Machine makes ‘non-clinking’ ice cubes

An Italian design company has joined forces with Chivas to launch an ice press and mould that makes teardrop-shaped ice cubes, which it claims eradicates “clinking”.

The mould and press were launched as a collaboration between Chivas Regal 18 and Pininfarina, the Italian design company responsible for some of the world’s sleekest cars and often seen as a partner with Ferrari.

Unveiled at London’s Connaught bar, the machine makes ice cubes shaped like tears that are the height of a whisky glass. It is claimed that the shape of the ice cubes stops the clinking noise created by conventional cubes as they move around the glass. Unlike normal ice cubes, a single teardrop ice cube is enough to cover most of the bottom of the glass.

As they also have a reduced surface area, they take longer to melt meaning the taste of the whisky is largely unaffected, so perhaps the debate over whether to add ice or not is over.

With that said you might just want to stick with the clinking noise given the machine costs £275, or enjoy them at some of the world’s top bars.

Richard Black, global brand ambassador for Chivas Regal, described it as an innovation that was “as practical as it is enjoyable” that would deliver “unique experiences to the world’s top on-trade venues.”

The ice press has been given to five London bars, Artesian, Nightjar, American Bar, Connaught Bar and Happiness Forgets.