Photo: Waterford Crystal Decanters
Crystal Clear: 20 Best Whiskey Decanters
Mention the word ‘decanter’ and more often than not you’ll stir up images of a device purposed to let a favorite red wine breathe and develop a more robust character. However, there’s a world out there, made famous by those mid-century business tycoons, that decants their whiskey. Be it bourbon, scotch, blended or Irish, if it’s over 40 percent ABV and aged, it’s transferred from the store-bought bottle into lead-free crystal . But why? Many claim the first whiskey decanters were built out of necessity many years ago in order to capture whiskey from the barrel when it was ready to drink. Today, of course, that’s no longer the case and most whiskey decanters serve a primarily aesthetic purpose.
Whatever the case, decanting your whiskey is a great way to add a touch of class to the home bar or bar cart. They’re heavily based in design and come in a variety of different shapes and sizes to suit your specific needs. Picking up a decanter of your own is also an enjoyable experience, especially as you transfer a bottle of your favorite spirit into the vessel for the first time. Everything from the hue to the aromas once you remove the cap are present in this instance, supporting the notion that decanting a fine whiskey is to put it on display for full admiration. So, if you happen to hold the same opinion regarding fine whiskey, then be sure to pick up a decanter of your own. Here’s a list of our picks for the best whiskey decanters to get you started.
James Scott Crystal
Enjoy an evening cocktail is always a more enjoyable experience when it’s poured out of an aesthetically-pleasing decanter, especially when that decanter is from James Scott. Each distinguished piece is made from crystal and boasts a capacity of 750 ml.
Stacked Decanter Set
Aimed at an innovative design and to save space in the process, this Stacked Decanter Set features a small crystal decanter that sits atop two rocks glasses in a sleek profile. The perfect gift – or addition – to your favorite whiskey lover’s home bar or office.
Badash Enzo Square
Built from lead-free hand blown crystal, this European crafted decanter boasts a traditional design and shape. The Badash is also made from environmentally sustainable components and works quite well as a no frills home for your favorite scotch or bourbon.
Tom Dixon Tank
Well-known designer Tom Dixon went all the way with this hand blown and copper finished decanter, which will complement your whiskey of choice quite well. The piece falls in line with Tom Dixon’s approach to redefining a product’s traditional design, working well with just about any home interior.
Schott Zwiesel Triton Crystal
Each Schott Zwiesel decanter hosts enough space for 25.3 ounces of your favorite spirit, is made from lead-free Tritan crystal and is completely dishwasher safe, which is saying a lot for a decanter embedded in a list of hand-washable options.
Noblesse Whiskey Decanter Set
Cut from the finest crystal, this Noblesse decanter will make you feel like royalty within the comfort of your own home. It also features breakage resistance, offers picture-perfect clarity and comes as a complete set with two whiskey glasses to boot.
English Crystal Spirits
Made in North Devon, England this traditionally blown crystal decanter makes pouring a fine spirit an elegant affair. They’ve been in the business since 1967 utilizing their master glassmakers every step of the way. Feel the craftsmanship for yourself.
Ravenscroft Crystal Beveled Blade
Boasting the capacity for up to 36-ounces of your favorite spirit, this hand-cut beauty is modeled after old world decanters. It’s made from European craftsmen with ancient mineral deposits, resulting in a transparent and beautifully clear finished product without the need for harmful lead.
Soren Medium Decanter
As a handmade crystal decanter, the Soren is a fantastic choice for any fan of storing their whiskey in style. Each piece is finished with a smart steel collar for perfect pouring and comes with a specially-made stopper for an air-tight seal every time.
Match Italian Pewter & Crystal
Crafted from the finest lead-free Italian pewter and crystal by MATCH, this piece is an ode to old-world Italian design. It’ll age with beauty over the years, look the part in just about any setting, and requires little care. Keep it stocked with your favorite after-dinner spirit and pair it with a choice cigar.
Purchase: $175
Jonathan Adler Whiskey Rocket
In classic Jonathan Adler form, here’s a whiskey decanter that stands out amongst the fray. It’s a retro-inspired rocket boasting 24-karat gold and ‘Whiskey’ embellished in the porcelain body of the piece. It’s stylish, highly functional, and adaptable. Shouldn’t you be as well?
Hand-Blown Whiskey Decanter
A tribute to old world design at it’s finest, this hand-blown whiskey decanter from Seattle-based DeCicio Artisan Glass is made from smoked glass and hosts a 24-karat gold leaf stopper. No frills, no special design. Just a simple, high-quality handmade product.
Rogaska Manhattan
With a bold yet simple design, the Manhattan decanter isn’t here to mess around. Here we have a classic shape that serves as the perfect addition to the home bar collection and host excellent clarity complemented by a sturdy design.
Waterford Jo Sampson
Designed by Jo Sampson, the inspiration for this decanter came from the London skyline at night. It features a crystal grid pattern and is topped off by a spherical stopper to add a nice contrast to the piece as a whole. An elegant product no doubt.
Bomma Module Two
Proof that man and machine can exist his harmony, this unique decanter features both artisan hand-cut crystal and machined cutting techniques. It’s handmade in the Czech Republic, holds up to 30 ounces of the good stuff and crafted from Bohemian Crystal. What’s not love here?
Waterford Crystal Lismore Diamond
Each Waterford piece is constructed from high-quality crystal material. And as part of the Lismore Diamond collection, this decanter, featuring intricate diamond cuts in its fine crystal makeup, is no different. Keep it at the home bar, office bar cart, or in the bedroom. Can’t go wrong here.
Orrefors Crystal Street
The perfect addition to any gentleman’s bar, this decanter is made from heavy crystal boasting a hand-cut grid paying tribute to the city streets of Manhattan. It’s finished with a black stopper and is Orrefors made and guaranteed, so you know this piece is here to stay.
Jeff Miller Crystal Decanter
If you’re looking to make a statement, there’s no better option than this unique decanter from Jeff Miller. It’s an ultra modern hand blown piece that bends from a triangle at the base to a circle near the stopper. Also available in small or large formats as well.
Waterford Mixology Mad Men Edition
Straight from the era itself, this Mad Men Edition Circon Decanter holds 26 ounces of the good stuff in its crystal and 24K gold-plated design. It’s also recommended for hand washing, which is important in order to show off your love for mid-century design with confidence.
Baccarat Vega
Alongside a traditional silhouette, the Vega features a unique geometrical beveled figure at its base, adding perceived depth to an otherwise one-dimensional piece. Clearly, it’s a design-forward item, worthy of housing any special bottle you may have hidden in the home.
