The 7 Best Whiskey Decanters in 2022 (2023)

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For whiskey drinkers, the ceremony of the cocktail hour is sacred. Pouring a dram to mark the waning of another brave day sinking into the night is a ritual that celebrates what you have accomplished in those precious hours and the promise of tomorrow.

Much like a nice glass, using a decanter adds a certain weight, a sense of deliberate purpose, that imparts a hefty dash of joy to whatever you are drinking. Whether you fill yours with your favorite top-shelf liquor or an affordable daily drinker, here are the best decanters that you can be proud to put on your bar.

Best Overall:Bormioli Rocco Whiskey Decanter Set

4.7

The 7 Best Whiskey Decanters in 2022 (1)

Who else recommends it? Bob Vila also picked the Bormioli Rocco Whiskey Decanter Set.

What do buyers say? 85% of 1,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

This decanter set from renowned glassware company Bormioli Rocco makes a beautiful starter collection for the amateur drinker and elegant addition to any home bar for the seasoned connoisseur. For less than a nice bottle of bourbon, you get a gorgeous diamond-cut decanter with a 33.75-ounce capacity and airtight lid to keep your booze fresher for longer. You also get six matching 9.5-ounce tumblers, each with a sturdy, heavy base.

Made from fine sands and raw materials in Parma, Italy, this incredibly detailed and durable decanter set should last you through cheers for years to come. It's safe for use in the dishwasher, although hand washing is recommended to ensure a longer life.

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An update to a classic from the venerable Irish maker, the Waterford Lismore Diamond Decanter is a beautiful piece that's perfect for whiskey. Cut from fine crystal, the diamond pattern sparkles will give your spirit’s color an added pop—but don’t dare put it in the dishwasher. This one is hand wash only. At 6 inches in diameter and 11 inches tall, this decanter is a nice size, though it does clock in at over 6 pounds, so you’ll want to have a steady grip when you pour a drink.

Best Large Format:LSA International Bar Spirits Decanter

The 7 Best Whiskey Decanters in 2022 (3)

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If you want to fill a decanter and not worry about topping it off for a bit, this 60-ounce version from LSA International is big enough to hold 1.75 liters of whiskey—also known as a handle. Made from handblown glass with thick walls, it’s not quite as heavy as crystal, which is good since the weight of the additional spirit will add to the heft when pouring a dram. The simple and crisp, handmade design standing 10.24 inches tall and roughly 5 inches wide will look great on any bar.

Baccarat is one of the finest makers of crystal on the planet. Synonymous with high-end luxury, the French maker produces a number of stunning decanters, but Harmonie stands out for the whiskey connoisseur. Vertical stripes give the vessel texture and depth, while a large stopper that, when paired with the decanter’s mouth, takes on the look of a top hat.Altogether, the piece stands 12.6 inches tall and will hold a full 750-milliliter bottle of any whiskey you choose.

Best Conversation Starter:Williams Sonoma Shade Skull Decanter

The 7 Best Whiskey Decanters in 2022 (5)

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For whiskey drinkers with a penchant for goth, this Shade Skull Decanter from Williams Sonoma is sure to add personality to any bar. Certainly, the highlight of this piece is the modern, skull-shaped stopper, but the decanter is also made from lead-free crystal for clarity and brightness. It's a substantial bottle at5 inches wide and 11.5 inches tall, boasting a 1,200-milliliter capacity, which is plenty enough to hold a full bottle of whiskey and then some. So, you can whip up a large batch of brooding cocktails, and since it’s dishwasher safe, you can pop your decanter right into the machine when it's empty.

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Best Gift:Jonathan Adler Whiskey Rocket Decanter

The 7 Best Whiskey Decanters in 2022 (6)

When the cocktail hour can’t start fast enough, it’s time to hop on a rocket. The Jonathan Adler Rocket Decanter will bring a smile to even the most cynical whiskey drinker’s face. This showpiece is crafted from white porcelain with the name of the spirit printed vertically down the fuselage and is adorned with 16-karat gold detailing. A 42.3-ounce capacity can handle more than a standard bottle, and a working gasket prevents the alcohol from evaporating into space.

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Best Set:Ravenscroft Crystal Taylor 5-Piece Whiskey Decanter Set

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This decanter and four glasses complete a stunning set at a lovely value. Handmade in Poland from lead-free crystal, all five pieces feature a mouth-blown bubble in their bases. The decanter itself has a 35-ounce capacity, more than ample to hold a full bottle of Scotch, bourbon, or rye. Size-wise, the decanter is 10.5 inchestall with a 5-inch diameter, while the old-fashioned glasses are 4 x 3.25 inches—perfect for a nice pour of your favorite whiskey or hefty cocktail with ice. Plus, you can have it engraved with your initials if that fits your personal aesthetic.

