When there’s a great looking decanter for spirits sitting on somebody’s bar cart, one might assume it’s only there to look pretty.
They’re timeless, chic, and brilliant enough to transform your home bar from a such-and-such into an A++.
More than some savvy curio from the swinging ‘60s, the liquor decanter is back in a big way. Thanks to independent distilleries and the craft spirits movement, they’re more relevant than ever.
Drying a decanter after use is very important so as not to encourage water spots or worse, a film of calcium build-up from hard water. The traditional option used by many wine enthusiasts at home and restaurants is to use a Decanter Drying Stand.
This is the blog of wine journalist Jamie Goode, online since 2001. Feel free to nose around; your comments are welcomed.
I have just discovered two solutions to these problems. The first is solved by a nifty product from Around Wine, called decanter drier crystals. These silica crystals are blue when dry, red when wet. You dry them in the microwave (or conventional oven), then suspend them in the neck of a drained, washed decanter. They absorb the moisture and the decanter dries properly. You can then recharge them in the microwave to use again.
I love decanting red wines. And some whites. But I have always struggled with cleaning decanters properly.
Both these solutions make me more willing to use decanters for all the wines I serve. A good thing.
My usual technique is to was then in very hot water several times, and then leave them to drain. But they never seem to drain completely, and then some water always seems to condense in them, no matter how hot they are – it never seems to evaporate properly. And I don’t like to leave decanters with a few drops of water in the bottom when I store them.
Item added to your cart
When there’s a great looking decanter for spirits sitting on somebody’s bar cart, one might assume it’s only there to look pretty.
They’re timeless, chic, and brilliant enough to transform your home bar from a such-and-such into an A++.
More than some savvy curio from the swinging ‘60s, the liquor decanter is back in a big way. Thanks to independent distilleries and the craft spirits movement, they’re more relevant than ever.
How to Dry a Wine Decanter Properly
FAQ
Can you put water in a decanter?
Does a decanter need to be sealed?
Should you wash your decanter?
Does a decanter need to be dried?
It takes time and effort to dry a decanter. With something as precious and fine as wine, it is only natural that it receives the proper vessel. When a decanter is not dried, it is not fully cleaned and may just risk ruining the wine and the presentation.
How to clean a decanter?
The last rinse should be with hot water because it evaporates faster which is great if you air dry your decanter. The most effective method is to air dry the decanter with the help of a drying stand. They are made from stainless steel with a rubber on the spot that the decanter will be placed on.
How do you Dry a wine decanter?
An important tip: Whatever method you decide to use, be sure no smudges are left on the decanter. Hold the decanter with a microfiber cloth to keep the fingers away from it while drying it. Perhaps the easiest way to dry a wine decanter is to place it upside down on a surface and let the remaining water drip and evaporate.
How to choose a drying brush for a decanter?
There are two different staples of drying brush to choose from: a mop style and a foam brush style. Both types of decanter drying brushes will work in much the same way. They will feature a long handle so that you can easily reach inside your decanter to dry it. You will need to stand your decanter up as normal on your work surface.