The Best Whiskey Decanters For Your Home Bar

In much the same way that the “clothes make the man,” we’d argue that the decanter makes the dram. Because let’s face it. Whiskey is a spirit that’s best enjoyed amongst friends, and when you’ve bothered to tidy up, set the table, and put on your sharpest evening attire, the last thing you want is for an ill-advised bottle to become an eyesore amongst the rest of your presentation. And besides, whiskey decanters are more than just a decorative display piece, preserving their contents from unwanted oxidation whilst also protecting against unmindful guests. Sure, they may not aerate your expression as they would with fine wine, but there’s ample cause to one — especially if your aged spirit is of the double-digit variety. With so many shapes and sizes out there, we’ve limited our list to the best whiskey decanters to display at your home bar.

What To Look For In A Whiskey Decanter

Buying the best decanter for your needs is hardly as straightforward as you might think. In fact, with all of the different designs, shapes, and sizes available these days, the sheer variety can get to be pretty overwhelming. For just as soon as you’ve picked a piece and clicked order thinking it’s “the one,” next thing you know you’ll have found another with a more interesting stopper or a slightly better finish.

Design: It goes without saying that the design of your decanter is the most important attribute. And whether it’s the shape, finish, stopper design, or even color, this will largely come down to personal preference.

Matching Glassware: Much the same, if you’re getting ready to decorate for a nice gathering, you might want to consider getting a decanter that matches your glassware. Luckily, many of these options have glassware available from the same company, but you can always be creative with your mixing and matching.

Capacity: Perhaps we shouldn’t put off talking about the most functional aspect of a decanter any further. Its capacity can make or break its purpose on your countertop. And there’s no right or wrong answer; it just matters what you need it to do. If you’re hosting a larger gathering and would like to serve a lot of people, you should opt for something in the 60oz range. However, if you have people over and don’t want to pour your entire bottle of bourbon, a smaller decanter is a strategic way to ensure you don’t look like you’re skimping out on the good stuff. Likewise, it can help with portion control.

Dishwasher-Safe: Washing a small-necked decanter can be a pain, so you might want to opt for one that’s dishwasher-safe — that is, unless you’re planning on just featuring the same expression inside of it over and over again.

James Scott Crystal Whiskey Decanter

Best Budget Pick: For those who are looking to elevate their whiskey-drinking experience without breaking the bank, it doesn’t get much better than this crystal decanter from James Scott. For starters, it features a classic art deco design that’s sure to add a touch of 50s charm to your home bar setup. And because it’s made from 100% hand-cut crystal, you can rest assured knowing that its clear glass will show off your spirit without unwanted contamination. Whether you fill it up with a special single malt or even just your garden-variety go-to, this one is well worth a look.

Whiskey Peaks Mountain Decanter

Most Creative Design: Most of us yearn for the mountains on a day-to-day basis, but being stuck in the office working a 9-5 Monday through Friday means that we can’t exactly take off at a moment’s notice. However, rather than letting desk duty put a damper on your daydreams, just grab this decanter from Whiskey Peaks instead. It’s hand-blown from 100% glass and it comes with a beautiful mountain range in the base to bring the spirit of the outdoors into your bar cart. You won’t find this one anywhere else though — it’s exclusive to Huckberry.

Nachtmann Aspen Whiskey Set

Best Heritage Pick: Over the course of its nearly 200-year history, Nachtmann has continued to produce some of the finest glassware on the market — even in the face of WWII bombing destruction and large corporate takeovers. In other words, they’re as committed to high-quality crystal as anybody, and their Aspen Whiskey Set is a case in point. Offering a strikingly angular design with a bevy of bold cuts and shapes, the stopper is, in many ways, just as distinctive as the decanter itself. And with two included matching tumblers, it makes for a value proposition that’s too good to pass up.

Villeroy and Boch Scotch Whisky Carafe

Best Carafe: Villeroy and Boch has a rich history of glassmaking that dates all the way back to its founding in 1748. In other words — the company is well-steeped in what’s required to make some grade-A crystal. Some 270-plus years later, it’s still managed by Villeroy and Boch family members, meaning that the longstanding tradition of elevated design is very much alive and well. At only 5″ wide, this Scotch Whisky Carafe comes in a bit narrower than most decanters on the market, making it an excellent way to round out your existing collection.

Glencairn Crystal Iona Round Decanter

Best Overall: Even if you don’t know the glass by name, chances are good that you’ve nosed a dram of whiskey in a Glencairn — they really bring out the best in the spirit. Given that this Iona decanter is also made by the same company, it goes without saying that it’s a cut above the rest. Thanks to its traditional design and fire-polished solid crystal stopper, it pairs nicely with a wide variety of glassware, making hosting a cinch. Oh, and as an added bonus, it even comes in a silk-lined presentation box complete with a hinge and clasp.

LSA International Metropole Kiev Decanter

Most Unusual: If you’re looking to add a bit of architectural insight to your collection of whiskey glassware, you can’t go wrong with this Metropole Kiev Decanter by LSA International. Inspired by Kiev’s beautifully brutalist cityscape, it was expertly mouth-blown in order to give it a uniquely tapered base with a long cylindrical neck. In practice, this means that along with an eye-catching design, you also get a voluminous decanter with over 60oz of storage for your finest spirits. Complemented by a stunning hand-grown stopper, it makes for quite the artisanal offering.

Tom Dixon Tank Decanter

Best Shaded Decanter: It takes a truly talented designer to rise through the ranks without any formal training — especially when working across multiple disciplines. Such is the case with Tom Dixon, a renowned British creative with no shortage of accolades to his name, including honorary doctorates from Birmingham City University and the University of the Arts London as well as an OBE for his efforts. This Tank decanter comes heavily influenced by the rest of his work, with an industrial, almost beaker-like shape, a graduated tint, and a stopper that takes the form of a solid glass sphere.

Waterford Crystal Lismore Diamond Square Decanter

Most Classic Design: Few names in the glassmaking industry carry the same kind of cultural clout as Waterford Crystal. First established in the Irish harbor town of Waterford in 1783, it’s since become all but synonymous with luxury thanks to its fine drinking vessels and beautiful home decor. Whether you fill this one with whiskey, brandy, or bourbon, the combination of its iconic upright and ring cuts will undoubtedly bring out the best of your spirit’s rich, amber pour. When nothing but the best will do, look no further than the Lismore Diamond Square Decanter.

Nude Glass Alba Whiskey Decanter

Best Modern-Looking: There aren’t many decanters today that can balance the demands of hosting with those of daily use, but you’ll find that this piece from Nude Glass is perfectly suited to almost any occasion. For starters, it features a squat 7.9″ body, an addition that makes it much more stable and offers some 60.9oz of storage for your supply. And because it comes finished with a partially-deconstructed tartan pattern and a stark white marble stopper, it’s more than elegant enough to earn a spot on your table when sipping with some company.

Richard Brendon Fluted Cut Crystal Decanter

Best Deco-Inspired: At the intersection of timeless tradition and contemporary design lies Richard Brendon, an esteemed British homeware brand with a reputation for elevating everyday living. The product of a partnership with Scotland’s Gleneagles Hotel, this Fluted Cut Crystal Decanter is one offering that comes oozing with 1920s Art Deco style. From its fluted base to its simple, purposeful stopper, everything about it has been designed to give an impression of the past whilst also looking to the present.

What Are Whiskey Decanters & Why Do They Matter?

There’s no denying that glassware can have a positive effect on your wine, but does the same apply to that special single malt tucked away on your top shelf? If you find yourself wondering as much, be sure to check out our guide to what whiskey decanters are and why they matter.