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What to Look for in a Whiskey Decanter

Capacity

For the occasional whiskey drinker, a decanter that holds a 750-milliliter bottle of whiskey might be enough; otherwise, there are decanters with large capacity, holding up to a handle of whiskey (1.75 liters).

Seal

A whiskey stopper needs to be more than attractive. It needs to create a seal that is as airtight as possible to keep the whiskey fresh and prevent the spirit from evaporating.

Weight

Crystal decanters are classic and stylish, but they can be quite heavy. Handblown glass or porcelain is a lightweight alternative.

Cleaning

If convenient cleaning is important to you, choose a dishwasher safe decanter that does not require handwashing.

Add-ons

If you don’t already own tumblers, or for a well-rounded gift, consider a decanter set that comes with glasses (usually four).

FAQs

Why do you put whiskey in a decanter?

Unlike decanting wine to introduce oxygen to improve flavor, texture, and aroma, decanting whiskey has no functional purpose. It is solely for presentation.

How long does whiskey last in a decanter?

The opinions of whiskey aficionados on this topic vary, ranging from leaving the whiskey in the decanter only overnight to two months maximum. Whiskey should not be decanted for more than a few hours in a decanter made of lead crystal, as the lead leaches into the liquor over time.

Is there lead in whiskey decanters?

It depends on whether it’s lead free or lead crystal. Most crystal decanters are lead free these days, but some manufacturers still use lead oxide to give the crystal more heft.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ease of use, material, or price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Nicholas McClelland is a passionate whisk(e)y drinker who has written about spirits for Men’s Journal, Fatherly, and InsideHook. His bar is deep with rare single malts, hard-to-find bourbons, and ryes, but he doesn't believe there's anything too precious to share with friends.

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(Video) 10 Best Whiskey Decanters

FAQs

How do I choose a whiskey decanter? ›

You'll want a decanter with a good, sturdy, airtight seal. When you transfer the whiskey from the bottle to the decanter, you're already taking it out of its optimal environment (the original bottle), so you don't want to exacerbate anything by providing a constant flow of oxygen due to a faulty seal.

What liquor is best in a decanter? ›

A decanter is most widely used for storing and serving wine, especially red ones. However, decanters are also used with different spirits, including whiskey, tequila, brandy, vodka, cognac, and scotch.

Is it worth getting a whiskey decanter? ›

Oxygen Exposure Doesn't Affect Whiskey Like Wine

Many wine drinkers believe that this helps to open up the flavour of the wine. However, whiskey doesn't really gain anything from this exposure to oxygen. Pouring whiskey from the bottle into a decanter will do nothing to change the flavour.

Is glass or crystal better for decanter? ›

Glass decanters are typically the least expensive and least durable. However, they generally take to automatic dishwashers better than crystal decanters, mostly due to their thick walls. Crystal decanters are quite durable. Crystal decanters can be mouth-blown or made from a mold.

Is it OK to leave whiskey in a decanter? ›

However, can you keep whiskey in a decanter? Yes. You can keep the whiskey in the decanter overnight. Only, you cannot assure that it would be of the same quality as the newly opened bottle.

What is the most expensive decanter? ›

The gem of them all is the Tequila Ley .925 Diamond Sterling decanter and is known as the world's most expensive decanter. It is sold at US$3.5 million for a decanter with a capacity of fewer than 1.4 liters.

Does the shape of a decanter matter? ›

So yes, decanter shapes can have a certain impact on your wine, though in very small increments. You really don't have to decant most wines for more than 30 minutes, so we'd recommend you go with your design preference, and checking account balance, on this one.

How do I know if my whiskey decanter is crystal? ›

The easiest way to identify lead crystal is by tapping it gently with a knife—if it makes a drawn-out chiming sound, chances are that it's lead crystal. Regular glass tends to make a duller, briefer sound when struck.

How long can alcohol sit in decanter? ›

How long does liquor stay good in a decanter? If you're using a decanter with an airtight seal, the spirits inside will last just as long as they would in the original glass alcohol container. For wine, that means only a few days, but vodka, brandy, and other spirits could last for years.

How long can whiskey sit in decanter? ›

Whiskeys stored in the decanter can last between two months to three years, depending on how much alcohol there is in the lead-free decanter. Other factors that can make the shelf life of whiskey longer in the decanter are temperature fluctuations, humidity, light, and if the decanter has an airtight seal.

