10 Best Whiskey Decanter Sets in 2022 (Whiskey and Alcohol-Expert Reviewed)
Are you looking for a stylish way to store your whiskey? If so, then a whiskey decanter set is what you need! These decanters can hold your whiskey and come with matching glasses to make them as decorative as they are practical. From traditional designs to novelty ones, there's a whiskey decanter set for everyone.
Choosing the best whiskey decanter set can be difficult considering as so many are available. Luckily we’ve done the research for you and picked the Whiskey Decanter Set with Two Old Fashioned Whisky Glasses by Lefonte as our favorite set. It is high-quality, heavy, and elegant. We’ve also put together a top 10 list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
Quick List - Top Whiskey Decanter Sets
Lefonte
Elegantly-Shaped Decanter With Matching Glasses
Whiskey Richard is the founder of nomunication.jp, an English-language drinks blog specializing in Japanese whisky, spirits, and Tokyo's cocktail culture. He has lived in Tokyo since 2008. He is a certified Cocktail Professor, SSI Shochu Kikisakeshi, and he provides consulting services for foreign spirits brands seeking to enter the Japanese market. Since 2021 he has served on the Executive Committee and as a judge for the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust Us
- How to Choose Whiskey Decanter Sets
- Get a Decanter With an Airtight Seal1
- Look for Decanters That Can Hold a Full Bottle of Whiskey2
- Make Sure It Comes With the Right Number of Glasses3
- Get Crystal for That Authentic Experience4
- If It's a Gift, Get a Box or a Personalized Set5
- Choose a Decanter Shape and Style That Appeals to You6
- Consider Choosing a Set With a Stand or Tray7
- 10 Best Whiskey Decanter Sets Ranking
- No. 1Lefonte | Whiskey Decanter and Double Old Fashioned Glasses Set
- No. 2Godinger | Whiskey Decanter and Glasses Barware Set
- No. 3Jillmo | Whiskey Decanter Set With 2 Glasses
- No. 4Frolk | Whiskey Decanter Set
- No. 5Godinger | Whiskey Decanter Airplane Globe Set
- 5 more products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can whiskey last in a decanter?
- More Products for Your Home Bar
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Whiskey and Alcohol Expert Whiskey Richard
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
How to Choose Whiskey Decanter Sets
Before buying a whiskey decanter set, you should take into consideration the size, the number of glasses, and the style. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
Get a Decanter With an Airtight Seal
Unlike decanters for some other types of alcohol, such as wine, whiskey decanters don’t help to improve the taste of the drink. The primary purpose of a whiskey decanter is to look good!
However, just because a decanter can’t make whiskey taste better, it doesn’t mean that it can’t make it taste worse. You need to slow down the oxidation process, as this will negatively affect the flavor of the whiskey, instead of enhancing it as it does with wine.
Glass crystal can make an airtight seal, but this is very difficult to do. Most glass decanters will not be airtight, so make sure you check the product description first. Stoppers made of glass can be easily made airtight by having rubber gaskets on them. Many glass decanters now come with rubber on the stopper for this exact purpose.
Another material that can be used to make the decanter airtight is cork. If you buy a decanter and then find out it isn’t airtight as you expected, then you don’t need to throw out your decanter, as you can use a cork from another bottle instead.
Oxidation of whiskey happens because of evaporation, when alcohol makes contact with air. With a decanter, an airtight seal is critical if you'll be storing whiskey in it for even a few days. That said, even if the decanter you have your eye on does not have an airtight seal, it's possible to create a seal yourself using parafilm or tightly wound plastic wrap.
Look for Decanters That Can Hold a Full Bottle of Whiskey
If you are looking to hold a full bottle of whiskey in your decanter, then you need to make sure it is large enough to hold that much liquid. Decanters come in a variety of sizes, so this isn’t always guaranteed.
Decanters can range in size from 16 fluid ounces all the way up to 50 fluid ounces. To hold a full bottle of whiskey, we would advise looking at decanters that are at least 25 fluid ounces, which will hold a standard fifth, or 750-milliliter liquor bottle.
If possible, find a decanter that offers enough yet not too much extra room for your whiskey. As mentioned above, extra air even inside the decanter can lead to evaporation that alters your whiskey's flavor. And since the goal of decanting whiskey is generally aesthetics, a decanter full of amber-colored whiskey should look much more attractive to you and your guests.
Make Sure It Comes With the Right Number of Glasses
One of the main benefits of buying a decanter set is that you will get a decanter and glasses that match. You don’t need to search for designs that go together; the manufacturers will have already done this for you!
Generally, decanter sets come with two, four, or six glasses in a complementary design. If you often drink alone, then a pair of glasses might be enough. If you’re a social drinker who often hosts whiskey-drinking guests, then you may need six instead.
Something else to consider is how you’re planning to display the decanter set. As we said earlier, decanters can be decorative items, so you might want to display six glasses even if you will never use that many glasses at the same time.
Get Crystal for That Authentic Experience
Whiskey decanters and glasses are typically made out of one of two materials: glass or crystal. They're the same base material, but they traditionally have different properties.
