Liquor Decanter Uses

While a decanter may not change the taste of whiskey, it's bound to make the experience richer.

Liquor decanters can be used for a variety of things, including the obvious--pouring liquor such as wine, whiskey and scotch. However, many times people use liquor decanters for decoration, nonalcoholic beverage containers, candy holders and even bubble bath. The elegance of decanters, usually made from glass or crystal, adds a luxurious element to any home.

Wine

Wine enthusiasts use decanters to let their wine oxygenate and breathe, which allows for the full flavor of the wine to develop. Likewise, decanters help reduce the amount of sediment found in older bottles of red wine. Wide at the bottom and narrow at the top is the typical structure of a decanter; this allows for easy pouring and for more air to reach the wine. Decanters also include a stopper or cork, which differentiates them from carafes. The Wine Tribune website advises against decanting white wines and roses, as these do not create nearly as much sediment as red wines.

Other Liquor

Decanters can be used for any type of liquor, such as bourbon and other types of distilled whiskey, gin, vodka, scotch and rum. These liquors do not carry sediment, and are decanted primarily for aesthetic purposes. Crystal decanters, colored decanters and engraved decanters can create a luxurious sensation to the whiskey drinker and some expensive liquors such as the Henri IV Dudognon Heritage, which costs $1.9 and comes in a 24K gold and sterling platinum decanter adorned with 6,500 diamonds.

Decoration

Decanters can also be used as decorative centerpieces, home decor or bar decor. Use a whiskey decanter set in a man's den, and a wine decanter set in a woman's sitting room. In the kitchen, use a collection of small decanters for spices, or decorate with different styles, sizes and colors. You can add a luxurious element to a bathroom by using an elegant decanter to hold bubble bath, body soap or mouthwash. Likewise, a stemmed rose, lily or any other type of flower can make a nice centerpiece or decoration when placed in a decanter.

Nonalcoholic

There's no reason to limit decanters to only alcohol. Nonalcoholic beverages such as water, lemonade, iced tea and fruit juices. A fancy decanter can dress up an afternoon picnic and any other meal. However, make sure the lead content is low if using a crystal decanter, as acidic drinks, such as soda, can absorb lead. Likewise, a decanter can also be used to hold small candies and even to water small plants around your house.

References

• Classic Hostess: Whiskey Decanters
• The Wine Tribune
• The Whiskey Decanter
• Wine Tasting Guide: Wine Decanter

Resources

• Crystal Decanter: Crystal Decanter Information And Shopping Source
• Vintage Cellars: Riedel Decanters
• Wine Stuff: Vintage Wine Decanter