Why should you use a Decanter?
For all wine lovers, using decanters can be a game-changing experience. It is a magical tool that brings out that richness and luxuriousness. But, before we dive into the glory of a decanter in the wine world, let’s reinforce the basics!
A decanter is a glass vessel, a flask-like structure to serve wine. Meanwhile, decanting is a separation technique used for suspensions or immiscible liquids.
The decanter gets used in two different ways for two different purposes. These include:
Filtration
Aged and vintage wines often have sediments in them. The presence of these particles and chunks doesn’t mean that the wine has gone bad. It is merely a stage of wine evolution.
But, you should remove them since they have a bland taste and making drinking a little unpleasant. Decanter is the primary tool for removal. You have to pour the wine in the decanter such that the majority of sediments remain in the bottle. Then, allow the remaining particles to settle down in the bottom before pouring into a glass.
Aeration
Locked in a bottle, the flavor and aroma of wine become dormant over time. You need to activate them and bring the richness back before drinking. It is an absolute step for wines that have spent years on the rack.
To do so, you have to aerate the wine. In simple terms, the oxygen must interact with wine molecules to unlock the indulging taste. Transfer the wine to a decanter, and swirl it around for some time. People commonly phrase it as decanting the wine. The ideal swirling time is 2 to 3-minutes. But, for 15yrs+ wines, the time extends to a minimum of 15 to 20-minutes. Summing it up, a decanter makes drinking wine a pleasurable experience. It enhances the flavors and makes the processes convenient. You won’t be able to aerate wine easily in a bottle or other container.
Things to consider in the Best Decanter
In today’s marketplace, there is so much variation that selecting upon a single item becomes impossible. Almost always, purchasers either end up with the wrong product or a lot of products. There is no in-between until you do research and evaluate your needs. Remember, the best purchase is the one that satisfies your particular needs.
Below, we have compiled all the important things to examine in the best decanter for you. Read more!
Type of Decanter
From tall to curvy ones, the diversity of decanters can be mind-boggling. Here are the fundamental types to choose from:
- Wide & Thin Necks
This particular type influences the aeration quality of the wine. The wide-necked decanters provide more air exposure and aerate quickly. However, narrow-necked decanters reduce air entry and consume more time.
- Storage Decanters
Storage decanters come with a lid or airtight seals. Although you can use them for decanting, the core purpose is to store wine or whiskey. People like to store wines in it and put them on display.
Capacity
Usually, the standard decanters accommodate a whole bottle of wine. These are large and wide-based. You’ll find them in most bars and places.
But, if you’re a less frequent or lone drinker, then smaller-sized decanters are also available. These allow you to decant a glass or two of wine.
Maintenance
By maintenance, we are referring to the ease of cleaning a decanter. Often, narrow and curvy decanters are difficult to clean as the brush cannot reach every corner. If you want to save yourself the hassle, invest in a straight wide decanter.
Aesthetics
Admit it or not, we all care about how our decanters look when swirling coolly in front of the guests. The aesthetics only make the entire experience more grand and pleasant. Fortunately, you can find decanters in uncountable shapes and designs. Choose one that matches your preferences while excelling in other aspects too.
Should you wash a whiskey decanter?
Yes, you should always wash a whiskey decanter immediately after use. Every whiskey, wine, or spirit has a unique taste and aroma. And, the decanting process leaves behind some of it on the vessel. If you do not clean it quickly, the vessel becomes difficult to clean. Hence, the taste and aroma will linger behind, ruining the next beverage that you can decant.
To clean, simply wash the vessel under a tap of hot water. If the decanter has curves and narrow openings, you can use a bristle brush to scrub. There are also specially-formulated decanter cleaners available in the market.
Storing whiskey in a decanter
A waging debate in the universe of decanters is the storage of whiskey. Some people swear by the technique, while others despise it. But, the question remains unanswered; should you store whiskey in a decanter?
Our research and experience say something else. The storage of whiskey in a decanter does not have any impact on the quality. However, this is true only until the decanter has an airtight seal. Storing whiskey in an open decanter will cause the alcohol content and flavor to reduce.
Best Decanting FAQS
What should you put in a decanter?Contrary to popular belief, you can only put two types of beverages into a decanter. These types are spirits/liquor and wines.
To be precise, you can put in white, rose, port, and red wines into a decanter. Meanwhile, you can put in a diversity of spirits/liquors that includes:
1. Whiskey
2. Vodka
3. Bourbon
4. Brandy
5. Rum
6. Gin
7. Tequila
8. Cognac
Q: How long can you leave whiskey in a decanter?
A: When it comes to storage, whiskey in a decanter is just like one in a bottle. An airtight seal makes the whiskey in a decanter last for approximately 1 to 2-years. In some cases, it may last longer.
Q: How do you open a decanter?
A: Once airtight, decanters can be difficult to open. Usually, the seal or stopper gets stuck. To loosen it, you can immerse the decanter’s top in the hot water bath. Or, you can place it under a hot water tap for around 10-minutes. The heat will expand the decanter, causing the stopper or seal to come out. If it doesn’t, try tapping the sides with a wooden spoon.