If you’re an avid whiskey drinker, you might already own a decanter or two. For those with have aspirations of building your collection while sampling myriad, multi-layered whiskeys, a well-made glass or crystal decanter is a must-have. Simply crack open your newest bottle of whiskey, pour it into the decanter, and you’re good to go. Just like that, your boring bottle is now an elegant and drinkable centerpiece. What could be better?
You might be wondering why you need a decanter when you can simply crack open a bottle, pour it into a rocks glass, old fashioned glass, or Glencairn glass and enjoy it. A decanter acts as a decorative centerpiece for your whiskey collection, and it’s also the perfect container for your favorite whiskey.
Not only is it an aesthetically pleasing way to serve spirits, but it’s also a great combination of function and flair. It holds your whiskey until you’re ready to drink it, and the stopper also helps to limit exposure to the air and lowers the possibility of evaporation. Fancy appearance aside, a great decanter can also help separate any of the bottle sediments, thus guaranteeing a better pour.
It should be noted that, unlike wine decanters, whiskey decanters don’t aerate the whiskey. The idea that they do is a myth. Also, when you add a whiskey to a decanter, you should drink it within a few weeks to avoid oxidation and other impurities. That shouldn’t be a problem, as you’ll likely put your favorite whiskey into your decanter.
Now it’s time to find one to add to your home bar. Below, you’ll find some of the best available.
Photo via Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel Direction Hand-Blown Decanter
Decanters don’t get much more unique than this one from Crate & Barrel. Featuring a distinctive open bubble design and large round stopper, this hand-blown, crystalline glass decanter fits 37 fluid ounces of bourbon, rye, or any other type of whiskey. Made in Poland, it’s hand-wash only.
Photo via Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma Dorset Spirit Decanter
This classic, elegant decanter from Williams Sonoma gets its name from the coastal English county. Crafted at a Slovenian glassworks founded in 1927, this crystal decanter is machine blown and features a crystal topper. It will fit 45.6 fluid ounces of your favorite whiskey.
Photo via Riedel
Riedel Spey Decanter
This machine-made, crystal decanter gets its name from the river located in the heart of Scotland’s popular whisky region, Speyside. This stylish, intricately-designed decanter will fit 25 fluid ounces of your spirit of choice. Unlike many decanters, this oneis dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean it after finishing your favorite whiskey.
Photo via Simon Pearce
Simon Pearce Echo Lake Decanter
If you’re looking for something that leans a little away from the traditional, but is still stylish and artistic, consider this piece inspired by the waterways of Vermont. Made in the US from lead-free glass by master glass blowers, the fine strands surrounding the bottom third create a unique, visually stunning appearance. This handmade decanter will hold up to 34 fluid ounces of your favorite whiskey.
Photo via Huckberry
Whiskey Peaks Denali Decanter
If you’re looking for a decanter that’s both unique and bargain-priced, this one’s tough to beat. This Huckberry-exclusive spirits decanter is made from 100% hand-blown lead-free glass. It features an eye-catchingtopographic impression of Alaska’s famed peak Denali. One of the biggest decanters on our list, this unique vessel fits up to 54 fluid ounces of whiskey.
Photo via Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Linear Glass Decanter
If you’re looking for a classic whiskey decanter to be the centerpiece of your collection, look no further. Made from imported soda lime glass, this decanter is the perfect vessel to hold your favorite whiskey until you’re ready to drink it. It features a long body with timeless textured glass that will look just as great today as in twenty years. As a bonus, it’s also reasonably priced.
