I came across an article this week about the rise of clear ice in India bars. It was authored by Shivani Kagti, of the Bangalore Mirror Bureau. Clear ice is taking the world by storm!

"So, why go through all this trouble to make ice? The primary reason is to ensure that ice doesn’t melt easily and dilute your drink. To prove his point, Matmary hands me two glasses of Old Fashioned – one with a single large block of ice and another with three or four smaller cubes. Five minutes later, there is a noticeable change in the liquid levels of both the drinks. The smaller cubes are melting faster, increasing the water levels in the drink. Trying a sip of each drink, one can now taste the difference as well. While the cocktail with a single block of ice still tastes the same as my first sip, the second one has watered down considerably. As Pravesh Pandey, co-founder of Byg Brewski, explains, the lesser surface area of ice is exposed to the drink, the slower it will melt."

Read the article

...I mean, that's one of the reasons! The other reason is that it just looks amazing! :) 

The answer is of course "YES!", but this is an interesting article where two bartenders share their opinions about the use of hand carved clear ice in their drinks, and the business impact. 

Samuel Jeavons, group head bartender, London Cocktail Club, UK, says No.

Andrew Dickey, head bartender, 9Below, Dublin, Ireland, says Yes.

Give it a read!

According to LA Eater:

"At this point even using those silicone molds for large ice cubes looks amateurish, because clear cut ice is the new standard."

Read the article

In browsing instagram, I came across a new premium, hand-cut ice maker in Iceland: Klakavinnslan. I've added them to the Makers directory! You can also find them on Facebook.

A ways back, I kickstarted a clear ice project called Ice. Made. Clear. The project launched, and I received my shipment a couple of days ago. Here is a collection of photos from the unboxing and the delivery of my first clear ice cube from the batch! So far, it looks like it works! There is a little bit of streaking in the cub (which you might spot in some of the photos), but I think it's because I was goofing around with it a bit more than I should as it was freezing. I'll try a few more batches (along with some using hot water as suggested). Enjoy the photos!

I kickstarted a clear ice maker many months back. It looks like it has finally shipped and on the way! Unboxing pictures to follow!

I came across a mention of a new "at home clear ice maker" from a company called First Build. It is called the Forge Clear Ice System, and promises to create two inch crystal clear blocks in your home, along with a forming system to shape those into spheres with a heat press. 

The website is short on pictures of the machine, or details, but you can put in your email address to learn more when they release it. They will be doing some preorders this year (kickstarter style?). Here's what they say:

The Forge Clear Ice System presents flawless clear ice every time for a superior ice experience. The Clear Ice Maker produces two clear blocks at a time in just hours, at the touch of a button. Store up to 6 ice blocks for use throughout the evening or for a gathering of friends.

The Heated Press shapes the block into a perfect sphere, providing the ultimate bourbon experience at home to the envy of top mixologists.

Check out the website to learn more