Crystal is heavier glass with very good optic qualities, and any designs cut into it will be clean and well-defined. It shines and sparkles more and produces a clear and satisfying ringing noise when tapped.
There is also a train of thought that whiskey tastes better in crystal glasses than ones made of normal glass. There is no scientific evidence to back this up, though. Crystal doesn’t change the properties of whiskey at all, but as crystal glasses are often wider and shaped in ways that suit whiskey, they can trick the senses by improving the aroma.
If you do choose a crystal decanter set, then be careful of the lead content. Crystal is traditionally made with lead oxide, as this makes it shine even more, and some high-end crystal has a high lead content. Look for crystal that is either lead-free or has a low lead content.
Be especially careful about lead content in crystal decanters when shopping around in antiques and secondary markets. While it's entirely possible to buy relatively affordable decades-old crystal decanters that look fantastic and scream opulence, these decanters can leak so much lead that your whiskey is unsafe to drink in a manner of hours or days.
If It's a Gift, Get a Box or a Personalized Set
Many decanter sets come in a neat presentation box, and this makes them ideal gifts. Look for wooden boxes with velvet lining to give the whiskey glasses that classic but extravagant look!
You can also get decanters and glasses that are personalized for the recipient. This can be a full name, or for a more traditional look, initials or a monogram inscription might be a good idea.
Choose a Decanter Shape and Style That Appeals to You
Decanters come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. The most traditional style is a straight rectangular shape, with a large stopper on top. You can also find slight variations on this traditional style, as some will have angled sides or be more rounded.
However, you can also find many whiskey decanters in more interesting shapes. Novelty decanters are very popular and can make a great gift for someone or for yourself. You can find decanters in the shape of baseball bats, ships, globes, or even skulls! These can be fun, decorative items that are bound to get guests talking.
Simply reusing an attractive bottle from a different whiskey or brandy can be one of the easiest and most affordable options for a whiskey decanter, but check your local laws first! Many countries have strict rules against refilling liquor bottles, and while these typically don't apply to consumers just reusing bottles at home, it's best to check first to make sure.
Consider Choosing a Set With a Stand or Tray
As well as the decanter and glasses, something else you often find in decanter sets is a stand or a tray. Stands are common with novelty decanters that are shaped in ways that can’t stand on their own, but you can also find both stands and trays with decanters in more traditional shapes.
Stands and trays not only give your decanter a safe place to be stored, but they often have spaces for the glasses as well. A stand is practical and it can be as decorative as the decanter and glasses too.
10 Best Whiskey Decanter Sets Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lefonte Whiskey Decanter and Double Old Fashioned Glasses Set | | Elegantly-Shaped Decanter With Matching Glasses | |
2 | Godinger Whiskey Decanter and Glasses Barware Set | | Classic Design With a Wooden Tray | |
3 | Jillmo Whiskey Decanter Set With 2 Glasses | | Pour Your Whiskey from a Tap With This Set | |
4 | Frolk Whiskey Decanter Set | | A Great Gift Set With Plenty of Extras | |
5 | Godinger Whiskey Decanter Airplane Globe Set | | The Perfect Gift for Lovers of Whiskey and Airplanes | |
6 | FineDine Twist Glass Decanter and Whiskey Glasses | | Stylish Twisted Design Presented in a Gift Box | |
7 | Ruglush Diamond-Shaped Decanter With Two Diamond Glasses | | Diamond-Shaped Decanter and Glasses Make a Statement | |
8 | flybold Globe Decanter Set | | Plan Your Next Trip as You Sip Away | |
9 | Regal Trunk & Co. Square Engraved Whiskey Decanter Set | | Comes With a Gift Box and Glass Polishing Cloth | |
10 | Paksh Novelty Italian-Crafted Decanter & Glasses Set | | A Classic Design With Six Glasses |
LefonteWhiskey Decanter and Double Old Fashioned Glasses Set
Elegantly-Shaped Decanter With Matching Glasses
The unique shape of this decanter is eye-catching, and it is topped by a large stopper that compliments it perfectly. Both the decanters and glasses have diamond and starburst designs etched into them, and the glass used is lead-free.
Reviewers greatly praise this decanter set, saying that it is very high-quality. They say that the stopper fits tightly and that the glass is thick and heavy. They also praise the set for looking elegant and stylish.
Classic Design With a Wooden Tray
This decanter set features a classic design. Starbursts are etched into the side of both the decanter and the two whiskey glasses, all of which are made from lead-free glass. The set also includes a wooden tray, which has spaces cut into to hold the decanter and glasses. The bottom of the stopper is made from plastic to ensure it is airtight.
The display tray is praised by several reviewers as they feel it makes the set look classier. However, a couple of reviewers said theirs is warped, and wish that the tray had rubber feet underneath. Reviewers like the thickness of the glass used in this set and confirm the stopper is airtight.
Pour Your Whiskey from a Tap With This Set
This cylindrical decanter has a tap at the bottom so you can pour your whiskey without removing it from the stand. It is filled from the top and features a glass ship inside that will be revealed as the liquor is drained. The stand is made from wood and easily assembled.
