The Best Whiskey Decanters

Unlike wine, whiskey doesn’t require aeration to bring out its flavors, as it contains no natural tannins. Additionally, the alcohol content in whiskey is much greater than that of wine, so aeration doesn’t impact the taste. That said, whiskey decanters are about aesthetics! Whiskey is sophisticated, and the experience of pouring a glass from a decanter is, too.

Buying Guide for Whiskey Decanters

Why buy a whiskey decanter?

Make the most of your whiskey drinking by using a fine whiskey decanter. There are plenty of options out there, so it’s easy to find the right fit for your favorite way to sip whiskey. Plus, decanters make excellent gifts and statement pieces on a bar cart or on a desk.

What should you consider in a whiskey decanter?

• Recipient: Don’t be deterred from buying one for yourself! Consider how you’re going to imbibe—with a friend or after-dinner guests? Are you trying to impress or simply provide a nice whiskey-drinking experience? Are you buying a gift? If so, think about their personal taste and relationship with whiskey.
• Use: If you’re a regular whiskey drinker, perhaps a durable, dishwasher-safe decanter would be most appropriate. On the other hand, you might bring out the whiskey on special occasions only, so a finer decanter set may be perfect. Whiskey devotees who savor their quiet, nightly ritual may prefer an equally refined decanter. Things to think about!

How much should you expect to pay for a whiskey decanter?

Prices for whiskey decanters and sets vary. How much do you want to invest? There are decent-quality, less expensive decanters in the $20-$50 range and pricey hand-crafted crystal decanters designed and created by whiskey experts in the $60-$100 range. It really depends on what you’re looking for. Plus, sets with extra pieces will cost more.

Our Picks for the Best Whiskey Decanters

Pros: The Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter with Airtight Geometric Stopper is a solid choice. Crafted in Italy, this glass whiskey decanter features a sleek and straightforward design. It has a geometric stopper that securely keeps liquid inside. Enjoy pouring and sipping your favorite spirits with family or friends with this decanter by your side.

Cons: The main issue with this decanter is that it doesn’t always provide a smooth pour, and there will be the occasional drip as you’re pouring.

Bottom Line: This is a solid decanter that comes at a fair price. While it’s not remarkable or super fancy, you get a decanter that covers all the basics: it looks good on a shelf and holds your favorite whiskey. Overall, this is a great option for most whiskey lovers.

 

Pros: The Jillmo Whiskey Decanter Set is a handmade crystal that features a unique design. The decanter itself is shaped like a ship and sits on a beautiful piece of wood. All you have to do is twist the spout, open the stopper for aeration, and then grab your glass and enjoy. This decanter also offers plenty of space, so you can keep lots of whiskey or your favorite liquor inside. Plus, this set comes with two glasses!

Cons: The issue with this decanter is that the tap or spout will occasionally leak, letting some of your whiskey go to waste. The design may look super cool, but it comes at a minor cost to performance.

Bottom Line: It’s hard to beat the design of this piece, which is truly unique. It will certainly grab people’s attention! Plus, having the whiskey in the decanter ready to pour just makes it that much easier to enjoy.

 

Pros: The snazzy Bormioli Rocco Selecta Collection Whiskey Decanter promises all the elegance and practicality of a “finer” product, but you pay less! Made in Parma, Italy, the 33.7-ounce glass decanter sparkles as light hits the starburst pattern. Its square shape makes the decanter easy to grip. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.

Cons: The main complaint about this decanter is the design of the stopper. It doesn’t fully secure the bottle and allows some liquid to drip out when turned.

Bottom Line: Even with the stopper issue, this is still a popular decanter among whiskey drinkers. It looks cool and does a great job showing off your favorite whiskey. Plus, when you’re not using it to pour drinks, it will look luxurious sitting on your shelf.

 

Pros: The Godinger Whiskey Decanter Globe was designed with class in mind. Enjoy the experience of serving a glass of whiskey, bourbon, or scotch from this globe-shaped decanter that bears an etching of the continents and an interior glass ship. The tilted decanter is positioned on a mahogany mount with a gold stopper. The set includes two matching whiskey glasses.

Cons: This decanter is highly fragile. You give up some functionality for the fanciness of the decanter. You’ll need to be very careful when using this decanter to pour whiskey. It’s also a bit smaller than most people expected.

Bottom Line: While you may want to save this decanter for special occasions, it’s an impressive piece with a truly unique design. Even if you just leave it sitting on your shelf, it will grab people’s attention and be a fun addition to your home bar.

 

Pros: The RUGLUSH Whiskey Decanter Diamond is handmade by craftsmen to show off a unique diamond design that adds a touch of elegance to your whiskey. This decanter is designed to be lightweight, meaning it’s easy to pour your whiskey while still feeling elegant. Plus, it comes with two quality glasses and a mahogany wood holder to complete the set.

Cons: The stand that holds up the decanter tends to be the only issue with this set. It is not as sturdy as it should be.

Bottom Line: This decanter will make an impression on account of its design. It pours well, and the glasses look great. You will need to be careful with the stand, but the overall quality is excellent.

Final Thoughts

Whiskey decanters are an essential component of a whiskey drinker’s collection. They serve a purpose—improving the flavor of your whiskey—and look great even when you’re not using them. If you’re a whiskey lover or have a friend who is, these decanters are a way to switch up the whiskey experience.