The 8 Whiskey Decanters Bartenders Recommend for Getting the Most Out of Every Bottle (2024)

Ruiz recommends finding whiskey decanters that are the perfect balance of design and volume, and we think the Dorset Whiskey Decanter checks both of those boxes. With a generous 45.6 ounces, this decanter easily holds a full bottle of bourbon, whiskey, or Scotch, with an ample amount of breathing room. It's the perfect size to have on hand for social occasions when you're making batched whiskey co*cktails.

This lead-free crystal decanter is machine-blown into texturally interesting facets designed to reflect light beautifully. With a classic and simple silhouette, this decanter will let your favorite bottle shine without stealing the show at happy hour. The price point is right for a hand-blown crystal decanter, and we think this would make an excellent gift for the bourbon lover in your life.

• Material: Lead-free crystal
• Capacity: 45.6 ounces

We love the look of the Nude Malt Whiskey Decanter for its modern design and purposeful lack of embellishment. Handcrafted in Turkey from lead-free crystal glass, this sleek decanter has a solid weight but still has a minimalist look while on display on your bar cart. The matching dark wood tray adds just the right amount of modern flair, making this a chic and simple set for the home bartender to display on an entryway sideboard or home bar.

• Material: Lead-free glass
• Capacity: 37 ounces

This is a classic decanter at a reasonable price. It has a vintage look and appears to be more expensive than it is with its cut crystal design. At 32 ounces, the capacity is more than enough for a standard bottle of whiskey (about 25 ounces), so a brand-new bottle will fit in upon opening.

This is an excellent offering for those looking to take their bar up a notch and pour their whiskey from an eye-catching vessel. "I have had this decanter for a few years now and I love it. It looks good on my bar and is dishwasher safe," Ruiz says. A win-win in our book. Now, you'll just need a matching set of Nick and Nora martini glasses to complete your vintage bar aesthetic.

• Material: Glass
• Capacity: 32 ounces

The Waterford Marquis Maxwell Decanter bridges vintage and contemporary aesthetics, distinguishing it from your grandfather's whiskey decanter. Waterford has been making crystal glassware since the late 1700s, and it lives up to its reputation for quality. An eye-catching cut crystal design covers more than half of the decanter and the short and wide stopper adds a modern edge. It's an elegant piece at a fair price, and it'll look dreamy next to a high-end ice bucket, co*cktail shaker, and other home bar tools.

• Material: Crystal
• Capacity: 28 ounces

The quality-to-price ratio is just right with this stunning decanter from Bormioli Rocco. Made in Italy, it evokes 1940s style. It's simple yet elegant with a fairly hefty weight. While this decanter holds less than a full bottle of whiskey, it simply means you'll have to enjoy a double shot neat when emptying a new bottle into the decanter.

• Material: Glass
• Capacity: 23.75 ounces

For a piece worthy of your top-shelf whiskey, look no further than the Lismore Connoisseur Square Decanter by Waterford. Diamond and wedge-shaped cuts accent the crystal, while a sleek square stopper tops it all off. The decanter also comes with a matching set of 5-ounce old-fashioned glasses for seamless entertaining. This decanter set will be a conversation starter for anyone with a penchant for beautiful glassware.

• Material: Crystal
• Capacity: 15.5 ounces

The elegant, handmade Crystal Beveled Blade Decanter from Ravenscroft holds a whole bottle of whiskey with room left over. It has a lengthy and slender style with a well-constructed and heavy stopper that sits deep inside the bottle neck, making sure your whiskey is safely sealed in this lead-free vessel until you enjoy it next. The cut crystal design adds interest to the modern glassware look.

• Material: Crystal
• Capacity: 34 ounces

This personalized decanter's sleek design may be a departure from cut crystal decanters and glass versions that resemble them, but its simplicity allows a monogram to stand out. Personalize it with an initial or name in one of seven engraving styles, which include modern and vintage options. Not only that, it will fit seamlessly into any home and will be a favorite among those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. A heavy base allows this decanter to stand strong, and the square stopper also feels substantial, sitting snugly atop the bottleneck.

• Material: Glass
• Capacity: 28 ounces

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does a whiskey decanter do?

  "Like a wine decanter, the whiskey decanter allows some oxygen into it and opens up some of those sleeping aromatics," says Ruiz. For those who pay close attention to the aromas of whiskey — and if you ask any expert, they will tell you there are many — a decanter can enhance the aromatic experience.

• How long can you keep whiskey in a decanter?

  "From my research, the rule of thumb would be one year," Ruiz says. Make sure the glass stopper sits tightly in the bottle neck when storing, and always keep your whiskey decanter at room temperature and away from humidity.

• How do you clean a whiskey decanter?

  To clean a whiskey decanter once it's empty, fill it up with warm water and vinegar or baking soda and let it soak for at least half an hour. Afterward, cover the opening with your hand and gently shake up the cleaning solution in the vessel. Empty the decanter, rinse it thoroughly, and let it air-dry in a secure place.

• Are decanters only for whiskey?

  No. A whiskey decanter serves two main purposes: to allow aromas to oxidize and to serve as a more appealing vessel than a branded bottle. Decanters are used for other spirits, as well, such as tequila, with similar styles and shapes. As wine oxidizes much more than spirits and can actually change in mouthfeel and flavor with more exposure to air, decanters are especially popular for wine.