We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Best Whiskey Decanters for Storing and Serving Your Liquor

  1. Godinger Whiskey Decanter
  2. Paksh Novelty Whiskey Decanter
  3. Whiskey Stones Gift Set By Mixology And Craft Store
  4. Bormioli Rocco Whiskey Decanter
  5. Nou Living 11 Pc Crystal Whiskey Decanter Set
  6. Jillmo Whiskey Decanter
  7. Lefonte Whiskey Decanter
  8. Buyer's Guide

In many ways, enjoying whiskey is just as much about presentation as it is about the drink itself. People who know this have come up with lots of stylish ways to store and serve their whiskey. Here are the best whiskey decanters. When it comes to whiskey, presentation is just as important as taste. Our comprehensive guide helps you when it comes to buying best whiskey decanters in 2022.

The Best Whiskey Decanter Models of 2022 in Detail

Godinger Whiskey Decanter - Best Overall

This decanter gives your drink the air of a piece of treasure that has traveled around the world to get to you. The main bottle and glasses are all etched with silhouettes of continents, and the themed stand for the bottle lends extra flair. It's a great conversation starter, but be careful - returning the bottle to the stand can be a delicate process.

Paksh Novelty Whiskey Decanter - Close Runner-Up

With a collection of gorgeous glasses that match the bottle, this set is ideal for having friends over to share a drink with. The set comes with 6 carefully shaped and weighted glasses, and the ornate stopper keeps your whiskey safely in the bottle until it's ready to be served. The decanter and glasses are hand-crafted in Parma, Italy (known for its world-famous cheese), and the timeless design works well in just about any setting.

Whiskey Stones Gift Set By Mixology And Craft Store - Best Craftsmanship

This is everything a whiskey connoisseur could ask for! These whiskey stones are made entirely of natural granite, and they will cool your bourbon without diluting it. These granite whiskey stones, unlike ordinary ice, do not melt, allowing you to savor the full, robust flavor of your favorite scotch. A custom-fit natural wood tray for holding your stones is included in this liquor gift package. These whiskey stones will not harm your old traditional glasses, so do not worry. The intricate bourbon glasses and decanter, which gracefully carry your beloved whiskey, will add some significant elegance to your bar. Drink your scotch in style wherever you are with these vintage crystal whiskey glasses. Each glass is free of lead. Improve the look of your man cave! Any home bar becomes the center point of the room with this elegantly constructed whiskey decanter set. The rustic wood stand is a fashionable way to store and show your professional-grade glassware.

Bormioli Rocco Whiskey Decanter - Honorable Mention

This durable decanter is beautiful and suitable for any kind of drink, not just whiskey. The sides are etched with an ornate starburst pattern that manages to catch the light, enhancing the presentation of any liquor kept in the decanter. It's also dishwasher-safe, which is relatively rare in the field of whiskey decanters. The only issue is that this particular option doesn't come with matching glasses, but that gives you an opportunity to get creative instead.

Nou Living 11 Pc Crystal Whiskey Decanter Set - Best Lead-Free Glasses

If you’re looking for a premium whiskey decanter set with a timeless design, Nou Living has the perfect drinkware set for you. Great for gifting or having guests over, this 11-piece set has six lead-free glasses that are dishwasher-friendly and come with a matching 23-ounce decanter with a heavy base and an airtight glass stopper. The set is complete with four chilling spheres that can be used instead of ice for an undiluted drinking experience. The stainless steel spheres are reusable and need to be chilled in the freezer for at least 4 hours before using them to chill your favorite cocktails. The whiskey decanter set also comes with a recipe book with ideas for whiskey cocktails to wow your guests at the next party.

Jillmo Whiskey Decanter - Best Novelty Decanter

Here's an unusually-shaped decanter that will dominate the space it’s presented in, serving whiskey with flair straight from the tap. That's correct - this decanter features a sturdy metal tap to serve whiskey with, and the bottle itself contains a glass ship (yes, really) that lends an air of adventure. The spout also removes the need to remove bottle from stand, reducing the risk of mishaps. The only drawback is that the whole set is rather large and takes up a lot of space, but the novelty factor more than makes up for it.

Lefonte Whiskey Decanter - Consider

This fascinating decanter simply oozes old-world style, and its unique shape is evocative of times long past. The matching glasses are beautifully crafted as well, with a reassuring heft that adds a sense of occasion to any drink. It's on the smaller side, though - with a capacity of 750 mL, a single bottle will fill it to the brim.

Buyer's Guide

What to Consider When Purchasing a Whiskey Decanter?

When shopping for a decanter, keep these things in mind.

