Why a Decanter Will Take Your Whiskey Game to the Next Level

At some point, we all get to a place in life where we want a more “adult” setup. Gone are the days of the beer can pyramids and vodka handles left on the tables of our college apartments. Now we’re sophisticated folk who want to be taken seriously. We’re ready to put some intention behind our bar decor. But how?

By getting some glass decanters! Imagine your whiskey (or other liquors) displayed in sparkling glass bottles with ornate stoppers. It just gives that extra “oomph” and class we’re all looking for in our home bars.

But if you’re entirely new to all of this, buying glass bottles for the sake of “it looks nice” might feel a little weird or overwhelming. That’s where we come in. This article will give you the ins and outs of why you should start collecting decanters, what to look for, and how to take care of your new bottles. So put on your best Don Draper suit, get a few high ball glasses out, and offer your guests a drink. It’s time to decant.

 

Why Use a Decanter?

Why use a decanter? Well, besides looking cool, it’s full of tradition. When whiskey was first distilled it was solely available in barrels. So the only way to get your share was by BYOB-ing it. While those clay “XXX” jugs were how lots of bootleggers got their whiskey, others wanted something a little classier for their home decor. As time wore on, decanters became more aesthetically pleasing. Glassmakers noticed this and capitalized on the growing market.

Many people worry that pouring their beloved Scotches and whiskeys into decanters may make the liquor go “bad.” The good news is, that’s totally a myth. Beverages like wine are affected by oxygen and should be consumed within a short time of opening. But whiskey is considered a “finished product,” and sitting in a new bottle won’t affect its freshness.

In fact, the Scotch Whisky Association specifically notes what a non-issue this is. We think that pretty much justifies decanting that new bottle of Scotch ASAP.

 

What to Look for in a Decanter

Get the right size. While large decanters are impressive, don’t feel like you need to go all out if you don’t have enough whiskey to keep it full. On the other hand, if your decanter is too small to hold an entire bottle of your favorite alcohol, you’ll need to come up with other options (like drinking it!). Try looking for one that can hold around 750ml.

Avoid leaded crystal. Leaded crystal is beautiful and can catch the sunlight like you wouldn’t believe. Unfortunately, the “lead” part of “leaded crystal” should be enough to scare you away. While it’s unlikely the lead would seep from the cut glass into your alcohol, it’s not impossible. Save yourself the anxiety and look for lead-free glass.

Look for a tight seal. While oxygen isn’t as big a factor for whiskey as it is for wine, it’s still good practice to keep your bottles sealed. Also, having a good seal on the top will help prevent spills.

 

 

How to Care for Your Decanter

Keep it out of the sun.  This is more for your whiskey than the decanter. Exposure to sunlight over a prolonged period can cause it to cloud or taste off due to temperature fluctuations.

Clean the decanter with hot water and soap. The easiest way to clean your decanter is with hot water and dish soap. Put a little dish soap in the bottle, then add hot (but not boiling) water. Swirl the water around to help mix the soap and let it sit for a few minutes, then pour the mixture out. Rinse your decanter well and let it air dry upside down on a dish rack before putting more whiskey in.

If that doesn’t work, try vinegar and water. If soap and hot water aren’t getting your decanter clean enough, break out the white vinegar. A diluted vinegar solution (1:1) will help get your bottle looking brand new. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly so that there’s no vinegary aftertaste.

If there’s still crud, consider using something to scrub the inside. While there are commercial bottle brushes available, if you’re in a bind, then look to your pantry for options. Rice, salt, and crushed ice are great for helping to release any gunk stuck on the bottom since they can fit through the narrow neck and be poured out easily. Baking soda and vinegar is also a great option, as the fizz works well on almost anything (including old booze). Some people also suggest using things like ball bearings or sand. But you should try the pantry options first as these harsh abrasives might scratch your decanter. Also, sand is almost impossible to get rid of. You definitely don’t want to have a surprise sandy crunch while sipping your whiskey!

Did your seal break? Here’s an easy fix. Vintage decanters are awesome, but the rubber seals can break down. If you’re running into an issue where your decanter isn’t as air-tight as you’d like, head to your local hardware store and pick up a rubber gasket or O-ring. These are cheap and effective ways to keep your beverages sealed up safely.

 

Can I Put My Decanter in the Dishwasher?

Unlike wine decanters which are typically thinner and more delicate, whiskey decanters can take a beating due to their heft. That said, it’s usually better to let hot water and soap do their thing rather than running one through a dishwasher. If you do decide to throw caution to the wind, try keeping it in the top rack. Be especially careful with the rubber seal, as this can wear down over time due to the force of water in a dishwasher.

 

Final Thoughts

Decanters might not be as essential now as they were back in the day. But they just look so much better than your typical commercial packaging. Consider upping the aesthetic of your bar by investing in a few of these crystal beauties to show off that whiskey collection.