At some point, we all get to a place in life where we want a more “adult” setup. Gone are the days of the beer can pyramids and vodka handles left on the tables of our college apartments. Now we’re sophisticated folk who want to be taken seriously. We’re ready to put some intention behind our bar decor. But how?
By getting some glass decanters! Imagine your whiskey (or other liquors) displayed in sparkling glass bottles with ornate stoppers. It just gives that extra “oomph” and class we’re all looking for in our home bars.
But if you’re entirely new to all of this, buying glass bottles for the sake of “it looks nice” might feel a little weird or overwhelming. That’s where we come in. This article will give you the ins and outs of why you should start collecting decanters, what to look for, and how to take care of your new bottles. So put on your best Don Draper suit, get a few high ball glasses out, and offer your guests a drink. It’s time to decant.
How Long to Store Spirits in a Decanter. Unlike wine, which becomes overaerated and can oxidize if stored in a decanter, spirits can last years in a decanter—as long as the stopper is airtight.
Why Use a Decanter?
Why use a decanter? Well, besides looking cool, it’s full of tradition. When whiskey was first distilled it was solely available in barrels. So the only way to get your share was by BYOB-ing it. While those clay “XXX” jugs were how lots of bootleggers got their whiskey, others wanted something a little classier for their home decor. As time wore on, decanters became more aesthetically pleasing. Glassmakers noticed this and capitalized on the growing market.
Many people worry that pouring their beloved Scotches and whiskeys into decanters may make the liquor go “bad.” The good news is, that’s totally a myth. Beverages like wine are affected by oxygen and should be consumed within a short time of opening. But whiskey is considered a “finished product,” and sitting in a new bottle won’t affect its freshness.
In fact, the Scotch Whisky Association specifically notes what a non-issue this is. We think that pretty much justifies decanting that new bottle of Scotch ASAP.
What to Look for in a Decanter
Get the right size. While large decanters are impressive, don’t feel like you need to go all out if you don’t have enough whiskey to keep it full. On the other hand, if your decanter is too small to hold an entire bottle of your favorite alcohol, you’ll need to come up with other options (like drinking it!). Try looking for one that can hold around 750ml.
Avoid leaded crystal. Leaded crystal is beautiful and can catch the sunlight like you wouldn’t believe. Unfortunately, the “lead” part of “leaded crystal” should be enough to scare you away. While it’s unlikely the lead would seep from the cut glass into your alcohol, it’s not impossible. Save yourself the anxiety and look for lead-free glass.
Look for a tight seal. While oxygen isn’t as big a factor for whiskey as it is for wine, it’s still good practice to keep your bottles sealed. Also, having a good seal on the top will help prevent spills.
How long is whiskey good for in a decanter?
FAQ
Does liquor stay good in a decanter?
Is it safe to store liquor in crystal decanters?
How long can whiskey sit in a decanter?
Does whiskey go bad in a decanter?
One of the biggest factors affecting whiskey in a decanter is air exposure. When whiskey is exposed to air, it undergoes a process called oxidation, which can change its flavor and aroma. While some people believe that decanting whiskey can improve its taste, too much air exposure can cause it to go bad.
Does whiskey age in a decanter?
If bottling the whiskey will not affect its age, decanting it will potentially ruin it. When the bottle is opened and the contents are transferred into a decanter, the same movement of air that affects the wine affects the whiskey too but not for the better. How long can you keep whiskey in a decanter?
How to store whiskey in a decanter?
Temperature is another important factor to consider when storing whiskey in a decanter. Whiskey should be kept at a consistent temperature, ideally between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the whiskey to expand and contract, which can affect its taste and aroma.
Can you put lead in a whiskey decanter?
Without the burden of thinking of the possibility of leached lead into the whiskey, the answer would still be no. Whiskey decanters are not really airtight so it will not be able to keep the whiskey long in the decanter.