Size

A typical whiskey bottle holds 750 milliliters or around 25 ounces. If you intend to decant a whole bottle, you'll require a vessel that is larger than that.

Airtight seal

Whiskey oxidizes but at a slower rate than wine. You'll need a whiskey decanter with an airtight seal that's both durable and reliable. You're already removing the whiskey from its ideal environment (the bottle) when you pour it into the decanter, so there's no need to make matters worse by allowing oxygen to enter due to a poor seal.

Attractive Design

When shopping for a whiskey decanter, keep your individuality in mind. It is mainly for aesthetic reasons; choose something that reflects your taste when using it. Decanters with airplane sculptures in them would be ideal for someone who travels the world. A pirate-themed decanter would be suitable for someone who likes the film Pirates of the Caribbean. Classic jewel designs will never go out of style, so choose those if you want something elegant and tasteful.

Lead-free vs. Leaded Crystal

While most decanters are now lead-free, some, such still contain lead. Because of this, they have heft. Lead-free decanters are usually best if your whiskey will be stored for years. If a bottle of whiskey isn't going to be around for long, there's no need to be concerned about lead.

Price

Finally, how luxurious do you want to show up? How much are you willing to spend? Will the decanter be used in a social context, such as a party, or will you use it only to relax after a long day at work? The amount you're willing to pay should be influenced by what you plan to use the decanter for.

Should I be Concerned About the Presence of Lead in Crystal Whiskey Decanter?

When you're sharing a nice bottle of whiskey with your mates, corporate partners, or family, it's a great time to catch up. Lead contamination of crystal decanters is a significant source of concern for many people. Decanters with minor quantities of lead are common in low-cost, low-quality bottles. Because lead is harmful to human health, it's essential to ensure that any crystal decanter set you buy is lead-free.

If lead is left in a decanter with whiskey, it can infiltrate the human body in as little as 24 hours. After two days, 89 micrograms of lead (per liter) were found, with levels rising to 2,000–5,000 micrograms in port wine preserved in lead crystal decanters after four months. Safe levels of lead in drinking water are below 50 milligrams per liter. Use your lead crystal decanter only before you consume the whiskey; do not keep it cool while you drink it. Decanters made of glass, which are always free of lead, do not have this issue. Decanters made of crystal, on the other hand, appear and shine better.

When Shopping For a Whiskey Decanter, What Features Should I Looke For?

Decanter sets have two primary features: aesthetics and functionality.

Stopper Quality on the Decanter

Probably the most critical component of the decanter is the stopper. This decanter is a must-have for whiskey lovers because air can taint whiskey flavor and quality if it gets in. Cork was traditionally employed as a stopper material, but it's not very long-lasting and will degrade with frequent use and, of course, with time. Alternatively, you could unintentionally add cork fragments to your pricey whiskey. As a result, most stoppers used nowadays are made of glass or crystal. Make sure the stopper and mouth of the decanter are well sealed to ensure that no oxygen gets through. To avoid this, make sure the cork is well-made. Nowadays, some stoppers come with a piece of rubber attached to improve isolation.

Decanter and Glassware Capacity and Style

You should carefully check the capacity of the decanter before buying your dream set of decanters. There are 700 milliliters in a standard whiskey bottle, the standard size for most whiskey bottles. To avoid spilling, use a whiskey decanter that can hold the volume required (although you will most likely taste a glass or two before pouring the rest of the whiskey in the decanter anyway). Also, you need to pay attention to the decanter's included glasses, particularly their design and capacity. To avoid spilling the whiskey, make sure both are solid, weighty, and stable. Remember to verify the design of your decanter and glasses to make sure they go together and look fantastic in your home or bar.

Whiskey Decanter FAQs

Q: What's the point of using a whiskey decanter?

The primary reason for using a decanter is purely aesthetic. For guests to enjoy, transfer liquors such as whiskey, dark rum, and gold tequila to decanters. Decanting liquor also enhances the taste for a variety of other reasons.

Q: Can whiskey be stored in a decanter for a long time?

Spirits will keep for a minimum of 1-2 years in an airtight decanter. When it comes to whiskey, the same 'rule of thumb’ applies when it's in the bottle as when it's out. Keep an eye on how much light, air, heat, and humidity it is exposed to.

Q: Are decanters reserved for whisky only?

A decanter is most commonly used to store and serve wine, especially red wine. However, decanters are also used for other spirits, including whiskey, cognac, bourbon, and scotch.

Q: Should a whiskey decanter have a particular form or size?

The stopper on most whiskey decanters is etched with complex designs. Others have a smooth exterior, which is ideal for showcasing the bourbon's rich caramel hue. It takes the shape of a globe or a diamond when it is not square cut.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top