crystal decanter 

Crystal Decanter Information And Shopping Source

Welcome to Crystal Decanter, where you will find unbiased advice, reviews and personal suggestions for discovering that perfect decanter that you've been searching for all along.

Welcome to the authentic, wonderful world of crystal decanters!

My dad is a major crystal decanter collector, so naturally I've been surrounded all my life with decanters of various styles and ages. However eventually I learned that I was in minority: I realized that not not everybody has heard of a decanter before, and let alone of a crystal decanter, to my big surprise. 

So here is an explanation in a nutshell. A decanter serves as purpose pouring a liquid such as wine or whiskey in glasses as well as storing these drinks with sediments until use.

A crystal decanter, oftentimes also called a crystal carafe, is quite an elegant way to serve red wine or other alcoholc drinks to the guests. You can find decanters in many shapes, sizes and designs and they also come in various materials, the most common of which is glass. Typically the crystal decanter can store at least one size of a regular bottle (0.75l). Do not mistake the decanter with a carafe. Although their purpose is similar, a carafe has no stopper, so it's only an impromptu drink server.

During history whiskey and fortified wine were stored and served in lead crystal decanters, which basically were a sure way of getting lead poisoning. Also the upper 'posh' social class was said to get gout due to too much use of their beverage of choice in this material. Ever since the British brought the stopper on the decanter in fashion, not much has changed in the basic design of the typical decanter.

red wine decanterOne of the reasons why a crystal decanter is used to store the wine and other sedimentary drinks is because it can easily split the sediments from the drinks. This is why it is called a separator. This process is done through what is called wine decanting. The liquid from bottle is poured into the crystal carafe. This allows the sediment to retreat to the bottom of the original bottle, while the decanter gets the wine that is sediment free, or clear. Decanting is a process that has been done for many years now, and the basics have not changed since.

There are various reasons for a wine having sediments. The wine could be quite old, or the initial filtering process was not done correctly. Either way it is not accepted to offer a drink with sediments at the bottom to guests. Hence the wine decanter coming into action.

Nowadays though decanters have more of an artistic and aesthetic reason for being, and less for their original purpose. This is why particularly the crystal decanter is a very nice and posh way of serving the wine to guests. This is a sure way to impress first timer guests particularly if you use  valuable antique decanters or collectible decanters (also called collectable decanters).

Also a crystal carafe such as the Peugeot Prestige Duck Decanter can be a great gift to give along with a nice set of matching glasses or other matching accessories such as the Riedel bottle cleaner beads that are so popular nowadays. Particularly knowing the price at such a set comes at, the receiver will be beyond thrilled with gifts such as these.

Check out the decanters listed below. These are the most popular crystal decanters that have good reviews at Amazon. For your convenience I wrote down the current price of each item, however as prices do tend to change from time to time, do make sure to click through the link to the merchant, to get the most updated price for your chosen product. Also you can click on the image to get more informations on the single products.

Miller Rogaska by Reed & Barton Crystal Soho Square Decanter Miller Rogaska by Reed & Barton Crystal Soho Square Decanter
List Price: $119.00
Sale Price: $72.08

Ideal for the drinker of fine wines and whiskeys, this 26-ounce Soho decanter is crafted of brilliantly clear, full-lead crystal. The thick base and square sides give the decanter a solid, heavy feel, while vertical cuts in the sides capture the light for sparkle...

Ravenscroft Crystal Vintner's Choice Decanter Ravenscroft Crystal Vintner's Choice Decanter
List Price: $85.00
Sale Price: $75.99

The design of the Ravenscroft Vintner's Choice Decanter is both elegant and intelligent in every aspect. The neck widens for easy wine decanting and pouring, the wide bottomed shape prevents spillage while allowing maximum aeration of tight red wines...

Ravenscroft Crystal Taylor Decanter Ravenscroft Crystal Taylor Decanter
List Price: $80.00
Sale Price: $70.98
Used From: $65.30

Handcrafted by the most highly committed European craftsmen, Ravenscroft Sommelier Decanters are produced from ancient mineral deposits free of impurities. Using such raw materials eliminates the need to add lead in order to produce brilliant crystal...

Ravenscroft Crystal Beveled Blade Decanter Ravenscroft Crystal Beveled Blade Decanter
List Price: $155.00
Sale Price: $138.99
Used From: $124.03

The Ravenscroft Beveled Blade is a massive hand cut gem. This is the perfect old world spirits decanter. It will dazzle the most discriminating enthusiast. Brilliant lead-free crystal, hand cut, in by old world European craftsmen...

Godinger Dublin 6-Piece Crystal Whiskey Decanter Set Godinger Dublin 6-Piece Crystal Whiskey Decanter Set
List Price: $100.00
Sale Price: $75.95

Godinger's Shannon Collection of crystal looks at home in both traditional and contemporary settings. The 24-percent lead crystal is cut with a classic Irish diamond and wedge patterning that sparkles luxuriously...

Ravenscroft Crystal Handled Captain's Decanter Ravenscroft Crystal Handled Captain's Decanter
List Price: $77.50
Sale Price: $68.99

Like all "ship decanters," the Handled Captains Decanter has a broad base, originally used to prevent tipping on the rolling waves. Now, that broad base is used to enhance the notes of your favorite wine...

Crystal Clear Hamilton Mouthwash Crystal Decanter,  6-Ounce Crystal Clear Hamilton Mouthwash Crystal Decanter, 6-Ounce
List Price: $24.99
Sale Price: $14.55

Enjoy this mouthwash bottle from Crystal Clear, Alexandria Collection. It is made of lead crystal and is 9-inch tall. It can also be used as a bath salts bottle. Hand wash only with warm water and mild dishsoap.

Ravenscroft Crystal St. Jacques Decanter Ravenscroft Crystal St. Jacques Decanter
List Price: $90.00
Sale Price: $79.99

Ravenscroft sommelier Decanters are produced from ancient mineral deposits free of impurities. Your liquor will reflect brilliant color when resting in this lead-free St. Jacques Crystal Decanter from Ravenscroft...

Luigi Bormioli Esperienze Crystal-Glass 88-Ounce Decanter Luigi Bormioli Esperienze Crystal-Glass 88-Ounce Decanter
List Price: $40.00
Sale Price: $23.11
Used From: $21.26

Luigi Bormioli used only the finest sands and raw materials to produce crystalline glass that is purely transparent, completely free from tarnishes, tints, and imperfections. Through an innovative cold-crack procedure and careful fire-polishing, the rims of Luigi Bormioli stems and tumblers retain the beadless edge found on the world's finest crystal...

Ravenscroft Crystal Bishop Decanter Ravenscroft Crystal Bishop Decanter
List Price: $89.50
Sale Price: $79.99

Handcrafted by the most highly committed European craftsmen, The Ravenscroft Bishop Decanter is produced from ancient mineral deposits, free of impurities. Using such raw materials eliminates the need to add lead as a clarifying agent...