How many times have we seen in films how respectable men, and sometimes women, wanting to forget about the hardships of a passing day, wearily sink into a chair with a glass of whiskey. Or in each house there is a bar or just a tray, where there is a decanter with this drink, made of glass or crystal, emphasizing the contents.
Even if you do not intend to often taste it, as a treat for especially important guests, whiskey will be very welcome. And where is the drink itself, there are dishes for its storage. In this article, we will talk about decanters for whiskey: their types, materials.
Similar but different vessels
A carafe is a vessel that has a lid to protect contents and is installed on the festive table or stands on a separate table, in the minibar. As a filling, water, juice, and also strong alcoholic drinks can serve . As a rule, in decanters with an elegant design they store just the last type of liquid. The presence of this element in the room or on the festive table instantly transforms it, gives status and chic, and also indicates the good taste of the owners of the house.
Due to inexperience, people can equally call similar, but still different vessels - a decanter and a jug. If you want to choose the right dishes, then you should know about the main differences between these two items.
The material for the manufacture of jugs is mainly clay, ceramics, as well as metal. Such vessels are perfect for the safe storage of ordinary water or milk, since it is less hygienic and aesthetic to keep them in plastic. The traditional carafe is glass or crystal. He must certainly demonstrate the color of the drink that is placed in it.
Differences can be observed at the level of vessel shape. Everyone knows exactly how the jug looks: a wider, open neck, smooth bends, a handle. The carafe is more like a bottle or a flask (depending on size) with sharper and coarser lines, a narrowed neck and a cork cap.
Nobleness and drink status
Before choosing a decanter for whiskey, it is worth learning a little about the drink itself. As a rule, people who are its connoisseurs often enjoy it under discussion about the peculiarities of taste, the advantages of a particular producer, and the culture of drinking. Therefore, knowledge of at least general facts will help support such a conversation and understand its content.
Whiskey is not just a drink - it is a whole culture. It has its own style, traditions, because when we mention one name, we already imagine a certain image: a library, antiques, a smooth glass with a little liquid and ice cubes ...
Both Scots and Irish are trying to ascribe the right to be considered the founders of this strong drink. However, today other countries of the world were able to develop no less high-quality whiskey recipes. It is also called scotch tape.
This is a strong drink in which the alcohol content ranges from 32 to 60%. Ready whiskey is obtained after several stages: malting, distillation, as well as aging in natural oak barrels. As a result, the liquid has a characteristic golden brown color.
The following types of whiskey:
• Grain.
• Malt.
• Mixed.
• Bourbon.
Material
Decanters for whiskey are made of glass or crystal. The first type of material is everyday. Such a vessel can stand in a closet, minibar or on a shelf. Crystal decanter is an element of a festive banquet or an important meeting. If an interesting pattern is present on it, the drink will sparkle with new colors. Fans of minimalism and simplicity can pay attention to smooth decanters.
You must be prepared for the fact that a crystal carafe will have to pay a considerable amount.
The form
The decanter and glasses for whiskey, most often, have a rectangular shape. It is better if the vessel will have an interesting, but not elaborate finish. Extremely clear, simple geometric shape in combination with high-quality and expensive material - that's all you need for a good decanter. Remember that its main decoration should be the drink itself. The rest is just a cut.
Sometimes the rigor of design can be supplemented by a cork cap. Perhaps it will be an unusual shape (a rectangular decanter and a round lid) or an intricate thread. Such an emphasis can elegantly, but unobtrusively complement the overall picture.
It is preferable if the glasses are made in the same style as the decanter. In stores they are most often sold by just sets for whiskey (1 vessel and 6 glasses). Different design dishes make disharmony in the atmosphere of the holiday. Remember that whiskey is a self-sufficient and worthy drink that requires a special drinking culture. For simple alcoholic intoxication, both cheaper and lower-quality alcoholic drinks, as well as less attractive dishes, are quite suitable.
Vessel transparency
Whiskey in a stained glass decanter is a sign of bad taste, if not bad taste. Of course, no one will forbid you to pour it even in a plastic bottle or cup with the inscription: "The best dad in the world!", But from the point of view of connoisseurs this is the highest degree of sacrilege.
The classic and most correct option is a completely transparent vessel. Whiskey has a beautiful and rich color, which should fully manifest itself. The play of shades is one of the elements that will ensure true enjoyment of the drink. Ideal sunlight and carvings on the crystal surface of the decanter. They create a whole rainbow, which is impossible not to admire.
Bohemia as a symbol of quality
Among the materials for such a vessel, there is a recognized leader in the world - crystal. A decanter for whiskey from Bohemia will be a wonderful decoration or gift, filled with respect and elegance.
Thanks to these products, the Czech Republic has become popular with high-quality and exquisite dishes. Many connoisseurs purchase it exclusively for storing a wide variety of drinks, products or other items.
Advantages of decanters from Bohemian crystal :
• Practicality - such vessels have a smooth surface that fits perfectly into any interior, and the increased strength of the material allows you to protect the dishes from scratches, cracks during washing and cleaning of the product.
• Assortment - in specialized stores or catalogs you can find a large number of decanters of various design, decoration and purpose.
• Durability - a recognized fact is the high quality and long life of decanters made of Czech crystal. They combine an ideal degree of transparency, wear resistance, so that for many years they can not lose their beauty.
Crystal Care
Despite the fact that a crystal decanter for whiskey will last much longer than any other, you also need to take care of it.
It is worth immediately abandoning the idea of washing such vessels in the dishwasher. Although this is an inanimate object, a sense of beauty as well as good taste are developed not only by contemplation of beautiful objects, but also by a respectful attitude towards them. To clean the carafe, just pour a solution of citric acid into it. He must be infused for at least 1 hour. Then they put a handful of coarse salt, rice or peas there and shake the vessel. The contents are poured and rinsed thoroughly with a carafe.
Over time, the crystal may become cloudy, which is also quite natural and easily removable. Table vinegar and water will come to the rescue. A solution of these two components is also left for 1-2 hours, after which the vessel is well washed.
Quality brands
In addition to Bohemia, there are a number of manufacturers of jugs and decanters for whiskey (names are given in Russian letters):
• “Chielli” - Italy.
• "Tuscany Crystal" - Spain.
• Laliquue - France.
This is just a small list. Each manufacturer seeks to emphasize: inlaid with precious stones, marble coasters, a special style.
To find a good decanter for whiskey, you need to outline its style in advance. Then, slowly inspect the assortment of several stores or order your own design. So you can purchase a high-quality and beautiful vessel for one of the most exquisite drinks.