What to Buy Bar & Drinks The 8 Best Whiskey Decanters of 2023 Unlock the aromas of your favorite Scotch and showcase it in style. By Melissa Vogt Melissa Vogt Melissa has been writing in the food and wine industry for more than a decade. She contributes to local and national publications as a California Wine Appellation Specialist, with certification through the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) at the Advanced Level 3. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 7, 2023 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Favorite Whiskey Decanter Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food & Wine / Kevin Liang Many whiskey lovers transfer their best bottles to decanters, and then from decanters to proper whiskey glasses. 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. Whiskey decanters add elegance to any bar cart, especially if they happen to match your mixing glass and other crystal barware. With the expert guidance of Ruiz, we found the best whiskey decanters according to the two qualities that industry professionals prioritize: design and volume. We've also selected the best whiskey decanters for personalization, gifting, value, and more. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Williams Sonoma Dorset Spirit Decanter at Williams-Sonoma Jump to Review Best Modern : Nude Nude Malt Whiskey Bottle with Tray at Neiman Marcus Jump to Review Best Classic: Crate & Barrel Decanter at Crate & Barrel Jump to Review Best Vintage Style: Marquis by Waterford Maxwell Decanter at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: Bormioli Rocco Capitol Decanter at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Marquis By Waterford Lismore Connoisseur Square Decanter & Tumbler at Amazon Jump to Review Best High-End: Ravenscroft Crystal Beveled Blade Decanter at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Personalized: SwankyBadger Whiskey Decanter at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Williams Sonoma Dorset Spirit Decanter Williams Sonoma View On Williams-Sonoma Pros This gorgeous decanter is made from lead-free crystal and holds a generous 45.6 ounces. Cons Due to its delicate crystal construction, hand-washing is required. 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 cocktails. 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. Price at time of publish: $200 Material: Lead-free crystalCapacity: 45.6 ounces Best Modern Nude Malt Whiskey Bottle with Tray West Elm View On Neiman Marcus View On West Elm 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 to display on an entryway sideboard or home bar. Price at time of publish: $142 Material: Lead-free glassCapacity: 37 ounces Best Classic Crate & Barrel Hatch Decanter Crate & Barrel View On Crate & Barrel 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. Now, you'll just need a matching set of Nick and Nora martini glasses to complete your vintage bar aesthetic. Price at time of publish: $45 Material: GlassCapacity: 32 ounces Best Vintage Style Marquis by Waterford Maxwell Decanter Amazon View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Macy's 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, and it'll look dreamy next to a high-end ice bucket, cocktail shaker, and other home bar tools. Price at time of publish: $115 Material: CrystalCapacity: 28 ounces Best Value Bormioli Rocco Capitol Decanter Amazon View On Amazon 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: $32 Material: GlassCapacity: 23.75 ounces Best Splurge Marquis By Waterford Lismore Connoisseur Square Decanter & Tumbler, Pair Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Waterford 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 old-fashioned glasses for seamless entertaining. This decanter set will be a conversation starter for anyone with a penchant for beautiful glassware. Price at time of publish: $475 Material: CrystalCapacity: 15.5 ounces Best High-End Ravenscroft Crystal Beveled Blade Decanter Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart 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: CrystalCapacity: 34 ounces Best Personalized SwankyBadger Personalized Whiskey Decanter Etsy View On Amazon View On Etsy 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 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. Price at time of publish: $63 Material: GlassCapacity: 28 ounces Our Favorite Whiskey Decanter From well-made but affordable glass pieces to fine crystal decanters, the best whiskey decanters sell at many price points. We selected the Dorset Spirit Decanter as our Best Overall pick due to its perfect balance of design and volume. Ruiz recommends the Crate & Barrel Hatch Decanter as our Best Classic pick because it offers a beautiful aesthetic at a great value. Factors to Consider Style Most whiskey decanters have a standard shape akin to a squat liquor bottle, though some on this list include diamond-shaped styles. Choosing a design mainly comes down to aesthetics, as all 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 lack 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit