Are Decanters only for Wine?

If you have heard about decanters, you may have only associated them with wine. The truth is, decanters have a variety of uses that go beyond just wine. You may find that having a decanter in your home can come in handy more often than you think.

One of the primary purposes of a decanter is to aerate the liquid inside. For example, decanters can be used for  cognac, brandy, whiskey, vodka, gin, scotch, tequila, bourbon, or sherry.

Decanters are especially beneficial for red wines, which can often benefit from a bit of breathing time. By pouring your wine into a decanter and letting it sit for a while, you can help the wine to open up and release its flavors.

However, if you aren't a big wine person, then don't worry because you can use a decanter for the spirit of your choice!

Whiskey Decanter

What Liquor Do You Put in a Decanter?

If you don't drink wine or only drink white wines, that doesn't mean you can't use your decanter. You can still use it to aerate other drinks, such as cognac, brandy, whiskey, vodka, gin, scotch, tequila, bourbon, or sherry.

If you have a bottle of booze that you want to improve the flavor, you can pour it into the decanter for an hour or so before serving yourself a glass.

So the next time you have a party, don't forget to break out the decanters! They can be used for more than just wine, and they're a great way to show off your drinking skills.

Guests will be impressed when you pour them a drink from a beautiful decanter, and they'll be even more impressed when they taste the unique flavor that the decanter has helped to bring out.

So don't be afraid to use your decanters for something other than wine - they're versatile and can be used for a variety of different drinks! Cheers!

What's the Purpose of a Whiskey Decanter?

Several benefits come from using a whiskey decanter. Initially, it might be tempting to think that the only benefit is aesthetics; however, if you know anything about glassware or liquor, you should know that there's more to this decanter than looks.

One significant factor in deciding if you want to use a decanter is increasing the flavors of your whiskey. Many people notice that the aroma and taste of their scotch, for example, can improve after pouring it into a whiskey decanter.

Another benefit of using a whiskey decanter is how pouring works. Pouring your liquor from a traditional bottle is not as smooth as it could be, and this discrepancy will cause some of the liquor to end up in the spout.

When you pour your whiskey into a decanter, though, you will notice that there's no risk of any spills because the liquor goes down smoothly.

Another benefit of using a whiskey decanter is no need to use ice. Instead, you can put the decanter on a table and let your guest pour their liquor as they desire.

Like most things people would assume are only for wine, it turns out that whiskey decanters offer far more benefits than just aesthetics. By using one of these beautiful decanters, you can improve your favorite whiskey's aroma, taste, and texture.

Whiskey Decanter

What are Brandy Decanters?

Brandy decanters are used in the same way as whiskey decanters. The main difference is that brandy is a type of liquor made from grapes, while whiskey can be made from different grains. This means that the flavor profiles of the two liquors will be different, and you may prefer one over the other.

If you want to get the most out of your brandy, then it's a good idea to pour it into a decanter. This will give it time to breathe and open up, allowing you to taste all of the different flavors included in the drink.

Sherry is another type of liquor that can be poured into a decanter. It's a sweet wine that has been known to be used as a dessert wine, but it is also regularly used in cocktails.

Like with brandy and whiskey, using a decanter for sherry will allow all flavors to come through. If you're someone who likes to experiment with their cocktails, then using a decanter is a great way to add some new flavors to your drinks.

Can I put a crystal decanter in the dishwasher?

You should never put a crystal decanter in the dishwasher, even though it is tempting. The high heat and harsh chemicals can damage the decanter and cause it to lose its shine.

Instead, it would help to wash it by hand with warm water and a mild detergent. Make sure to dry it thoroughly after washing, and then use a soft cloth to polish it until it shines.

Crystal decanters are not like most regular glasses. They're fragile, and they can lose their shine if exposed to high temperatures. That's why you need to wash them by hand, even though doing so is the more time-consuming option.

How do I store my decanters?

It is essential to store your decanter in a cool dark place or a wine fridge. This will help prevent the formation of any cracks in the glass.

If you're not using your decanter for an extended period, then it's a good idea to fill it with some distilled water. This will help prevent the formation of any bacteria or mold.

It is best to store your decanters on a shelf or in a china cabinet. You don't want them sitting on the counter because they are easier to knock over, and this can cause them to break. At the same time, you also don't want to put them away somewhere where they will get dirty because dust doesn't do them any favors.

If you have many decanters, it can be cumbersome to store them all. If this is the case, you should consider using a wine rack to save space in your cabinets. 

Decanter on island

Can decanters be used for more than just alcohol?

Of course, you can use your crystal decanter to hold other liquids if you want to. The main reason people buy a decanter is that they like the way it looks and not necessarily because of its practicality. However, many people do find that their decanter has other uses.

For example, you can use it to hold flowers or branches. This will create a beautiful centerpiece for your table and add some extra fragrance to the room. You can also fill it with cold water and use it as a pitcher when you're having a party.

The bottom line is that a decanter can be used for more than just alcohol. It's a versatile piece that can be used in various ways. So, don't be afraid to experiment and see what else you can do with it.

What to do with leftover decanted wine?

If you've poured wine into your decanter, but you don't feel like drinking it right now, then what should you do with the leftover wine? Most people pour it back into their bottle and put it in the fridge to save later. This is better than letting it sit out and go bad.

However, if you don't want to pour it back into the bottle, you can put it in a carafe. This will keep your wine fresh and help prevent any oxidization from happening. It's also a good idea to use a vacuum sealer for this purpose.

How Long Should You Decant Old Wine?

If your wine is 15 years or older, decanting it for 30 minutes is enough. You can decant them for an hour or so for young wines before drinking.

You can do decanting experiments on your home to find the perfect amount of time to decant your wines and liquors.

When Should I decant my wine?

There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on a variety of factors, such as the age and type of wine, as well as your personal preferences. However, you should generally decant your wine when you plan to drink it within the next few hours.

In Conclusion

A decanter is a versatile piece of glassware that can be used for various liquors and wines. Most importantly, however, it's a good idea to store your decanters in a cool dark place or a wine fridge. You also want to wash them by hand and not put them away while they're wet because this increases the likelihood of water spots occurring.

If you are interested in a wine decanter or liquor decanter, check out Proper Decanters. We have a wide selection of beautiful and high-quality decanters that suit any taste or budget.

Also, check out our other blog posts on decanters:

What is the Purpose of a Decanter?

Do You Really Need a Decanter?