online, there is a whole world of possibilities; Uncommon Goods is one of those possibilities.

Uncommon Goods is a privately-owned retailer, founded in 1999, that features a ton of unique, handcrafted designs and gifts.  Their products are all created "in harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people".  Headquartered in Brookly, New York, they run their operations out of the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal.  With a core belief that they should use their business to impact the world positively, it is no wonder that one-third of their collection incorporated recycled and/or upcycled materials, the majority of their products are made in the USA, and half of what they sell is handmade by the artists and designers they support.  Not to mention, their products are SO INCREDIBLY COOL.

I have a hard time not wanting everything for myself when I browse their site.  But at the same time, I can always find something that I know somebody else would love, as well.  Not only are there cool gifts for the holidays and birthdays, there are also unique gifts that you can personalize for weddings or showers.  Housewarming gifts?  They've got 'em.  Something to congratulate your friend on their promotion?  The coolest ideas.  Want to add a bit of whimsy to your next dinner party?  Look no further.  Welcoming a new little person to the world?  Go handcrafted!  I'm pretty sure you'll even find something for "the person who has everything".

One of my favorite areas to browse is what I will call "the area for booze, alcohol, cocktail, and wine afficionados".  Maybe I should just call it the bar?  Either way.  From glasses and racks to linens and coasters, you'll find some fun additions to add to anybody's personal bar.  I was psyched to be able to try something that I've been eyeing for quite some time: whisky stones.

Whisk(e)y is my spirit of choice.  Once upon a time, I leaned towards bourbon, and then I toured some of the distilleries of Ireland and Scotland.  I tasted my way through a whole range of whiskies and gained a new appreciation for the nuances and characteristics of individual distillers.  I savored my first dram of Scotch.  I learned the benefits of warming whisky in your palms before sipping, and the equal-yet-separate benefits of drinking it cold.  Some like it neat, some like it on the rocks...and some prefer it in a cocktail.  Neat, up, straight, with a splash of water; for me, it depends on my mood.

Back to the whisky stones.  They were created by Teroforma co-founder Andrew Hellman in collaboration with the masons at Vermont Soapstone.  Soapstone is relatively soft, assuring that the stones will not scratch your glass.  They are non-reactive and naturally dense, and will not impart a flavor or an odor to your dram.  They are fantastic for those who enjoy their spirit chilled, but not watered down.

How do they work?  You simply store them in the freezer, and when ready to use, pop them into your glass.  They are not meant to make your drink cold, rather to keep it cold.  They are meant more for "two fingers" than for a cocktail.  When you're finished, rinse, let dry (this happens quickly), and place them back into the freezer for next time.  They work just as described.

To complement them perfectly, these beautiful, yet sturdy Avva Tumblers that accompany them in this Whisky Lover Gift Set.  Perfect for everyday use, these tumblers are made from mouthblown, non-lead crystal - and they feel comfortable in my hand.  They fun opposite-angling of the glasses make it easy to sit and enjoy a dram with another person, as well; no matter how many  you enjoy, you won't get your glasses mixed up.

So what do you say, whisk(e)y lovers?  Would you like to own a set of these whisky stones and tumblers?  Well, now you have that chance, because Uncommon Goods has offered to send one of my readers this same set! Maybe whisky isn't your thing?  Well, I'm willing to guess that there is a whisky lover in your life, and the holidays are right around the corner.  Why not pick up this unique, thoughtful set as a gift?  It's never too early to start your holiday shopping. Read below and follow the instructions for your chance to win.

GIVEAWAY

Answer this question in the comment section below (mandatory): What is your favorite brand of whisk(e)y and/or how do you like to drink it?

Many more ways to earn optional entries in the rafflecopter widget, as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Uncommon Goods is providing one Whisky Lover Gift Set to one of my readers, as well. This set includes 6 whisky stones w/ pouch and 2 tumblers. This giveaway is open to residents of the US. Submissions will be accepted through 11:59 pm ET on Thursday, October 31. A winner will be chosen by random draw within 48 hours of the close of the contest, and given 24 hours to respond. If no response is received within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck.