I've been following Cubicle Ice for some time on instagram. They are just getting off the ground and posted a whole new sequence of photos on their account that show the entire clear ice creation and processing process all the way through. It is really a remarkable set of photographs that I've not seen from other makers that are more well established. Check out the sequence of images for a full look at what making clear ice looks like for a commercial artisanal ice maker!

Step 1: Fill up the Clinebell machine with water and let it sit!

Step 2: Pull 300 pounds of clear ice out of the Clinebell with a crane!

Step 3: Use a chain saw (or mill) to cut the block into slabs.

Step 4: Step back and admire all those slabs. That is hard work!

Step 5: Band saw those slabs into bars

Step 6: Cut those rods into cubs! <-- Now it's usable!

Step 7: Admire your awesome commercially made clear ice!

If I had a clear ice business, I would probably take this exact same sequence of photos! Go over and check out the entire Instagram account and give it a follow. 

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While wandering the web, I came across a Kitchen Hacks article in the Australian publication of Broadsheet. It doesn't get more simple than this:

​They also just look damn pretty!

Read the article for the kitchen hacks you probably all know by now!

While I was on a work trip in Orlando, I visited Disney Springs to kill some time in the evening. I had read there were a number of cocktail clubs there, so I figured it would be cool to try and find one with an ice program!

After researching the options, my bet was that The Edison would be a good candidate. It was a 20s style place that was touting their cocktail creations. Sure enough, I was right! The bartender was nice enough to share that they get their ice from The Gainesville Ice Doctor, who's been featured in the Makers list for quite some time! Check out the photos!

So there you have it... if you are on the search for clear ice, the Disney Springs Marketplace has some for your pleasure! I'm not planning to visit any of the parks on this trip, but I'd assume if this place has it, others would as well! 

Here's a quick time lapse video from my kitchen counter, breaking down a half block that I buy from Lake Boone Ice Company in Hudson, MA. I get 3-4 blocks and keep them in my freezer, pulling them out a half at a time. Each half block fills three freezer bags full of rough cubes, that I can trim and prepare solo or for guests. 

Here are a few other photos from the day.

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This week I received a survey request from the Forge Ice System that I've mentioned recently. I've been following the progress where I can. The survey asked a single question:

"Which of these is most important to you regarding the Forge Clear Ice System's ice maker? "

And the answers are:

​A: Time to ice—give it to me as fast as possible
B: Quantity of ice—the more the merrier
C: Size of the ice maker—make it as small as possible

I was a bit torn between A and C... eventually, I went with C because I feel like the smaller it is, the cheaper it will be. Is that crazy? :) The prior rumors of this thing costing $1,500 is going to put it beyond the reach of most. Anything they can do to keep the price down, but ensure a steady and consistent supply of clear ice, would be a win. I'm sure it's a tough problem to solve, otherwise someone would have solved it by now!

Are you a Reddit user? It's only the third largest destination on the internet (according to some). I was poking around on there and discovered there is a clear ice subreddit community. It has 171 subscribers, but there is virtually no participation or discussion.

​I've started posting some stuff up there and would encourage anyone in the clear ice space to do the same. As one of the largest destinations on the web, it is a great way to continue to share the joy and wonder of clear ice. Check it out. 

I was contacted by someone last week with a survey about the clear ice trend. You could really help them out by filling out this survey. The more answers, the more data. The more data, the more decisions that will only help all of us spreading the clear ice reality.

I came across an article published in The Growler about the rise of clear ice in America.