Whiskey decanters have been around for hundreds of years, and their history is fascinating. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the history of whiskey decanters, from their first invention all the way until the present day. Keep reading to learn more!
A timeline of the history of whiskey decanters and whiskey decanters as collectibles.
Typically made from glass or crystal, they have a stopper and their volume is usually equivalent to one standard bottle of wine. Decanters are often used to separate sediments from liquids, making them ideal for storing and serving whiskey.
Decanters date back centuries, with the first ones appearing during the Roman Empire. These early decanters were made from glass, a rarity at the time. It wasn’t until the Renaissance period that glass decanters made a comeback, thanks to the Venetians.
Stopping bottles from opening was first introduced by British glassmakers in the 1730s.
Prior to this invention, decanters were simply open-necked vessels. The introduction of the stopper allowed for more control over the amount of oxygen that came into contact with the whiskey, which resulted in a smoother taste.
Over time, the use of decanters spread throughout Europe and Asia. By the late 18th century, American distilleries began producing their own versions of whiskey decanters. These American-made decanters were often more ornate than their European counterparts and featured design elements such as embossed glass, brass fixtures, and detailed stoppers.
Since whiskey was such an important part of daily life in Scotland and Ireland, it only made sense that there would be a need for a dedicated vessel to serve this popular drink. The earliest whiskey decanters were very simple, often just repurposed wine bottles with a stopper.
As time went on, whiskey decanters became more and more ornate. Some featured elaborate engravings while others were made from expensive materials like crystal or leaded glass. By the late 1800s, whiskey decanters had become status symbols, with wealthier families ostentatiously displaying their collections.
Today’s whiskey decanters are still quite popular, although they are not as ubiquitous as they once were. You can find them in a wide variety of styles, from simple and elegant to playful and kitschy. Whether you’re a whiskey lover looking for the perfect addition to your home bar or a collector searching for a unique piece, there’s a whiskey decanter out there for you.
Jim Beam Collectible Decanters
These decanters were first produced by Jim Beam in 1953 as a way to get rid of old bourbon. The original decanters were shaped like Kentucky landmarks, such as the state Capitol or Louisville Slugger baseball bat. The success of these initial decanters led Beam to commission even more intricately designed bottles.
By the 1970s, whiskey decanters had become a must-have item for any self-respecting bourbon drinker. Jim Beam wasn’t the only distiller getting in on the action; Jack Daniel’s, Old Crow, and Early Times all released their own versions of whiskey decanters. And these weren’t your run-of-the-mill bottles; some of them were designed by famous artists.
A history of the various materials and styles used in whiskey decanter construction.
Early decanters were made of glass and were popularly used by bachelors because they were easy to break. Later decanters were made of porcelain or crystal and were more popular due to their durability and ability to withstand rough conditions.
There are different styles and types of whiskey decanters, each with their own unique characteristics. Here are some styles you may want to consider:
Cut crystal whiskey decanters: Cut crystal whiskey decanters feature a clear body with intricate floral designs etched into it. They are traditional and classic, making them a great piece for traditional homes or offices.
Full lead crystal whiskey decanters: Full lead crystal whiskey decanters feature intricate designs etched into the glass. The lead crystal is thicker and therefore stronger than cut crystal. These decanters feature intricate designs and patterns that make them a great addition to any home bar or whiskey collection.
When choosing a whiskey decanter, consider your home, as well as your personal preference. If you haven’t made up your mind, you should have a look at my list of the best decanters to look for.
Where to buy beautiful decanters, and the best places to look for vintage and antique whiskey decanters.
Some people prefer collecting vintage and antique whiskey decanters, whereas others prefer to buy whiskey decanters in shops or from online stores.
Here are some places where you can buy whiskey decanters:
Antique stores: Many antique stores sell vintage decanters, and it is easy to find many of them at online antique stores as well.
Online stores: You can also buy whiskey decanters from online stores. Some online stores also sell whiskey decanters directly on their websites, while other websites have dedicated whiskey decanters pages where you can buy them.
Specialty stores: Specialty stores that specialize in selling vintage or antique items often have whiskey decanters on various shelves.
My personal favorite is the Crystal Decanters from Waterford, a great option for a wedding gift. If you prefer antique decanters, Jim Beam collectibles are a safe choice.
Using a decanter
There are several reasons why someone might use crystal decanters. The primary reason is for its aesthetic appeal. Many people enjoy the way that a beautifully crafted whiskey decanter looks, and they like to display it in their home.
Another reason for using a whiskey decanter is so that the honey-tinted spirit can be seen more clearly. Decanting whiskey is mostly for decoration and to see the liquor more clearly.
Wine is typically only kept in a decanter for a few days, but whiskey can last for years when stored in a decanter with a tight-fitting lid. This is because unlike wine, whiskey does not continue to develop after it has been distilled. As long as you store your whiskey in a cool, dark place, it will remain unchanged indefinitely.
