What Does A Whiskey Decanter Do? (2023 Updated)

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin

Like wine decanters, a whiskey decanter permits oxygen to interact with the whiskey inside. But while wine decanters let the wine “breathe” to open up the flavors, whiskey decanters do little to change whiskey’s chemical composition.

So what does a whiskey decanter do? Read on as we discuss the main advantages of using a whiskey decanter. 

8 Main Uses of A Whiskey Decanter

1. Crowd Control

When hosting a huge number of guests, it is beneficial to present your priced whiskey collection in a decanter. You can use this trick to keep your supply in check and as a precautionary measure. 

Some novelty decanters already come with tap dispensers, making it easier to serve drinks in crowded settings. On the other hand, the wider surface area at the bottom of decanters is safer than the whiskey glass bottles you brought from the local store.

2. Subtleties

Whiskey contains a sophisticated flavor profile derived from its raw ingredients, production process, and barrel-aging. However, once you open a glass bottle of whiskey, it will lose some subtle taste notes as it comes into contact with air.

Pouring whiskey into a smaller vessel does not necessarily enhance its flavor, but it does not also harm the subtleties [1]. The smaller vessel will contain more liquid and less air, preserving some background tastes of the spirit.

3. Aesthetic Upgrade

Aesthetic presentation is one of the main functions of storing whiskey in a decanter. For example, the Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter is made of luxurious, high-quality Italian glass with an airtight seal. Serving your guests with this clear and elegant container will let them appreciate the decanter more than the liquor brand it contains. 

Some designs include a Skull Decanter Set and a Charging Bull Mouth Blown Set, showing the host’s sophistication, character, and taste. 

4. Preservation

Whiskey is bottled with higher alcohol content, which lasts longer than wine once opened [2]. When wine only takes one to five days before it gets bad, whiskey varieties like Scotch or bourbon will last up to two years if stored properly.

One of the proper ways to preserve an opened whiskey is to transfer the remaining liquid into a smaller container. It will minimize the headspace or the air between the stopper and the liquid. 

5. For Storage

We mentioned earlier that transferring whiskey into a smaller vessel will minimize the air exposure of this alcoholic beverage. But this advantage only applies if you choose a decanter with an airtight stopper. Some brands market their products with airtight seals but only have loose-fitting lids.

Those containers may lead to more oxygen exposure to the whiskey in the long run. Decanters with seals made of organic materials may also end up ruining your whiskey.

6. Adds Class & Style

While decanters are a beautiful way to present your priced whiskey collection, it also adds a sophisticated style to your drinking experience.

A container such as a lead crystal decanter features an intricate design reflecting light at every angle, making it an eye-catching display for formal parties or gatherings. 

However, we do not recommend drinking whiskeys that have been stored in this container. It may impart lead content that causes serious health problems to the body once taken. 

7. Separates the Whiskey From the Sediment

Occasionally, you may have noticed a snow cluster-like appearance at the bottom of your whiskey bottle. These floaters are sediments produced during whiskey’s production process, but they are usually unnoticeable.

The small flecks only became visible to the naked eye due to a temperature drop during transportation or storage.

Although it is unpleasant to see in your drink, those small flecks are not dangerous. You can leave them in the original bottle by transferring the whiskey into a decanter.

8. Adds Mystery To The Whiskey You Serve

A whiskey decanter’s transparent and sophisticated style is enough to attract guests’ curiosity. They may wonder if you are serving a limited-edition Scotch whisky or just your regular whiskey blends. Or maybe it could be a special vintage spirit you are fortunate to have. 

But still, no one can tell what is inside. It also eliminates the preconceived notions of your guests and will leave them to appreciate only the tasting profile of the spirit and not its brand.

3 Popular Whiskey Decanters

1. The Scotsman Classic Decanter And Glasses Set

This set features the classic ambiance of a whiskey decanter with two matching glasses, making it one of the best gifts for any whiskey lover. The decanter has a cut-glass design and cross-hatched stopper that can comfortably store 30 ounces of whiskey. On the other hand, its lead-free glasses can hold 9 ounces of the distilled spirit. 

2. Waterford Crystal Irish Dogs Madra Decanter Beagle

Waterford has continued to craft innovative and high-quality glassware since 1783. The name Madra is the Irish word for dog, and this decanter features a Beagle stopper that honors one of the most popular dog breeds in Ireland. It makes not only a good gift idea for whiskey fans, but it is also a good present for dog lovers out there.

3. Geometric Crystal Spirits Decanter

This product is the answer if you want an affordable whiskey decanter with a modern geometric design. This decanter is made with lead-free crystal and twenty triangular sides that can lay safely on its side. It is a beautiful piece of attraction that can store 40 ounces of whiskey as it stunningly reflects light in the middle of your table.

What Can It Not Do? 

A whiskey decanter does not add to the spirit’s aging process. Contrary to a wine decanter specifically designed to enhance its tasting notes through aeration, pouring whiskey into a decanter only preserves most of its flavors.

In addition, the decanter can only preserve an opened whiskey for two months to a year before the spirit loses its flavors. Most decanters also can not hold an entire bottle of whiskey because of their smaller size.

FAQs

Does whiskey stay fresh in a decanter?

Yes, whiskey stays fresh in a decanter for a limited time. Whiskey poured into another container must be consumed in less than a year because it has already made contact with air. 

How long does whiskey last in a decanter?

Whiskey lasts in a decanter from two months to more than a year, depending on the amount of spirit left.

In Summary

Whiskey decanters provide a sophisticated style and aesthetic upgrade for serving and drinking whiskey, especially at formal parties and gatherings. A stylish decanter will often grab our attention in some iconic movie scenes.

However, transferring whiskey to lead-free crystal decanters will also safely preserve the tasting notes of the spirit. Since whiskey is a strong distilled alcohol like rum, it contains fewer tannins and high alcohol content, which makes it last longer in a decanter than wine.

References:

1. https://www.marthastewart.com/8214870/when-how-use-decanter-liquor
2. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704288204575362453826059966