Do you pour the whole bottle into a decanter? ›

To avoid pouring sediment into the decanter, always leave a bit of liquid in the bottle. You can decant your wine a couple of hours before you plan to drink it. However, keep in mind that each wine has different decanting times.

Should you swirl a decanter? ›

It is okay to swirl and shake your decanter as this gets more air into the wine. When pouring from the bottle into the decanter however, it is advised to pour at a 45 degree angle against the opposite side the decanter neck, allowing it to follow the curves of the glass so it doesn't froth the surface of the wine.

Should I leave lid off decanter? ›

If you're decanting to aerate, then I wouldn't use the stopper. But if you're decanting a more delicate, older wine off of its sediment, a stopper might come in handy to limit the wine's exposure to air so that it doesn't fade too quickly. It's also good if you're worried about fruit flies.

How long does a decanter last? ›

If stored in the decanter, you'll want to be sure to enjoy it within 2 to 3 days. Storing wine any longer than that once it has been opened is not recommended.

Does a decanter change the taste of whiskey? ›

This process enables heightening of the aroma therefore establishing more flavour in the wine. However, with whiskey it doesn't tend to react in the same way when exposed to oxygen. Pouring your finest bottle of Irish whiskey into your decanter will lead to no notable or positive change in the flavour.

Does Cristal D Arques contain lead? ›

Made with lead-free crystal glass, the Cristal d'Aqrues collections truly celebrate the “French art of living”.

How long should whiskey sit before drinking? ›

Let It Breathe

“Pour it into your glass and let it sit. Even five minutes is good,” he says. “Giving it a chance to get some air, letting it open up, will make it easier for those wonderful flavors of caramel and wood and sweetness to emerge. “Then take little sips.

What kind of decanter do you use for whiskey? ›

Beyond that, whiskey is much more stable in a decanter than wine. Look for a decanter with a solid stopper and stable bottom to ensure your liquid will stay safe wherever you set it. Of course, always make sure that the bottle is “lead-free” as many lead crystal decanters still remain on the market.

Is there a difference in decanters? ›

There are different shapes to choose from like standard, U-shaped, bell-shaped and more. You can choose one depending on how much surface area your wine needs. Also, consider how easily you can pour the wine after decanting.

What is a good size for a decanter? ›

Some decanters out there are made around 750ml or even less and we advise to stay away from those. Not only will they look small and unimpressive but the size also just isn't practical. We strongly recommend buying a decanter that is over 900ml.

Is Bourbon better in a decanter? ›

What does a decanter do for bourbon? In terms of flavor, decanters will do nothing to improve your bourbon because it doesn't provide an absolute airtight seal. Instead, keeping it in a decanter can deteriorate the bourbon's flavor, especially if kept there for a long time.

How long does alcohol last in crystal decanter? ›

Unlike wine, which oxidizes into vinegar in just a few days, spirits can last years in a decanter. Best practice, though, is to try and consume your decanted spirit sooner than that that. Prolonged storage (that's over two years) in a decanter will probably produce some discoloration and loss of flavor intensity.

How do you tell the difference between lead crystal and cut glass? ›

Because crystal contains lead or other metals, it tends to be heavier in weight than a standard glass of the same design. Crystal is also able to refract light while glass will typically lack that ability. Glass, on the other hand, is a transparent material that can be melted down and molded into solid shapes.

How do you get the cloudiness out of a crystal decanter? ›

Sure can! Start with hot water and powdered dishwasher detergent. Let soak for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. If this doesn't work, fill the decanter with WARM or HOT white vinegar and let sit overnight. Scrub, wash and rinse.

What is the point of a whiskey decanter? ›

A whiskey decanter serves two main purposes: to allow aromas to oxidize and to serve as a more appealing vessel than a branded bottle. Decanters are used for other spirits, as well, such as tequila, with similar styles and shapes.

Does a whiskey decanter need to be sealed? ›

Why is it important to seal a whiskey decanter? When you want to preserve the quality of a drink, the best way to achieve that is to minimize oxidation as much as possible. Oxidation diminishes flavor when the alcohol interacts with oxygen.

What's the point of a decanter? ›

A wine decanter's primary purpose is to store and serve wine and allow it to breathe. An adequate surface area exposed to air is crucial to the oxygenating process. Sediment and crumbled cork are often found in red wines. Pouring into a decanter can help to filter and remove any unwanted residue.

