Decanters & Carafes

Decanters & Decanter Sets For Wine, Whisky & More

A decanter or carafe is an easy way to elevate the value of your favourite liquor. At Harris Scarfe, we stock the best brands for decanters, drinkware and glassware such as Art Craft, Krosno, Casa Domani and many more. Read on to find out why investing in a decanter is a great choice for enhancing your next drinking experience.

What is a decanter?

A decanter is a vessel that is used to hold the decantation of a liquid (such as wine or whisky) that may contain sediment. Decanters, which come in varied shapes and designs, have traditionally been made from glass or crystal. The shape of the decanter can affect how the liquor is aerated. For example, a decanter with a wide bowl will allow more oxygen to reach the wine than a decanter with a narrow neck.

Why put liquor in a decanter?

Certain aged liquors or spirits such as wine and whisky benefit greatly from being decanted. Some of the reasons you may wish to invest in a decanter or carafe include:

• Aesthetics: Decanters can be used to decorate and enhance the appearance of a bar or a liquor collection. It allows you to show off your favourite liquor with improved clarity and presentation.
• Aeration: Decanting liquor can help to aerate it, which enhances the general flavour and aromatics. This is especially true for older liquors that have been sitting in the bottle for a long time.
• Preservation: Decanters are often used to store high-quality or rare liquors that need to be preserved to maintain their taste, aroma, and quality over an extended period.
• Serving: Decanters are ideal for serving liquor to guests as they provide an elegant way to pour drinks and can also be used as a focal point for socialising and entertaining.

At Harris Scarfe, we also sell premium wine and whisky glasses for serving up your decanted liquor.

Decanter & Carafes FAQs

What does a decanter do for wine?

• Separates the sediment from wine: Older wines, especially red wines, can develop sediment over time. This sediment is made up of dead yeast cells and other particles that can make the wine taste unpleasant. Decanting the wine will help to remove the sediment, leaving you with a clear and clean wine.
• Aerates the wine: This can help to soften the tannins in the wine and release its aromas. Decanting for a period of time will allow it to breathe and improve its flavour, especially for younger wines.

Why use a decanter for whisky?

• Oxygenation: Just like wine, some whiskies can benefit from some oxidation. Decanting whisky allows it to breathe and can help reduce any harsh flavours or smells.
• Storage: If you have a large bottle of whisky, decanting some of it into a smaller decanter for serving can help preserve the whisky's freshness for a longer time by reducing its exposure to oxygen.

How to clean a decanter?

Cleaning a decanter can be difficult due to its shape and often narrow neck. Rinse immediately after use and clean with warm water and dish soap. Use a decanter brush or bottle brush if you have one to gently scrub the interior. Dry thoroughly before the next use.

Here are some additional tips to avoid damaging your decanter when cleaning:

• Use a mild soap and water solution for crystal decanters.
• If the decanter has a stopper, remove and clean it separately.
• Use a soft brush to clean intricate designs.

Blend Function & Elegance With A Decanter From Harris Scarfe

Find a versatile range of glass and barware in our kitchen and dining ranges, available online & in-store at Harris Scarfe. We offer quality lead-free bar glasses speciality-made for liquor such as gin glasses, martini-style glasses, champagne flutes, cocktails, general-purpose tumblers and more. Don't forget to visit our food hub for exciting dining tips and recipe inspiration.