Right up there with a Champagne saber or a pair of crystal glasses, a decanter is an elegant tool for the drinks enthusiast. We typically associate them with wine (and for good reason, as they can aerate and open up a tight bottle of red) but they're great for spirits too. In fact, a good whiskey decanter is a host's dream, offering a beautiful way to present and pour your favorite bottle.
You've seen them before, set atop bar carts in old black-and-white movies or on the set of Mad Men. They're a stunning way to dress up your bourbon, rye, or Scotch, and can even make a cheap-to-average bottle seem much more classy. On top of that, they really allow you to enjoy the color and viscosity of whatever it is you're pouring.
With their elegant designs and superb features, all our handpicked selections -- regardless of their price point -- will leave a lasting impression on your visitors. We also included a short buying guide in case you need help choosing the best whiskey decanter for your home.
So whether you're an aficionado with a whisky box subscription or you're just looking to elevate your sub-$25 bottle of whiskey, here are some great decanters to make the whole process that much better.
Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter
This Paksh Capitol glass decanter does the job at a great price. It features an airtight geometric stopper and sloped sides for a controlled grip. The smooth front and back make it a great option if you're looking to get it engraved as a gift or for yourself. This decanter is proof you can be sophisticated without dropping a major coin.
FineDine Twisted Whiskey Decanter Set
This twisted decanter and matching glasses from FineDine may test your motor skills after a few drinks. But don't let that deter you. Its twisted base provides more surface area on the bottom of the decanter and glasses, making them sturdier and harder to tip over. The lid is heavy and provides a tight seal, preventing any evaporation.
Bar340 Royal 26-Ounce Whiskey Decanter
If you're trying to beef up your wet bar on a budget, then you can't beat this Bar 340 Royal Decanter. Given the price, this might not be the best whiskey decanter, but only those with a discerning eye for barware will know. How many of your friends honestly fall under that category?
Dragon Glassware Diamond Whiskey Decanter
Dragon Glassware's wares are known for their angular approach, and this decanter set is no different. Sitting in a holder like a diamond that belongs in a museum, this will surely be the star of your bar top for years to come.
James Scott 5-Piece Decanter Set
You get a full package with this decanter set that comes with a mirrored tray for a classic look. The tray also prevents damage to your desk, and it gives your setup more elegance.
Stewart Plaid Decanter
This decanter steals the show, sporting a beautiful plaid pattern for extra textural points. It's both distinctive and dazzling, just what you want in a whiskey decanter.
Half Dome Decanter
Add a little topography to your home bar setup with this excellent offering from Huckberry. It depicts the famous Yosemite mountain at the base, blown into the beautiful glass. Handmade and modeled after nature's grandeur, it's a keeper.
Hotel Collection Fluted Whiskey Decanter
Sophisticated and dishwasher-safe? Oh yeah, you can have both with this lovely decanter, made specifically for Macy's and touting a graceful, fluted head.
Bray 3-Piece Decanter
There's a serene simplicity to this decanter, which comes with a pair of matching cocktail glasses. The contours are subtle and eye-catching and the smooth nature of the vessel matches the mouthfeel of your favorite whiskey.
Waterford Elegance Decanter
It's easy to splurge on a great decanter and we don't blame you for it, especially if this is your choice. A bulbous masterpiece, this piece is made from fine crystal and will win over the entire room, let alone the bar cart.
A few more decanter tips before we let you go:
When choosing a decanter, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. A standard bottle of whiskey is 750 milliliters, which equates to about 25 ounces. If you plan on putting an entire bottle in the decanter, you’ll obviously need something larger than that. If you don’t plan on putting a whole bottle in, you can move right along to the next point.
While whiskey oxidizes slower than wine, it still oxidizes. You’ll want a decanter with a good, sturdy, airtight seal. When you transfer the whiskey from the bottle to the decanter, you’re already taking it out of its optimal environment (the original bottle), so you don’t want to exacerbate anything by providing a constant flow of oxygen due to a faulty seal.
Most decanters these days are already lead-free, but some still have lead. This is what gives them their weight. If you think your whiskey might sit in the decanter for years at a time, then lead-free is probably the way to go. If a bottle of whiskey doesn't last long in your house, then you don't have to worry about lead transferring into it.
Finally, how fancy do you want to look? How much do you want to show off? Will you use the decanter in a group setting, such as a party, or is it going to be only for you at the end of a long day of work? What you want the decanter for should affect the price you’re willing to pay.
As we mentioned before, the only thing a decanter will do for your bottles of whiskey is make you look cooler when you pour a glass. Decanting whiskey doesn't add to the whiskey aging process in any way. But we're all for cool points so we're on board.
