Best Whiskey Decanters
The best whiskey decanters may look beautiful, but do they impact upon the taste of the drink? What characteristics should you look for in the best whiskey decanters? These are some of the critical questions we’re going to answer in this buyers’ guide, while also suggesting which items you should consider. But first, let's determine what the essential qualities of great decanters are.
What Is the Purpose of Whiskey Decanters?
It needs to be said that wine and whiskey decanters are radically different, so it's impossible to confuse the two. The main difference is visual, as only whiskey decanters have a seal. Wine decanters help the drink breathe, and release specific notes and flavors. They may also remove sediments, to improve the taste. However, whiskey doesn't need any of that. Therefore, these decanters have only decorative purposes. Still, there are essential factors you need to consider when buying one.
What Determines the Best Whiskey Decanters?
The Design
The only thing you should consider while choosing the design is your personality. Find the shape that represents you best, especially if the decanter will be displayed at your home. If you need something more formal for your office, you can choose a classic and elegant gem design.
Airtight Seal
While wine may taste better after oxidation, you don't want that to happen with whiskey. That’s why you should consider only decanters with a high-quality, airtight seal. Look for models with a rubber component in the seal that provides additional protection.
Lead-Free Crystal
Thankfully, the best whiskey decanters are all lead-free, but not all are, so it's essential to check that before purchasing. When the lead comes in to contact with whiskey, it may harm your health.
Size
Most whiskeys are sold in 750ml (25 ounces) bottles. Therefore, you need a decanter of at least that size. Of course, if you don't want to pour the whole bottle in a decanter, the capacity doesn't concern you.
Price
You need to determine how much money you want to invest in one. You can buy whiskey decanters for $20 or less, or spend hundreds of dollars. The most expensive whiskey decanters aren't always the best option. Even if you have a big budget, don't feel as if you have to overspend.
Crystal or Glass Decanter: Which One Is Better?
Crystal decanters are generally more expensive, but they can come with health concerns. Because crystal is a natural source of lead, there’s always a danger that the drink will become contaminated. The more time whiskey spends in a lead-tainted decanter, the more harmful it may be. That doesn't mean that no crystal decanters are lead-free. The problem is that these products are costly, and even if your budget allows it, the choice is limited.
Glass decanters are a safe choice and can be just as attractive. What’s more, they’re more affordable, and you’ll hardly notice the difference from the crystal. That's why we consider glass to be a key to the best whiskey decanters.
5 Whiskey Decanters for Every Budget
Whiskey Decanter Globe Set
While it looks like a perfect gift for a world traveler, this globe-shaped decanter has universal appeal. It comes with two etched glasses, and the mahogany tray looks gorgeous. Hints of luxury are everywhere, including a golden stopper. This decanter has an impressive capacity of 850ml, which is bigger than most bottles of whiskey, bourbon, vodka, or any other spirit. You can even use it for wine. That's what makes this one of the best whiskey decanters around.
While this set looks expensive, it’s actually very affordable, making it a popular choice. It's also available at major retailers across the United States.
$54.78
Prestige Diamond
For something extravagant, look no further than this diamond-shaped product from Prestige that sits on a wooden stand. When filled with whiskey, it impresses even more as the light creates an attractive glow. This glass is created by hand blowing performed by expert craftsmen. That’s the main reason why the price is on the higher side. But in return, you can be sure that you have a unique piece. Even though the decanter looks small due to its shape, you'll be surprised to learn that it has an impressive capacity of 1,000ml. Prestige Diamond has a beautiful and original design, while it's made out of quality components that will serve generations.
$120.00
Ravenscroft Crystal Taylor Double Old Fashioned Decanter Set
This traditional set comes from Poland, and was produced to commemorate 125 years of the company’s history. Ravenscroft Crystal Taylor is lead-free and has a large capacity. The stopper is robust, protecting the liquid from oxidation. This whiskey decanter is built from a combination of ancient mineral deposits and high-quality materials. Whilst on the expensive side, this price tag is justified, as it comes with four impressive, robust glasses. ]What makes this package even more attractive is that it’s a limited series. Each part of the set is individually wrapped, assuring that it will arrive at your address without damage.
