The 6 best wine and liquor decanters and dispensers of 2021
In my pre-pandemic life, nothing gave me more joy than having friends over for drinks and dinner. This past year my gatherings have gone virtual, but with the help of wine and spirit industry insiders from sommeliers to booze editors, I've taken inventory of my at-home bar set up and learned a lot more about how and what to use in the process.
A good wine decanter increases oxygen exposure, which in turn helps bring out the flavors and aromas within your wine for a better taste.
Meanwhile, a good liquor dispenser not only makes it easier to get a precise pour every time, but can also double as an easy way to store liquor bottles when they're not in use.
From elegant decanters to easy-to-use drink dispensers that can whip up your favorite cocktail in no time, these products are highly rated and expert-approved.
"When it comes to choosing a decanter, a lot of it comes down to aesthetics, as they all have a fairly similar shape and function," Coly Den Haan, sommelier and owner of LA-based Vinovore says. Other features like functionality and material should also be a factor when purchasing a decanter, but don't get too caught up in the cost and fancy extras.
"Unless you are a true wine connoisseur, with different decanters and dozens of glasses intended for specific wines, you'll probably find the right decanter between $35 to $60," says sommelier and founder of wine consulting company DiVino, Annie Shapero.
While a budget option will work just fine and get the job done, Shapero does recommend splurging if you're looking for something with a bit of wow-factor that you plan to display.
"If you're looking for something stunning that will make your wine sparkle in the light, choose crystal, which is also more durable," she says. "Just keep in mind that crystal is porous, so you'll likely have to hand-wash it to avoid soapy flavors in your wine."
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