Finding the best whiskey decanter set
Finding the best whiskey decanter set
The Modern Gentleman or Modern Lady will come to a point in their life after a certain level of success where drinking whisky from an average glass poured straight from the bottle no longer makes the standard. After a long day of capitalist activity, crushing the hopes and dreams of their work colleagues, a simpletons glass just doesn’t cut it. We want some luxury in our lives. A bit of class in our desired method of serving finely produced spirits. Thats why we are on the hunt for the best whiskey decanter set money can buy.
In order to fulfill this humble ambition and bring our home into loft worthy territory we seek out the best of the best. Cause we have earned it. And any connoisseur of fine spirits knows that any decanter just won’t do.
If you are a young nubile noob new to the world of Whiskey and the tools to pour it, this is a quick guide to bring you up to speed on what you should be looking for in a set and a few of my favourites that you may also like. Follow me into the wonderful world of everyday affordable luxuries designed and engineered for drinking pleasure.
Crystal versus plain Glass
Back in the day lead was extensively used in the production of crystal. This has led to many whisky enthusiasts arguing over the merits of crystal decanters versus the possible health issues which arise from lead been used in the production of a drinking utensil.
Modern decanters rarely use lead crystal and instead use a substitute compound called barium oxide. Although not as brilliant as lead crystal, these alternatives still offer an attractive alternative.
Glass on the other hand is on the cheaper end of the spectrum and won’t give the shine of crystal products. The obvious benefit to this alternative is possible health issues arising from the use of lead crystal.
How to choose a decanter set
The original purpose of a decanter was for a past time when modern spirit production wasn’t as refined as it is today. The device would be used to pour the whiskey and retain any debris at the bottom of the flask.
These days decanters aren’t required for this purpose but instead are used to allow the whiskey to oxygenate before been served for consumption. Allowing the whiskey to breathe will change the taste by allowing the malt to age at a faster rate by been exposed to a larger surface area of air. Other than that, the visual impact of a beautifully crafted decanter set will add sophistication to any living room or bar setup.
Design and aesthetic appeal are very important when choosing the correct set. And while there are many novelty sets available, some good some bad, finding the best whiskey decanter set and getting the best bang for your buck will also come down to things such as: Glass/crystal quality, design and personal taste.
In that spirit, here are some sets that have us lusting for the days where mad men style offices with midday whiskeys were totally acceptable.
Here are some of our favourites, choose the Best Whiskey Decanter Set from this list to get your spirits flowing:
Ravenscroft Crystal Taylor Double Old Fashioned Decanter Set
Ravenscroft is the company founded by the inventor of what today we call crystal. Coming from such a reputable brand, they have been making crystalware and glassware for over a century. And they by far produce the best whiskey decanter set you can find.
This set really does look and feel amazingly constructed. When you hold the different pieces in your hand you can feel the weight of a high quality crystal whiskey glass.
The decanter itself is made from lead free crystal. It is clear and beautifully refracts afternoon light seeping through the shades of the living room window. The stopper is made from solid crystal and sits in the neck very precisely.
Basically, this is a great high quality set from a reputable manufacturer that holds a centuries old reputation for producing beautiful crystalware. Check it out online in the link below.
Iceberg Set by Ashcroft Fine Glassware
Ashcroft fine glassware is made in Nevada USA. Every piece from this company starts life as a single piece tube of high grade Borosilicate glass. This been the key component in retaining a brilliant shine made of ultra clarity glass while still being 100% lead free. Each decanter and accompanying glasses is handmade and blown by an expert craftsman.
In other words: These sets are beautiful pieces of art that would look amazing sitting on anyone’s mantelpiece. On top of that, this particular set is a at a great price point and feels solid when held.
The unusual modern jagged lines of this design also holds something different for those of you that aren’t looking for a traditional shape like the others in our list.
Crystal Bishop Decanter Limited Edition Set by Ravenscroft
Here’s another great set from Ravenscroft. The Crystal Bishop Decanter set comes as a limited edition product that is created for the commemoration of over a decade of fine crystal from this maker.
The great thing about this set is it can fit many different tastes of interiors. Looking both modern and classic at the same time while still having the benefit of modern crystal production free of impurities and completely unleaded with a brilliant sparkle.
This unleaded decanter comes with an art deco inspired design. It has straight prominent lines that lead the eye up the neck of the flask. At the top sits the beautiful, hand ground crystal stopper. Coming matched with signature old world charm tumbler glasses, this is a high quality set that won’t fail to draw a few double takes and easily the best whiskey decanter set in this price range.
Globe Decanter Set
This Globe decanter set is one of the novelty items I mentioned earlier, but this one is definitely in the ‘good’ category – having already hit the number one spot in this category on various shopping sites including Amazon.
The glass is blown by mouth and has been etched with the map of the world which is really cool if you are keen to impress your whiskey buddies on the odd occasion. It sits in a wooden cradle the same way a real globe would and has a high quality build to match its striking visuals.
It also comes with two etched globe glasses, one set of nine whiskey stones with carrying cloth, a wooden mahogany stand, a funnel and a glass stopper.
This one will make a great addition to the man cave or ladies den.
Dublin Whiskey Decanter Set by Godinger
Do you love the feel and smell of sitting in a finely made study, with wooden mahogany covered walls and a floor to ceiling case full of classic books that tell stories of a timeless era?
Enter the Dublin set by Godinger.
With an old school charm that oozes charisma this decanter and glass set is poised to draw more attention to your whiskey, and through sheer osmosis, make it taste better.
Made of 24% crystal means the finish still has a glisten that only crystal can offer while still being more more affordable than the higher end Ravenscroft sets. The design is a Dublin pattern which is what gives it a distinctly timeless era look.
Don’t look past this set as the perfect Birthday present.
St. Jacques Decanter Set by Ravenscroft
It can’t be denied that Ravenscroft make an amazing decanter. That’s why so many of their sets have appeared in our round up of the top decanter sets you can find online.
The St. Jacques decanter is another item commemorating 125 years of fine European crystal craftsmanship. It comes with four tumbler style glasses and is also made of lead free crystal.
The beautifully curved exterior of this decanter is well suited for displaying darker malt whiskeys and bourbons. With a rounded elegantly bulging mouth blown flask this design will sit well with other classic pieces of furniture.
Conclusion
There are many great sets out there and choosing the best whiskey decanter set can come down to personal taste. If you are looking for a gift for a loved one, I think looking at the different designs available and picking one based on personality is the way to go.
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