There are a couple of reports of the bottle leaking and the tap on the decanter being faulty. The majority of reviewers praise this set, though. They say the base is easy to set up. They love the craftsmanship of the decanter and glasses and say that it looks amazing in person.
A Great Gift Set With Plenty of Extras
This set is ideal for a gift. It comes in a hinged wooden box, and as well as the decanter and two glasses, it also includes steel ice cubes, coasters, tongs, and a freezer pouch. The glass items are made from lead-free crystal and the ice cubes from stainless steel.
The wood of the gift box is thin, according to some reviewers, leading to reports of the wood splitting and warping. However, reviewers love the variety of items it has inside. They say it makes a great gift and praise the glass for being heavy and of good quality.
The Perfect Gift for Lovers of Whiskey and Airplanes
If you're looking for a unique gift for travelers, plane enthusiasts or anyone in the aviation industry, then this is a great option. The decanter has a glass airplane inside it and the whiskey glasses have world maps etched on their sides. The decanter and glasses are held in place on a beautifully crafted wooden airplane.
Some reviewers report that the airplane inside the decanter broke easily and came loose. However, most reviewers love this set and say that it was the perfect gift for aviation lovers. They praise the quality of the wooden airplane, saying it is well-crafted and easy to set up.
Stylish Twisted Design Presented in a Gift Box
Presented in an attractive gift box with a magnetic closure, this set has four whiskey glasses. Both decanter and glasses feature a stylish twisted design and are made from lead-free glass. The rim of the decanter is designed to allow for smooth pouring and the bases are thick to prevent shattering.
A few reviewers say there were bubbles in the glass, which disappointed them. However, reviewers confirm that the decanter seal is airtight and they love the look of the gift box. They also praise the style of the decanter, and some reviewers have had the set personalized.
RuglushDiamond-Shaped Decanter With Two Diamond Glasses
Diamond-Shaped Decanter and Glasses Make a Statement
The diamond shape of this decanter makes it stand out among the long list of decanters available. The two accompanying whiskey glasses are cut in a matching shape that is best displayed when placed into the stand that comes with the set. The glasses can either be set at an angle or placed flat in the stand.
According to some reviewers, the glass used in this set is lightweight and thin and they expected something more heavy-duty. Reviewers love the design of the set, however, and say that it looks stylish and elegant. The glamorous effect of the set makes it a centerpiece on many reviewer's home bars.
Plan Your Next Trip as You Sip Away
This is a good set for anyone that loves to travel, as both the decanter and the glasses have a world map etched on them. When the decanter is in placed on the stand, it can be turned like a globe. Inside the decanter is a glass ship, and the set also comes with a funnel, so you can pour your whiskey inside the decanter without worrying about spills.
There are a few negative comments that the ship inside the decanter came loose or the stopper broke. Reviewers say this makes a great gift, though, and was warmly received by the recipients. They say the set looks beautiful and is easy to put together.
Regal Trunk & Co.Square Engraved Whiskey Decanter Set
Comes With a Gift Box and Glass Polishing Cloth
Presented in a stylish gift box, this decanter set includes four glasses and a glass polishing cloth. All of the glass items are made from lead-free glass and are dishwasher-safe. The decanter and glasses are traditional shapes and all feature the same grid-like engravings on their sides.
There are a few reports from reviewers that the set didn't look high-quality since there were visible mold lines from the manufacturing and the stopper isn't airtight. However, most reviewers say this set makes a nice gift, and they like the design of the decanter and glasses. They say the glass is heavy and classy.
Paksh NoveltyItalian-Crafted Decanter & Glasses Set
A Classic Design With Six Glasses
This decanter features a classic design and comes with six complementary glasses. They are all dishwasher-safe and lead-free, and they have diamond and starburst engravings. The stopper of the decanter has a large, square design, and its bottom is made from plastic.
There are a few reports from reviewers that the stopper on their decanter isn't airtight. However, reviewers say that it looks elegant and they love the classic design of the decanter and glasses. They say the glass is heavy and that it looks great in their display cabinets or home bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Whiskey Richard also took the time to answer a commonly asked question about whiskey.
How long can whiskey last in a decanter?
Whiskey Richard explains, "An airtight, lead-free, properly stored decanter can keep whiskey for just as long as the original glass bottle the whiskey came in. That said, you'll generally want to consume the whiskey within six months of putting it into the decanter, as the decanting process itself means more of the whiskey will be in contact with oxygen."
More Products for Your Home Bar
If you're looking to upgrade your home bar options, then you may be looking at more than just whiskey decanter sets. That's why we have some recommendations of items for you to consider!
Buying Guide Reviewed by Whiskey and Alcohol Expert Whiskey Richard
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Whiskey Decanter Sets
No. 1: Lefonte｜Whiskey Decanter and Double Old Fashioned Glasses Set
No. 2: Godinger｜Whiskey Decanter and Glasses Barware Set
No. 3: Jillmo｜Whiskey Decanter Set With 2 Glasses
No. 4: Frolk｜Whiskey Decanter Set
No. 5: Godinger｜Whiskey Decanter Airplane Globe Set
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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