Lena Savoie
Glass decanters are typically used to hold alcoholic spirits such as whiskey, bourbon, vodka, brandy, rum, and tequila. They can also be used for wine, but only for a few days, as wine can become over-aerated and oxidised if stored for too long. Decanting wine can soften the tannins and remove sediment. Spirits, on the other hand, can last for years in a decanter, provided it has an airtight seal. Decanters are often made from glass or crystal and are used to showcase the colour and clarity of the spirit, enhance the drinking experience, and create a cohesive look on your home bar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Type | Spirits such as whiskey, bourbon, vodka, brandy, rum, and tequila |
| Alcohol Type | Wine, but only for a few days to avoid oxidation |
| Purpose | To show off the clarity and colour of the spirits |
| Purpose | To maintain the liquor's freshness and aroma |
| Purpose | Aesthetics and style |
| Material | Glass or crystal |
| Seal | Airtight seal to prevent oxidation and evaporation |
| Storage | Keep out of direct sunlight |
| Cleaning | Thoroughly wash and dry before use |
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What You'll Learn
Decanting wine
When decanting wine, it is important to set the bottle upright for 24 hours or more before serving so that the sediment can settle at the bottom, making it easier to separate. Once the sediment has settled, carefully remove the capsule and cork, wiping the bottle neck clean. Slowly and steadily pour the wine into the decanter, being careful to stop when the sediment reaches the neck of the bottle or when the wine's colour becomes cloudy. Discard any remaining liquid filled with sediment.
It is worth noting that wine is more sensitive to oxygen than spirits, and prolonged exposure can lead to over-aeration and oxidation, causing the wine to lose its flavour and become unpalatable within two to three days. Therefore, it is recommended to consume decanted wine shortly after preparing it.
Additionally, the type of wine can impact the decanting process. Older red wines and vintage ports are more likely to produce sediment, while white wines rarely do. Younger, more tannic wines may require more time to breathe, whereas very old wines should be decanted primarily for sediment removal rather than extended aeration.
Ultimately, the decision to decant wine depends on personal preference and the characteristics of the wine. Some wine enthusiasts suggest tasting the wine before decanting to determine if it will benefit from the process. Experimenting with different wines and comparing the flavours before and after decanting can be a enjoyable way to discover the nuances of wine appreciation.
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Storing spirits
Firstly, ensure that your decanter has an airtight seal. This is crucial for preserving your spirits. Spirits can last for years in a decanter with a tight seal, whereas wine should be consumed within a few days as it can become over-aerated and lose its flavour. If your decanter has a loose-fitting stopper, the alcohol may evaporate slowly, but it can still be safely stored for several months.
Secondly, keep your decanter out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can accelerate oxidation, affecting the quality of your spirits. Store your decanter in a cool, dry place, away from direct light or heat sources.
Thirdly, always clean and dry your decanter before use. Use a funnel to fill your decanter to avoid spills and leave about an inch or two of space at the top to prevent overflow. Once filled, replace the stopper tightly.
You can store various spirits in your decanter, including whiskey, bourbon, vodka, brandy, rum, and tequila. Decanting liquor can enhance its beauty, allowing you to appreciate its natural colours and textures. It can also open up the flavour in some instances, similar to aerating wine.
Finally, be mindful of the type of decanter you use. Antique or lead crystal decanters may leech lead into your spirits over time. Choose a decanter made from lead-free crystal or glass to avoid this issue.
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Brandy in a decanter
Brandy is a spirit made from distilling wine or fruit juice. It is typically stored in square decanters, although modern spirit decanters come in a variety of shapes. Brandy decanters are used to show off the spirit's fine colour, with the cut crystal intensifying the rich colour of the brandy.
The stopper of a brandy decanter should fit snugly to prevent air from entering the decanter, which would cause the spirit to evaporate and spoil the taste. Brandy decanters can be made from lead crystal, lead-free crystal, or glass. Lead crystal decanters are considered more beautiful, but they are not recommended for long-term storage due to health concerns associated with lead.
Brandy can be safely stored in a decanter for years as long as the stopper is airtight. However, prolonged storage (over two years) may result in some discolouration and loss of flavour intensity. It is recommended to consume the decanted spirit sooner than that. Additionally, decanted spirits should be kept out of direct sunlight, as this can accelerate oxidation.
The use of a decanter for brandy is primarily for presentation and aesthetic purposes rather than necessity. Decanters are often regarded as dignified and chic, adding a touch of elegance to a home bar. They can also be used to create a cohesive look by removing the spirits from their mismatched branded packaging and displaying them in uniform decanters.
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Decanter materials
Decanters have traditionally been made from glass or crystal. The Ancient Romans were the first to use glass for decanters, but after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, glass production became scarce, and most decanters were made from bronze, silver, gold, or earthenware. During the Renaissance, the Venetians brought back glass decanters, pioneering the long, slender neck design that opens to a wide body.
Crystal decanters are often intricately designed, with light-catching patterns cut into them, making them sparkle. However, many antique crystal decanters contain lead, which can leech into spirits over time. Therefore, it is important to use lead-free crystal decanters for storing alcohol.
Glass and crystal decanters are suitable for holding any alcoholic spirit, including whisky, rum, cognac, and wine. Wine writers such as Karen MacNeil advocate for decanting tannic wines like Barolo, Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Port, and Rhône wines. However, decanting may be harmful to more delicate wines like Chianti and Pinot Noir.
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Decanting for aesthetic reasons
Decanting alcohol is a practice that has been around for ages. The primary reasons for decanting alcohol are to keep sediments out of drinks and make serving easier. However, decanting alcohol into a glass decanter also has aesthetic benefits.
Firstly, decanting alcohol into a glass decanter can enhance the beauty of the alcohol by allowing you to appreciate its natural colours and textures. For instance, the amber hue of aged whiskey or the golden tones of tequila can be better appreciated when stored in a glass decanter. Similarly, a glass decanter can showcase the clarity of spirits like whiskey, dark rum, and gold tequila, which are often sold in dark-coloured glass bottles.
Secondly, glass decanters can create a cohesive look for your bar by removing the alcohol from their mismatched, branded packaging. Glass decanters come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional to modern designs, allowing you to choose a style that suits your taste and enhances the overall aesthetic of your bar.
Thirdly, glass decanters are often regarded as dignified and chic. They can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bar or dining setup, impressing your guests and enhancing their drinking experience.
Lastly, glass decanters can be used to showcase and serve your favourite alcoholic beverages. Whether you enjoy your spirits neat, with a splash of water, or over ice, serving them from a glass decanter can make you feel proud and confident.
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Frequently asked questions
Glass decanters can be used to store any type of alcohol. However, spirits are better suited to glass decanters as wine can quickly become over-aerated and lose its flavour. Popular spirits to store in a glass decanter include whiskey, spiced rum, and brandy.
If your glass decanter has an airtight seal, spirits such as vodka, brandy, and bourbon can be stored for years. However, it is recommended that you consume the alcohol within the first two years to avoid any discolouration and loss of flavour intensity.
Glass decanters are a great way to showcase the colour and clarity of your alcohol. They also add a decorative touch to your home bar.
