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The 6 Best Whiskey Decanters

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by Anne Loreto Cruz

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your home bar, a whiskey decanter is an essential drinking accessory. The best whiskey decanters are made from lead-free crystal or thick glass, and have a weighted bottom to prevent unwanted spills.

Unlike with wine, decanting your whiskey won’t really affect its overall taste, but it is a nice way to display and serve your favorite dark liquors. Whiskey doesn’t oxidize as fast as wine, but it can evaporate if exposed to airflow, so look for a decanter with a plastic or rubber stopper on the lid to create an airtight seal. A good seal will help preserve your liquors for years of enjoyment, so it’s one of the most important factors when shopping for a decanter.

Since you’ll use a decanter to store whiskey for longer periods of time, you’ll want to choose one made from lead-free crystal or glass to prevent harmful chemicals from slowly leaching into the liquid. Vintage crystal was previously distinguished from your average glass by the measure of its lead content, but today, the difference between most modern crystal and glassware is largely an aesthetic one, with crystal refracting a wider spectrum of light and feeling heavier.

Aesthetics are also a crucial part of choosing a whiskey decanter. Tall, rounded decanters offer a classic vintage look, while striking lines and boxy shapes evoke more modern silhouettes. A decanter with a weighted bottom will look elegant on your bar shelf and can feel more balanced when you pick it up or pour from it. Weighted bottoms also help prevent your decanter from tipping over, which is useful for anyone who identifies as accident-prone. Novelty decanters are also a fun option and can be a great conversation-starter. If you’re just starting to equip your home or office bar, you may also want to look for a decanter that comes with accessories like a stand or matching glassware.

With all this in mind, here are the best whiskey decanters you can buy right now, all conveniently available on Amazon.

1. A Classic Glass Whiskey Decanter

Reviewers on Amazon love this rounded glass decanter, which has a 4.7-star overall rating and thousands of five-star reviews. The decanter has a 23.75 ounce capacity and an ergonomic shape that makes it easy to pick up and pour. The weighted bottom helps the bottle stay upright and prevent spills, and the smooth curved shape will look striking on any bar cart or shelf. The large geometric stopper will help prevent hard liquors from evaporating in storage, and reviewers love how elegant this decanter looks in person.

One reviewer wrote: “Love this decanter. Looks great. Has very tight seal when you cap it. It holds a full 750ml and a no drip pour. Also the price is reasonable for such a great quality decanter. I'm very happy and satisfied with my purchase.”

2. This Stunning $15 Glass Decanter

This square-shaped glass decanter is perfect for anyone who wants a mid-century inspired look. The decanter can hold up to 25 ounces of your favorite whiskey and is made from lead-free glass. There’s also a plastic stopper that helps keep a tight seal to preserve your whiskey and keep it from evaporating over time. The grooved design is not only attractive but feels comfortable to pour from when serving drinks.

One reviewer wrote: “I was looking for some good decanters to replace the less than expensive whiskey brand bottles on my bar cart and snazz it up a bit. This decanter definitely does that! I spent a lot of time looking around Crate and barrel for decanters and everything there starts at $36 plus. I found these are extremely beautiful and beyond cost-effective. I ended up buying three different decanters here on Amazon for the price that one would’ve cost me at Crate and barrel. Also, the big issue with decanters is the seal they provide as to not harm the alcohol and the seal on this works great. Highly recommend!”

3. A 7-Piece Set With Thousands Of Fans On Amazon

This seven-piece decanter set is perfect for those who are looking to purchase everything they need to entertain or enjoy whiskey at home (minus the whiskey itself). Made of lead-free glass, the decanter comes with six glasses, and the whole set has a gorgeous etched starburst pattern that dramatically refracts light across the room. The decanter holds up to 33.75 ounces of liquid, which is enough for a standard 1-liter bottle. It also has a plastic stopper, which helps create an airtight seal when it’s not in use. Reviewers noted that the included glassware holds up to regular use, and that this decanter set is perfect for housewarming gifts or upgrading your own home bar.

One reviewer wrote: “Excellent all around! Perfect size and price point. Glasses are comfortable to hold and the decanter design enhances the interior liquid [...] Considering getting another similar style for the downstairs bar. Highly recommend.”

4. A Minimalist Square Decanter

If you’re looking for a sleek decanter with striking lines, this lead-free crystal glass decanter has a 25-ounce capacity, and a tapered neck to easily pour and serve your favorite spirit. Don’t let the smooth glass sides of this decanter fool you — there’s an etched design on the weighted bottom of the bottle that’ll refract light for a gorgeous look. The large square knob at the top of this decanter easily nestles into the tapered opening but doesn’t fully seal, making this a great option for those who are unable to pull apart bottles with rubber or plastic gaskets. Despite not having an airtight seal, reviewers noted that this decanter still isn’t prone to leaks or spills, though you won’t want to store your whiskey in it for long periods of time.

One reviewer wrote: “Opened package and fell in love with this wonderful awesome Diamond Cut Premium Whiskey Crystal Glass Decanter. The weight, shape and intricate details makes this a must have for any whiskey/bourbon drinker. It will [complement] your bar. DEFINITELY A MUST HAVE.”

5. This Conversation-Starting Globe Decanter Set

This unique decanter and glass set is made from lead-free glass and is sure to be a centerpiece of your living room or home bar. The etched-glass globe decanter can hold up to 10 ounces of your favorite whiskey, and it can be displayed in the included wooden stand. Not only does the globe decanter spin on its axis while in the stand, but it also has a delicate blown-glass ship inside. It also comes with two glasses that have a map design etched onto them, which pulls together this globe-themed set.

One reviewer wrote: “This is a beautiful set. The stand is solid, stable and well designed. The glasses are standard sized rocks glasses and the decanter is larger than I expected. The glass work is very nice with crisp etching and the ship is more detailed and attractive than the pictures could show. I’m very happy with this. I’ll be using it as both a show piece and service set.”

6. A Unique Decanter for ‘Star Wars’ Fans

If you’re looking for a non-traditional whiskey decanter that’s sure to impress fellow Star Wars enthusiasts, this is the best choice. The storm trooper inspired decanter is made from 5-millimeter-thick, borosilicate glass that will look great in a home or office bar. The decanter has a large 25 ounce capacity that will easily hold enough whiskey to serve a crowd, and the soft stopper seals the bottle for long-term storage. The decanter also comes with a pair of metal tongs and whiskey stones that you can use to serve drinks and keep your spirit cold without diluting it.

One reviewer wrote: “I got this for my uncle to add to his collection! He loves Star Wars so much! I was so happy about the quality & size! It is small but it’s perfect for what I wanted for him! The glass is light but very durable I feel! I’ll most likely be buying another one for my bestfriend! They are just want I want!!!”