Last Updated on February 25, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Storing bourbons in decanters is aesthetically pleasing. Not only does it look stylish, but you can also display the clarity of the spirits for the guests to admire.
If you’re looking for the best decanter for bourbon, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our list.
Top 15 Bourbon Decanters
15. Maketh the Man Whiskey Decanter & Glass Set
Material: Crystal
Capacity: Approximately 800 ml
Why We Liked It: This decanter has a robust build and is dishwasher safe. It comes in a set with four glasses with a solid base perfect for your drink. It also comes in an exquisite presentation box that is perfect for giving as a gift for any occasion.
We specifically liked its sophisticated contemporary design, making it ideal for displaying the clarity of any liquor.
14. Godinger Whiskey Decanter Globe Set
Material: Wood, Glass
Capacity: Approximately 850 ml
Why We Liked It: We like that it has a unique design, making it a cool conversation piece at any party. It has an etched globe design and an antique ship, perfect for someone who loves oceans and explorations.
This decanter also has two matching globe designs: old-fashioned glasses and a mahogany-stained tray. Its gold airtight lid also makes for a classy style. If you are looking for a unique decanter, this might be a good choice.
13. Nude Glass Malt Whiskey Bottle with Wooden Tray
Material: Crystal (Lead-Free)
Capacity: Approximately 1L
Why We Liked It: We like that it’s simple yet classic. This decanter has an understated design that follows function, a nod to the designer’s Scandinavian roots. It also comes with a black-painted wooden tray that matches the minimalist aesthetic.
The Nude Glass Malt whiskey bottle screams elegance and is undoubtedly a cool display piece in your bar.
12. Nambé Vie Decanter
Material: Wood, Glass
Capacity: Approximately 700 ml
Why We Liked It: This decanter has a contemporary design that stands out among the rest. It’s simple, elegant, and dishwasher safe.
It also has a rounded wooden stopper to keep your liquor’s excellent quality. It’s a classic way to display your bourbon, scotch, or any other drink. Check out some bourbon shelf display ideas here.
11. Crate and Barrel Brixton Decanter
Material: Glass
Capacity: Approximately 900 ml
Why We Liked It:
We love its textured profile with a beautiful geometric pattern. This squared-off decanter looks so elegant in any bar cart. The vessel’s clarity and craftsmanship perfectly display the beauty of bourbon, scotch, or any drink set out on your bar to be admired.
We also like that it’s heavy and looks durable. It has a tight seal and is dishwasher-safe. It’s a perfect gift for a birthday or wedding.
10. Tom Dixon Tank Decanter with Copper Detailing
Material: Glass
Capacity: 1L
Why We Liked It: This decanter has a minimalist and a classic design. The hand-painted copper detailing adds elegance to this decorative piece. Despite the simplicity, it’s cool because it takes inspiration from scientific glassware.
It is presented in an attractive packaging perfect for gift giving. It also has a polished edge and a classic Tom Dixon logo that adds to the elegance.
9. Lefonte Whiskey Decanter Set
Material: Lead-Free Crystal Glass
Capacity: Approximately 750 ml
Why We Liked It: The Lefonte whiskey decanter set has a sophisticated style. We like that it comes with two large bourbon glasses. It’s also sturdy, and the cuts in the glass highlight the spirits’ clarity. You can fill it with scotch, bourbon, or any liquor.
One of the features we also love is its long neck, making it easy to lift. So, if you invite friends to your house for some drinking, this carafe is one of the best bourbon decanters for easy pouring. The glasses are also as heavy and durable as the decanter.
8. Jillmo Whiskey Decanter Set
Material: Glass
Capacity: Approximately 1250 ml
Why We Liked It: We like that we can pour a whole bottle of liquor into the decanter. It has an airtight stopper that prevents more air from filling the decanter and comes with two glasses. The glasses have a heavy base, and they’re sturdy.
This carafe set is handmade, a perfect gift for your father, brother, or boyfriend.
7. DeCicio Glass Whiskey Decanter
Material: Glass
Capacity: Approximately 750 ml
Why We Liked It: This glassware set is a great piece that catches the guests’ attention because of the smoked diamond glass. It also comes with a 24-karat gold leaf stopper. We like that it’s dishwasher and food safe.
This glassware also comes in two sizes, so you can choose the one that suits your style best. Other sites also allow you to personalize the decanter. You can even purchase glasses to match the stunning decanter set.
