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.