$99.99
Ashcroft Twist Whiskey Decanter Set
Due to budget prices, glass whiskey decanters remain a popular choice. However, that doesn't mean that some of them aren’t impressive. Ashcroft Twist Whiskey Decanter Set comes in a beautiful package that contains both a decanter and four glasses. What is surprising is that the decanter is unusually slim. This isn’t a purely aesthetic decision. Unlike the usual bulky decanters, this one is easier to store and hold thanks to ripples in the glass. With a capacity of 800ml, you can pour in an entire bottle of your favorite spirit. You also don't have to worry about oxidation. The stopper is made of glass, heavy, and airtight. The only negative is air bubbles that are present at the bottom of the decanter. With excellent design and beautiful looking package, Ashcroft Twist Whiskey Decanter Set will look stunning on any shelf and be a perfect gift for spirit enthusiasts.
$59.99
Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter
While this decanter is the cheapest on our recommended list, that’s not easy to notice. Simplicity is the key to the design. But while there are no surprises, it still looks attractive. The most exciting part is a stopper that looks like a mini version of the decanter itself, only upside down. Unfortunately, the tip is plastic, but that’s not a deal-breaker by any means. The manufacturer used thick Italian glass, giving this product heaviness that further sets it apart from other decanters at this price point. Ergonomy is also excellent, so it's easy to hold and pour. Because of its affordability, Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter will find its place in any whiskey enthusiast's collection. While it may serve as a backup solution to something more sophisticated, it's quality is better than many similar products of a higher price range.
$19.99
FAQ
How Long Can You Keep Whiskey in a Decanter?
If you purchase a whiskey decanter with an airtight seal, you can rest assured that the spirit won't lose its taste for years. However, if the decanter isn’t lead-free, you should only use it for serving.
How to Check If Whiskey Decanter Contains Led?
Pick up the decanter and hold it against the light. If you see a rainbow anywhere on the glass, there’s a high probability that it contains lead. Decanters that don't contain lead are usually labeled as "plain pressed glass“.
Can Whiskey Decanters Be 100% Airtight?
If decanters use a ground glass joint, they have an airtight seal. For additional security, you can slightly twist the stopper so that it fits better. You can also do a test. Pour water inside of it and hold it upside down. If it spills and the model is sold as airtight, you can ask for a refund.
How Much Whiskey to Pour in a Decanter?
Wine decanters should never be full, as the drink should be exposed to air. As the whiskey loses its taste during oxidation, you can fill decanter as much as you like.
What Decanter Shapes Are Recommended for Whiskey?
Whiskey decanters come in various sizes, but there are no shapes that are better than others. You only need to ensure that the seal is airtight and that the material isn’t toxic.
Is There a Difference Between Whiskey, Scotch, or Bourbon Decanters?
Bourbon and Scotch are classified as whiskeys, so you can use whiskey decanters for them too. The only problem is that if you have a few decanters and use them to hold liquor of the same color. In that case, you’ll have to use label tags to avoid confusion.
Should I Avoid Plastic Decanter Stoppers?
Many people avoid whiskey decanters with plastic stoppers, but not only because they don't like how it looks. The biggest issue is that they generally tend to damage over time, letting the air get inside the decanter. Once that happens, it's hard to replace, and the bottle becomes useless. If you plan a long-term solution, glass stoppers are a much better option.
Conclusion
Whiskey decanters won't make the spirit taste better, but they will look beautiful in a prominent place in your home. They’re versatile and often affordable, so you can use them to serve other drinks, including non-alcoholic beverages. Often, they’re sold in beautiful sets with glasses, making them an ideal gift for your friends or colleagues.
