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.

The 8 Best Whiskey Decanters of 2023

Many whiskey lovers transfer their best bottles to decanters, as these vessels not only showcase their collections in style but also let the whiskey breathe. "Like a wine decanter, the whiskey decanter allows some oxygen into it and opens up some of those sleeping aromatics," says award-winning bartender Carlos Ruiz. This benefits older wines as well as wines with strong tannins and high alcohol. For whiskey, the air helps the aromas emanate from the whiskey in a much more pronounced way.

The decanter also brings a stunning aesthetic to any home bar. Whether you're gearing up for a night of whiskey cocktails or sipping on the rocks, pouring from a whiskey decanter elevates home bartending. We evaluated the best whiskey decanters according to the two qualities that industry professionals prioritize: design and volume. Our winner comes as a recommendation from Ruiz, but we have also selected the best whiskey decanters for personalization, gifting, value, and more.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Crate & Barrel Decanter at Crate & Barrel

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Best Value:

Bormioli Rocco Capitol Decanter at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Marquis By Waterford Lismore Connoisseur Square Decanter & Tumbler at Amazon

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Best Modern Design:

Nude Nude Malt Whiskey Bottle with Tray at Neiman Marcus

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Best for Gifting:

Godinger Whiskey Decanter Globe Set with 4 Etched Glasses at Amazon

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Best High-End:

Ravenscroft Crystal Beveled Blade Decanter at Amazon

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Best Personalized:

SwankyBadger Whiskey Decanter at Amazon

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Best Vintage Style:

Marquis by Waterford Maxwell Decanter at Amazon

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Crate & Barrel

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Pros: This decanter can hold a full bottle of whiskey, and award-winning bartender Carlos Ruiz recommends it.

Cons: The stopper is not airtight and can feel loose, and though the glass resembles crystal it is a different type of glass.

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.

Price at time of publish: $45

Material: Glass
Capacity: 32 ounces

Amazon

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Pros: This decanter can be personalized with an initial monogram, and the price is right on this piece for those on a budget.

Cons: The capacity won't hold a standard bottle of whiskey, so you'll need to fill as needed.

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.

Price at time of publish: $34

Material: Glass
Capacity: 23.75 ounces

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros: This gorgeous piece of crystal can double as decor and offers premium-level glass clarity and balance.

Cons: This decanter is relatively short at 8.75 inches tall, and it has a slightly smaller 15.5-ounce capacity.

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 tumblers for seamless entertaining. This decanter set will be a conversation starter for anyone with a penchant for beautiful glassware.

Price at time of publish: $440

Material: Crystal
Capacity: 15.5 ounces

West Elm

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Pros: The large volume holds more than a full bottle of whiskey, and the contents won't reach the brim.

Cons: Some may not like the look of a decanter that still has several ounces of space above a fully poured bottle.

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.

Price at time of publish: $142

Material: Lead-free glass
Capacity: 37 ounces

Amazon

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Pros: This glass decanter set is lead-free and features a unique etched globe design.

Cons: Since this decanter rests at an angle on the included wood base, it must be handled with care.

This etched globe barware gift set offers a truly unique decanter and four matching double old-fashioned glasses. All pieces are made of durable, lead-free glass and come nestled on a matching wood base. This is a smart option for gifting to friends and family who have a nice collection of fine whiskey and often enjoy craft cocktails or whiskey neat at home. At just over $100, it's an appropriate price point for a nice gift.

Price at time of publish: $110

Material: Glass, wood
Capacity: 28.7 ounces

Ravenscroft Crystal Beveled Blade Decanter

Amazon

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Pros: A handmade crystal piece, this decanter has a beautiful aesthetic and will last a lifetime.

Cons: It stands at 13 inches tall, so it's a bit large for stowing away in bar cabinets.

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.

Price at time of publish: $139

Material: Crystal
Capacity: 34 ounces

SwankyBadger Personalized Whiskey Decanter

Etsy

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Pros: You can choose from seven personalization styles for the laser-engraved design, and it also includes a gift box.

Cons: The stopper resists going in and out of the bottle. Because it's customized, you won't see exactly what you're ordering until it arrives.

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 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 bottle neck.

Price at time of publish: $62

Material: Glass
Capacity: 28 ounces

Amazon

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Pros: This decanter is made of crystal. It holds enough volume for an entire bottle of whiskey.

Cons: The crystal requires hand-washing, and the traditional style might not be for everyone.

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.

Price at time of publish: $115

Material: Crystal
Capacity: 28 ounces

Our Favorite

From well-made but affordable glass pieces to fine crystal decanters, the best whiskey decanters sell at many price points. We selected the Crate & Barrel Hatch Decanter as our Best Overall pick because it offers a beautiful aesthetic at a great value, plus it has a barware expert's seal of approval.

Factors to Consider

Style

Most whiskey decanters have a standard shape akin to a squat liquor bottle, though some on this list include diamond- and globe-shaped styles. Choosing a design mainly comes down to aesthetics, as all well-made whiskey decanters will aid in oxidation. Most whiskey decanters come in a square shape, which shows off the color of the liquor as well as offering a symmetrical shape that's easy to handle and pour. You can spot an antique decanter by judging the weight (heavier than glass) and looking for a seam (antiques are seamless).

Volume

Not all decanters can fit an entire bottle of whiskey. If you are trying to store fewer whiskey bottles in your cabinet, several of these decanters will leave you with two to three ounces of whiskey at the bottom of your bottle so a larger capacity will be helpful. If you're lacking counter space or room on the bar cart but have plenty of cabinet space for storage, a smaller decanter might be more appropriate.

Seal

If you intend to keep your premium spirits on display and sip them over a matter of weeks or months, the seal on the decanter is key for storing it correctly. Also avoid light exposure and heat if possible, as well as humidity to prevent liquor deterioration.

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.

Our Expertise

Years of tasting and writing about food, wine, and spirits guide Melissa Vogt's research. As a tourist, Vogt seeks out local bars, and she's well acquainted with where to find good libations in her hometown of Santa Rosa, CA. Read more of her writing on her website and in Napa Valley Life, Very Napa Valley, and Wine Country This Month. As part of her research, Melissa discussed whiskey decanters with bartenders and mixologists.