How do you store whiskey for years? ›

Here are a few tips on how to store your whiskey:
  1. Store bottles of whiskey upright and monitor the condition of the cork. ...
  2. Keep it dark. ...
  3. Keep the collection consistently cool, but not too cold. ...
  4. Maintain consistent temperature and humidity. ...
  5. Protect the bottle and label condition. ...
  6. Prepare them to be transported.

How long can you keep unopened whisky? ›

Whisky lasts indefinitely. So even if you have an unopened bottle from the '70s, it can still be opened and consumed a decade from now. It may slightly change its taste over time, but it won't spoil. Some whisky houses put a “best by” on the bottle, but that's usually just for formality.

Does whiskey get better the longer it sits? ›

Unlike wine, an unopened bottle of whiskey does not get better the longer it sits on your shelf. It can sit there for years, even decades, as long as it's stored in the right environment, particularly the right temperature (room temperature, around 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).

What liquid goes in a decanter? ›

Depending on its purpose, a decanter can hold a variety of liquids, making it a highly functional vessel! You can use a glass decanter to aerate and decant wine, as well as to store other liquors like whiskey, bourbon, tequila, vodka, gin, or rum.

Can you use a mason jar as a decanter? ›

One good way to double decant is to use a mason jar. A one-liter jar is a good choice but you can use the smaller one. Of course, you may have to sacrifice the amount of wine you can decant. The good news, though, is you can use a few mason jars to decant a bottle then pour it back later.

Is a decanter better than a bottle? ›

If you enjoy red wine or drink more affordable wine on a regular basis, then using a decanter is a great idea. Decanting may not look like much, but the increased oxygen exposure to wine greatly improves the taste by softening astringent tannins and letting fruit and floral aromas come out.

Can you decant too long? ›

How Long is Too Long? As long as you're drinking your wines within a few of hours of being decanted you should be fine. Of course, there are a few special exceptions: Old Wines: Some old wines are very delicate and rapidly decay after being opened.

How do you clean a decanter before use? ›

Vinegar is a great solution for cleaning decanters. Just pour vinegar and hot water into the decanter and let it sit for 10 minutes. Don't use boiling water as it may be too hot for the delicate glass. Drain, rinse, and the wine should scrub off easily.

Does the shape of a liquor decanter matter? ›

So yes, decanter shapes can have a certain impact on your wine, though in very small increments. You really don't have to decant most wines for more than 30 minutes, so we'd recommend you go with your design preference, and checking account balance, on this one.

What is the best shape of glass for whiskey? ›

Glencairn Glass

It is the primary glass type used at most distilleries. This glass has a short, thick base with a bulbous shape and a narrow rim. The base and bulbous shape make it perfect for swirling the whiskey, while the narrow rim keeps the aroma in as you nose the spirit.

Does whiskey lose flavor in a decanter? ›

What does a decanter do for bourbon? In terms of flavor, decanters will do nothing to improve your bourbon because it doesn't provide an absolute airtight seal. Instead, keeping it in a decanter can deteriorate the bourbon's flavor, especially if kept there for a long time.

How long can you keep alcohol in a decanter? ›

How long does liquor stay good in a decanter? If you're using a decanter with an airtight seal, the spirits inside will last just as long as they would in the original glass alcohol container. For wine, that means only a few days, but vodka, brandy, and other spirits could last for years.

How can I tell if your decanter is lead crystal? ›

A simple test to know if a decanter has lead is to hold it against the light. If rainbows form on it, it means that it works like a prism, giving it a high reflective index that indicates lead oxide. Lead crystal decanters are also heavier than a glass one of the same or larger size.

Should whisky glasses be thick or thin? ›

People enjoy chugging beer, so a thick mug makes the act easy, but you do not speedily gulp whiskey. Instead, you sip quality whisky, so the best whiskey glasses or bourbon glasses are fashioned with a thin rim which makes the entire whiskey tasting experience not only easier but more pleasurable.

Does whiskey glass really matter? ›

Your choice in glassware will most certainly influence the smells and tastes you perceive. It's crucial to keep in mind that you want a glass that will concentrate vapors to allow you to really “nose” the whiskey. Again, it may sound snooty, but it really does make a difference.

How do you store whiskey long term? ›

Here are a few tips on how to store your whiskey:
  1. Store bottles of whiskey upright and monitor the condition of the cork. ...
  2. Keep it dark. ...
  3. Keep the collection consistently cool, but not too cold. ...
  4. Maintain consistent temperature and humidity. ...
  5. Protect the bottle and label condition. ...
  6. Prepare them to be transported.

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