For whiskey drinkers, there are fewer feelings better than ending a long hard day with a good pouring of dram. Sitting back and enjoying your evening as you think about what you have accomplished that day is the perfect way to unwind and prepare for your next long day.
While the type of whiskey and glass you're pouring it in are arguably the most important things when it comes to enjoying the experience, a decanter can make things even more enjoyable.
A decanter adds a sense of purpose, joy, and weight to your pour, ensuring you add a hefty dash of whiskey to your glass.
However, this joy can be short-lived if the decanter isn’t up to standard. With so many options to choose from, it isn’t surprising to see a range of poorly made products on the market.
No need to worry though, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best whiskey decanters for you to choose from. Whether you want to pour your favorite top-shelf liquor or your affordable daily drink, on our list you will find a decanter that suits your drinking style.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 7 best whiskey decanters!
The 7 Best Whiskey Decanters
OUR TOP PICK
The first whiskey decanter on our list is the whiskey decanter set from Bormioli. If you’re looking to buy an elegant set rather than just the decanter, this high-quality whiskey decanter set is ideal.
The perfect starter set for amateur whiskey drinkers or a great addition to the home bar of whiskey connoisseurs, this beautiful diamond-cut set and decanter is made by one of the best in the business.
Bormioli Rocco has an impressive reputation in the glassware industry, so we can expect great results from the set.
They have designed the decanter to hold 34 ounces which is more than enough to hold most spirits, and more importantly your whiskey. The airtight lid on top of the decanter will also keep your booze nice and fresh.
We loved how the decanter and 9.5-ounce tumblers all match perfectly, giving off a glamorous, indulgent vibe.
Safe to use in the dishwasher, to ensure durability, Bormioli has made this set out of the finest raw materials and sands from Parma, Italy.
Pros
- Affordable - This set is available at a great price.
- Full set - You receive six tumblers with the decanter.
- Stylish - The Bormioli decanter set looks fantastic.
Cons
- Wash by hand - For longer use, you shouldn’t wash this set in the dishwasher.
EDITORS CHOICE
If you’re looking for a decanter that you can use without having to top it off regularly, the LSA International bar spirits decanter could be perfect for you.
Made from durable hand blown glass, this thick decanter looks beautiful and doesn’t weigh too much. These two things come in useful when wanting to enjoy your whiskey pouring experience without struggling to pour your drink.
While the design and weight of the decanter are great, the best feature this decanter comes with is its capacity. The LSA International bar spirits decanter has the capacity to hold 1.8 liters of whiskey, otherwise known as a handle.
When we took a closer look at this decanter, we loved all of the above features and found the decanter very easy to use. However, for us, the best thing about this decanter is its appearance.
Standing at over 10 inches tall and 5 inches wide, this crisp, quite stunning decanter will look great on any bar.
Pros
- Large capacity - Hold 1.8 liters of whiskey in this decanter.
- Elegant appearance - The LSA International decanter looks stunning.
- Well made - This decanter was made to last.
Cons
- Expensive - You will have to spend a lot of money to buy this decanter.
Also available at: Lsa-international.com
BEST VALUE
Look no further than the next whiskey decanter set on our list if you want to enjoy your whiskey in a much more unique, entertaining way.
A real party pleaser, the whiskey decanter globe set from Godinger features a stunning hand-blown whiskey decanter dispenser, an etched globe design, and a quirky antique ship bottle that will enhance your drinking experience 10-fold.
This patented set also comes with 2 matching old-fashioned whiskey glasses. These whiskey glasses with matching globe designs fit nicely into the mahogany tray the decanter sits on.
When in place, simply remove the classy golden lid and tip the decanter until your whiskey hits your glass.
We loved the overall design and style of this decanter, but we were most pleased with the capacity of both the glasses and the decanter.
The decanter can hold a decent 850 ml of whiskey. The glasses can hold 300ml. Both are more than large enough to hold your drink ready for when you get home.
Pros
- Unique design - This decanter set would make a great gift.
- Beautifully made - Godinger has made this set by hand.
- Good capacity - The decanter has a decent capacity of 850ml.
Cons
- Large - The Godinger decanter set will take up more space than others.
RUNNER UP
Made from 100% safe lead-free glass and handmade to perfection, the Jillmo Whiskey Decanter Set is another quirky option that you or someone you know might enjoy.
Featuring a strong wooden base, two old-fashioned glasses, and a crystal decanter that sits on top, this set can hold a total of 1250ml or 42 ounces of whiskey. This will be enough to keep you going without having to fill the decanter up regularly.
In terms of performance, operating the decanter couldn’t be any easier. Jillmo has equipped the decanter with a handy, easy-to-use tap. By simply opening the tap, your whiskey will run out into your glass until you close the tap again.
When we reviewed this set, we found that the top glass stopper does an excellent job of protecting the spirits from changing in taste or even evaporating.
The only downside we found with this decanter is that it is quite large when put together. If you have a bar this isn’t a problem, but those who value their space might want something a little smaller.
Pros
- Great gift - The Jillmo decanter set makes a great gift for a whiskey drinker.
- Good value for money - This decanter is well worth the money.
- Great size - This decanter holds 1250ml of whiskey.
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space - This decanter does take up more space than others on this list.
Also available at: Bourbonoftheday.com
RUNNER UP
Those of you looking for a simpler decanter might want to take a closer look at the Everest Whiskey decanter set from LIITON. This decanter and tumbler set has a simple, yet stylish design featuring a mountain range.
