Why do we use whisky decanters?

Ah, the whisky decanter. Ask the average person to imagine whisky being poured and they’ll picture these decorative vessels. They think of Don Draper’s office, of noble brown spirit plunging into equally beautiful glasses, lending the drinking experience an air of ritual importance.

Whisky decanters are not a vital component of the whisky-drinking experience, however. They are simply a means to store and serve whisky. Often made of glass or crystal, they originated from the need to transfer alcohol from barrels or large bottles into more manageable, attractive containers. 

Decanters became popular in the 18th century through formal dining and social gatherings. Early decanters often featured stoppers to protect the whisky from excessive air exposure, preserving its quality over time.

Why do we use whisky decanters?

Today, whisky decanters are more about form than function. They can be a charming centrepiece on the dining table, allowing you to serve whisky more elegantly for guests on special occasions. A simple way to remove all branding from the drinking experience. A means to appreciate the appearance of the drink itself. When you decant your whisky, you see the whisky.

For some of us, whisky decanters are blending vessels. Neutral space to mix and marry various whiskies to create something unique. A place for experimentation and creation. I have a decanter at home filled with a house blend I made from drams I owned. 

Using a decanter taps into a long tradition of serving spirits in a ceremonial and celebratory manner. They can be thoughtful gifts, or cherished heirlooms full of stories passed down through generations. 

Whisky decanters are really what you make of them.

How do you use whisky decanter?

To use a whisky decanter, follow these steps:

Clean the Decanter: First, ensure the decanter is cleaned and dried. Rinse with warm water to prevent whisky residue from sticking and, if needed, apply a mild detergent or a mixture of vinegar and water for thorough cleaning. The main purpose of this step is to avoid any lingering aromas or residue that could affect the flavour of the whisky you’re about to pour in.

Pour the whisky: Carefully transfer your whisky from its original bottle into the decanter. You can use a funnel to avoid spillage. Take your time, and make sure that the amount in the bottle is smaller than the size of the decanter. That might seem obvious, but it’s a messy, costly mistake if you don’t.

Seal Properly: If the decanter has a stopper, ensure it’s tightly sealed to limit air exposure and prevent oxidation.

Serve: When serving, use the decanter to pour whisky into a glass and be as theatrical as you like. Just make sure you keep your eye on the prize. There’s nothing worse than spilt whisky. 

Do you need a whisky decanter to appreciate whisky?

No, a whisky decanter is not necessary to appreciate whisky. 

The practical requirements for decanting whisky are much less significant than for wine. Whisky doesn’t need to breathe the same way and there isn’t much sediment to remove. 

Using a decanter can make pouring easier, especially if the original whisky bottle is bulky or unwieldy. As long as you seal it properly, a decanter can be useful for ensuring oxidation doesn’t affect the whisky. 

But while decanters can enhance the presentation and aesthetic appeal, they do not affect the flavour or quality of the whisky itself. The experience of tasting and enjoying whisky relies more on the glassware (like a Glencairn glass) and the whisky’s characteristics, such as its aroma, flavour, and finish, rather than the vessel it’s stored in.

Which whisky decanter is best?

Deciding which whisky decanter is best comes down to personal preference. We stock several fine decanters from LSA, luxury homeware and accessories experts. It’s known for its work with handmade glasses and below are just three examples of the beautiful work it does in creating whisky decanters. 

LSA Quad Decanter

This impressive mouth-blown 1.1-litre glass decanter boasts a classic shape, a heavy base, and a hand-ground stopper which make one hell of an impression. 

LSA Whisky Arran Decanter & Walnut Base

An enjoyably swish decanter from LSA’s Whisky collection, with a walnut base, allowing you to present the decanter handsomely.

LSA Boris Whisky Set

Complete with two fine glassware, the Boris Whisky Set is among the most premium and well-regarded whisky decanters on the market. 

Why do you use a decanter?

Do you use a whisky decanter? If so, which is your favourite and why? We’d love to hear from you.

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