6. FineDine Whiskey Decanter
Material: Glass
Capacity: Approximately 855 ml
Why We Liked It: We love that it has a unique design and cool style. The twisted bourbon decanter is solidly constructed and durable. We also like that it has brilliant clarity, making it perfect for displaying the color and texture of the drink.
This glassware comes with a magnetic closure gift box protected by polyethylene foam. It’s easy to clean because it is dishwasher-safe.
5. Kemstood Whiskey Globe Decanter Set
Material: Wood, Glass
Capacity: Approximately 850 ml
Why We Liked It: We love that it comes in a six-piece full set, including the decanter, two map-engraved glasses, bottle stopper, wooden stand, and funnel.
You can also personalize this glassware set. It’s a complete gift for parents crafted by artisans.
4. Queen & Stone Crystal Whiskey Decanter
Material: Glass
Capacity: Approximately 750 ml
Why We Liked It: We like that its glass lid fits tightly but is easy to open and close. We tested it and found it amazing because the lid doesn’t leak. It’s square-shaped, has a timeless design, is heavy, and feels sturdy.
It’s an ideal gift for your family on any special occasion. It’s not flashy but looks elegant.
3. Godinger Whiskey Decanter Skull Set
Material: Glass
Capacity: Approximately 900 ml
Why We Liked It: This skull set decanter is a unique piece with a skull design perfect for a spooky bar set up if you want something different.
It’s a wonderful gift for someone cool. Its lid doubles as a shot glass, too. This glassware is also non-leaded, making it safe to decant your bourbon.
2. Home Wet Bar Draper Decanter
Material: Glass
Capacity: Approximately 700 ml
Why We Liked It: We like that it can be personalized. We can choose a single letter that can be engraved on this bourbon decanter’s front panel. Its English typeface makes the style more elegant.
It also has a crystal base and a translucent glass lid. It’s perfect for housewarming parties, corporate gifts, and groomsmen gifts.
1. Bormioli Rocco Selecta 7 Piece Whisky Decanter Set
Material: Glass
Capacity: Approximately 1L
Why We Liked It: We like that this set is incredibly detailed and crafted from premium materials. It’s a stunning diamond-cut bourbon decanter. It’s a perfect gift surprise for a loved one who’s a whiskey lover.
Both the decanter and the six glasses have a diamond-cut design. The glasses can also hold up to 9.5 oz, perfect for drinking bourbon and scotch on the rocks. This glassware set is durable and dishwasher safe.
What We Considered
Capacity
When choosing a bourbon decanter, check the bottle’s volume first. Glass decanters usually have a capacity of 700 to 800 ml, so make sure all the contents in the bottle can fit the decanter.
However, it’s always important to note that if your bourbon bottle is more than two-thirds empty, you must transfer it to a smaller decanter to lessen the air.
Materials
Lead-Free Crystal
Your decanter should be lead-free because the lead content in the decanter might contaminate the bourbon stored in the vessel over time. Ingesting lead daily might accumulate to toxic levels that pose a health risk.
An alcoholic drink is acidic, so it reacts with the lead in the crystal decanters, making the lead seep more into the alcohol than if water is stored in the decanter.
Glass
When choosing the best decanters, you must ensure they’re made from solid glass. Not only is it robust, but it makes for a stylish and classic choice that is timeless. It’s also lighter than a crystal decanter.
For example, hand-blown glass is a light alternative for crystal decanters.
Lid/Airtight Seal
While lids are important to keep unwanted particles from getting in the carafe, they also prevent the bourbon from being exposed to too much air because it causes oxidation.
Oxidation causes the alcohol to lose its flavor. The best whiskey decanters are the ones with an airtight seal.
Design & Style
There are different styles, like round to square shapes, etched designs, and personalized designs. When choosing the best bourbon decanters, choose the design that suits your style better.
You can surely make your home bar aesthetically pleasing with many styles and designs available.
Accessories
Some decanters come in a set, giving a great value for money. They usually come with a bar tray and matching glasses. It can be a great gift for your friends to make their liquor cabinets more stylish. Some sets come with four bourbon glasses.
Ease of Pour
One of the things to consider when purchasing a decanter is the ease of pouring. It should be strategically designed for easy pouring, even on the one hand, especially for everyday use. It should have a steady grip when you pour your bourbon.
Price & Value
Decanters are usually expensive because of their design and the materials they are made from. A crystal decanter, for example, is on the higher price end. However, some decanters are affordable but are still high-quality.
When choosing the best decanter, find the one that suits your budget.
Why Use A Decanter for Bourbon?
You can use a bourbon decanter to display your spirits’ clarity and texture. Unlike wine, decanting does not improve the flavors of the bourbon.