This mountain range design sits in the middle of both the glasses and the decanter. While this design looks great, it actually comes in pretty handy. The design gently aerates the whiskey.
It does this by mixing it with the air. This helps to create a much more enjoyable whiskey tasting experience. It also removes the need for an aerator or decanter to open the whiskey up.
When we reviewed the LIITON whiskey decanter set, we were thrilled by the durability and strength of the product. Every aspect of the decanter and glasses is made from high-quality materials.
This includes high-quality, premium glass that will withstand the pressure of time with ease.
Pros
- Simple - Sometimes a simple design is the best design.
- Takes up little space - You don’t need lots of space to store this decanter.
- Attractive design - Despite its simplicity, this set looks great.
Cons
- Expensive - This set is very pricey.
RUNNER UP
Not all of us want to spend lots of money on a decanter set that comes with all the bells and whistles. Some of us simply want a decanter that will get the job done and make it easier for us to pour a glass of whiskey in the evening.
The Queen & Stone Lead Free whiskey decanter lets us do just that. The Queen & Stone decanter is a straightforward, yet elegant, square-shaped whiskey decanter made using sophisticated and classical craftsmanship.
While the decanter has a decent capacity of 26 ounces and a stylish design, its best features would have to be its durability and sturdiness.
Made from 100% lead-free materials, this decanter has a decent heft, feeling comfortable and sturdy in your hand when you pour.
Thanks to its durability, we can use the decanter time and time again without worrying about any cracks or a drop in the quality of our drink.
At just 9 inches tall too, we found the decanter very easy to store on a shelf or in an at-home bar.
Pros
- Incredible price - This decanter is incredibly cheap.
- Simple design - This decanter simply gets the job done.
- Good size - The Queen & Stone decanter can hold 26 ounces of spirit.
Cons
- No additional features - This decanter doesn’t come with any additional features.
RUNNER UP
The final whiskey decanter on our list is the Amerigo crystal whiskey decanter. In our opinion, this is a great option for whiskey drinkers looking for a good balance between style, price, and functionality.
Capable of holding 850 ml of whiskey, this golden decanter features a stunning luminous Italian-crafted glass design and a geometric glass stopper. The sturdy glass used to make the decanter preserves your drink, keeping it crisp, rich, and fresh indefinitely.
Perfect for every-day-use or entertaining, serving your favorite spirit and making a toast has never been so easy.
In all honesty, there isn’t too much else to say about the Amerigo as it does a great job at everything it is designed to do. Overall, we found it to be one of the most complete whiskey decanters on the market, suiting most spirit drinkers.
Pros
- Versatile - The Amerigo decanter is perfect for a range of occasions and beverages.
- Great price - This decanter is available at a fantastically cheap price.
- Impressive overall performance - No matter how you look at it, this decanter performs excellently well.
Cons
- No glasses included - Although a set, you will need the purchase the glasses separately
Buyer’s Guide
Before making your final decision in regards to which decanter you want to purchase, there are some things you need to consider. Here are some of those things.
Capacity
The decanter you choose has to be able to hold the amount of alcohol you deem necessary. Occasional whiskey drinkers will find that a decanter that holds 750ml of whiskey is more than enough as that is a whole bottle of whiskey.
More regular drinkers might want a decanter that can hold more than that so they don’t need to fill up much. A decanter that can hold 1.75 liters of whiskey would clearly be a better choice.
Reliable Seal
Whiskey stoppers come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and styles. While a stopper that looks attractive might be nice, it is essential that it does its primary function better.
The decanter's seal has to be able to keep whiskey fresh. It can only do this by keeping the decanter as air-tight as possible.
Bear this in mind when looking for a suitable decanter.
Weight
It is important to consider how much a decanter will weigh. Classic and stylish decanters can be quite heavy and bulky. This makes it a lot harder when storing the decanter away or even pouring your drink.
We recommend looking out for a decanter that is quite lightweight. Lightweight decanters are usually made out of porcelain or hand blown glass.
Extra Features
If you don’t have any tumblers or you’re buying the decanter as a gift, why not consider buying one that comes with additional features or extras. A decanter set that comes with matching glasses can be a nice touch for any home bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Whiskey Kept In A Decanter?
Whiskey is normally kept in a decanter for decoration. Unlike decanting wine to improve the overall flavor and texture of the drink, decanting whiskey has no other function.
Do Whiskey Decanters Have Lead In Them?
Whether a whiskey decanter has lead-in is dependent on the manufacturer. Typically, decanters are now made from crystal, making them lead-free. However, there are some manufacturers that still like to make their decanters out of the lead as it gives them more heft.
How Long Will My Whiskey Last In A Decanter?
The answer to this question is a hot topic amongst industry experts. There are some that believe whiskey can only be left in a decanter overnight, whilst others believe whiskey can last up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, that concludes our article looking at the 7 best whiskey decanters currently on the market. While a whiskey decanter isn’t crucial, owning one will only enhance your whiskey drinking experience.
There may be many options to choose from, some good, and some bad, but by knowing what to look for, you can easily find the decanter you’re looking for.
In this article, we’ve done the hard work for you by giving you 7 solid options and a buyer’s guide that will help you decide. Now all you have to do is narrow down the list until you’ve identified which decanter is best for you.
If you don’t find the decanter you’re looking for on our list, our buyer’s guide should help you identify other good options that can be found on the market.
I want to share with you all of my favorites, as well as share advice on picking certain alcohols and flavors.
I hope you enjoy my articles as much as I enjoyed researching them!
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