The whiskey smoker kit with torch has become a popular gift item, and this particular set from an unnamed brand tries to cover all the bases: a handheld torch, six flavors of wood chips, two glasses, and two ice ball molds. After spending a few weeks using it for old fashioneds, bourbon on the rocks, and even a simple scotch, here is a grounded take on what it actually delivers.
The core idea is straightforward: you place a small amount of wood chips in the included metal smoker box, which sits atop your glass. The torch heats the chips until they smolder, and the smoke flows down into the drink. The kit includes a butane-free torch—it uses a piezoelectric ignition and runs on standard butane refills (just not the butane itself, which you buy separately). That is a minor but notable detail: the box says “NO Butane” but really means the torch does not come pre-filled. You will need to buy a can of butane to get started.
In practice, the smoking process works reasonably well. The torch has a adjustable flame and a safety lock, which is a nice touch. The wood chips—maple, cherry, apple, hickory, mesquite, and oak—vary in intensity. The apple and cherry are mild and slightly sweet, while hickory and mesquite can easily overpower a delicate whiskey if you let them smoke too long. A few seconds of smoldering is usually enough; more than that and the drink can taste like a campfire. The ice ball molds are standard silicone spheres that freeze clear ice if you use filtered water, but they are not special—similar to what you can buy for a few dollars elsewhere.
Where this kit shines is in presentation. The glasses are thick, heavy-bottomed rocks glasses with a nice weight. The smoker box fits snugly on top, and the whole setup looks impressive when you are serving guests. It genuinely adds a theatrical element to making cocktails. The included torch is functional but feels a bit plasticky; the flame is stable, but the trigger mechanism can be stiff at first. Over time, it loosens up.
However, there are clear limitations. The torch is not a culinary-grade blow torch—it is a small, budget-friendly unit. It works for smoking drinks, but you would not want to use it for crème brûlée or searing meat. The smoker box is small and can only hold a pinch of chips, so you are limited to one drink at a time. If you are making multiple cocktails for a party, the process becomes tedious. You have to wait for the chips to cool, empty the ash, reload, and repeat. For a single drink, it is fine. For a crowd, you might find yourself wishing for a larger smoking gun or a dedicated cold smoker.
Compared to an electric smoking gun, this kit is more manual and less consistent. An electric smoker gun (like those from Breville or a generic brand) uses a small fan to blow smoke continuously, which gives you more control and can smoke multiple glasses in sequence. The torch-and-box method here is cheaper and more hands-on, but it also means you are relying on your timing and flame control. The results can vary from drink to drink.
Who is this for? It is a decent entry-level kit for someone who wants to experiment with smoked cocktails at home without spending a lot. It makes a reasonable gift for a whiskey enthusiast who already enjoys making old fashioneds or manhattans. It is also fine for occasional use—say, once a week or for a small gathering.
Who might want to skip it? If you are a serious cocktail hobbyist who makes drinks frequently or for larger groups, the convenience of an electric smoker gun may be worth the extra cost. Also, if you dislike fiddling with small parts or refilling torches, this kit might feel more like a chore than a treat. The ice molds are a nice bonus, but they are not high-end—they freeze ice that is decent for a rocks glass but not perfectly clear unless you use distilled water and slow freezing.
In terms of value, the kit is priced competitively for what it includes. The glasses alone are decent quality, and the wood chips give you variety to play with. The torch is the weakest link—it works, but it feels like something you might replace after a few months of regular use. The wood chips will last a while if you use them sparingly, but they are also available in bulk for cheap.
Overall, this whiskey smoker kit does what it promises: it lets you smoke a drink at home with some flair. It is not a professional tool, and it has quirks, but for a casual drink maker or as a gift, it gets the job done without breaking the bank. Just be prepared to buy butane separately and to practice a few times to get the smoke level right.