Bourbon is a stable spirit, so it stops aging as soon as it goes out of the barrels. Meanwhile, aeration is essential for wine to change its flavor [1].
Decanting bourbon has no other function other than for aesthetic purposes. Displaying bourbon or any liquid in a decanter is a perfect way to elevate the perceived value of the bourbon if you are not serving a top-shelf brand.
It allows the guests to enjoy the alcohol and focus on its distinct flavors rather than the brand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you put bourbon in a crystal decanter?
Yes, you can put bourbon in a crystal decanter. But if your crystal decanter has lead, it may harm your health. Lead poisoning may occur when there’s lead build-up in the body [2].
How do you clean a bourbon decanter?
A bourbon decanter can be cleaned by filling them with warm water and vinegar for half an hour. You can also use baking soda. Cover the opening of the decanter with your hand and shake the cleaning solution. Empty and rinse the vessel thoroughly.
Do decanters make the bourbon fresh?
No, decanters don’t make the bourbon fresh. When air is introduced to the carafe, the alcohol evaporates, deteriorating the bourbon’s quality. When oxidation happens, the bourbon loses its flavor over time.
Is it good to put bourbon in a decanter?
Putting bourbon in a decanter is a matter of personal preference; while it enhances the aesthetic presentation and may allow for subtle changes in flavor over time due to aeration, it’s essential to consider the potential risk of increased oxidation and evaporation compared to keeping bourbon in its original, tightly sealed bottle.
How do I choose a whiskey decanter?
When choosing a whiskey decanter, consider factors such as material (crystal or glass), design, size, and stopper type. Ensure the decanter has a tight seal to minimize evaporation, and select a design that complements your aesthetic preferences while providing a functional vessel for your bourbon.
Is it worth getting a whiskey decanter?
Whether a whiskey decanter is worth getting depends on individual preferences and priorities. A whiskey decanter can enhance the presentation of bourbon, contribute to the overall atmosphere of a home bar, and potentially influence the flavor through aeration. However, if preserving the original packaging and preventing unnecessary oxidation are priorities, keeping bourbon in its original bottle may be preferable.
What is a decanter used for bourbon?
A decanter for bourbon is used to store and serve the spirit, providing an elegant and visually appealing vessel. The design allows for aeration, potentially influencing the flavor profile over time. However, users should be mindful of potential drawbacks, such as increased oxidation and evaporation.
Can you keep bourbon in a flask?
While it’s possible to keep bourbon in a flask for short-term storage, flasks are not ideal for long-term aging. The small volume and constant exposure to air can lead to faster oxidation, potentially altering the flavor. Flasks are better suited for carrying bourbon for immediate consumption rather than extended storage.
How long will bourbon last in a decanter?
The shelf life of bourbon in a decanter varies based on factors like the seal, exposure to light, and room temperature. While some enthusiasts enjoy the evolving flavors over time, it’s generally recommended to consume bourbon within a few months to minimize the risk of excessive oxidation.
What is the best way to store bourbon?
The best way to store bourbon is in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Keeping the bottle upright and tightly sealed helps maintain the original flavor and prevents premature aging or degradation.
How long can bourbon stay in a flask?
Bourbon can stay in a flask for a short period, ideally consumed within a few days to a couple of weeks to maintain optimal flavor. Extended storage in a flask may lead to increased oxidation and potential changes in taste.
What is best in a decanter?
Decanters are best suited for spirits that benefit from aeration and presentation, such as red wines and certain aged spirits like whiskey. However, the decision on what is best in a decanter ultimately depends on individual preferences and desired outcomes.
How long will whiskey last in a decanter?
The shelf life of whiskey in a decanter is influenced by factors like the seal, exposure to air, and room conditions. While some enthusiasts appreciate the evolving flavors, it’s generally recommended to consume whiskey within a few months to minimize the risk of significant changes in taste due to oxidation.
Final Verdict: Best Decanter For Bourbon
Based on actual tests and research, our team chose the Queen & Stone Crystal whiskey decanter as the best bourbon decanter. It’s solidly constructed and has a timeless design that will still look good in the years to come.
Its lid is airtight to help maintain the bourbon’s excellent quality. Despite being airtight, it’s easy to open and close.
When selecting the best bourbon decanters, it is important to look for carafes with an airtight stopper to keep their quality and flavor. It should also be crafted by artisans to ensure that the carafe is durable and high-quality.
References:
- Why Aerate Wine? Science Behind Letting Wine Breathe
- Alcohol should not be stored in leaded crystal decanters
