Utility and Stylistic Appeal of the Crystal Decanter

If you enjoy concocting parties and social gatherings for friends and family, you are probably well aware of the various accessories that promote your impeccable credentials as a graceful and efficient host. It could be the quality of the suitably engraved dinner napkins, the magnificence of the decor, the gourmet nature of the food or even the splendor of the crystal decanter in which you serve the wine or scotch. A decanter works marvelously to take the wine drinking experience a notch higher. This is because of the fact that the remarkable visual appeal of a decanter often overwhelms its functional worth. A crystal decanter is an insightful study in dainty yet stunning beauty and can be an elegant addition to the gamut of accessories in your home bar. These decanters are available at vitalwares.ca in many options in terms of design, size and shape. These decanters are usually designed to accommodate an entire bottle of wine. Most of these them are equipped with rods or stoppers that play the role of a catalyst in the decantation process.

What is the purpose of a crystal decanter?

Sedimentation is an ailment that plagues all kinds of red wines. As the wine matures, it results in the formation of crystals of potassium bi-tartrate that ultimately make their way to the bottom of the bottle. This phenomenon often results in the flavor of vintage wines being tarnished while it prevents young wines from realizing their full potential. This situation can be effectively combated with the use of a suitable crystal decanter. Though a decanter does not tackle the issue of sedimentation in a direct manner, it certainly helps when the clarified contents of the wine bottle have been vigilantly and slowly poured into it. The residue of the wine containing the redundant sediments and crystals remains at the bottom of the bottle.

A decanter is not suitable for prolonged wine storage. Instead it would be prudent to use it for a freshly opened bottle of wine. The purpose of a decanter is to function as a receptacle for the wine or any other alcoholic beverage that is served during the course or after a dinner. At vitalwares.ca we have an amazing array of decanters.

Does the crystal decanter have heirloom value?

These decanters are a collectors' delight. If you are an avid collector of fine crystal ware, you will certainly want one to figure at the core of your collection. These decanters are quite reasonably priced and if maintained in a proper manner can be handed down to subsequent generations. Moreover a crystal decanter displayed on the cabinet of your home bar can work wonders for amplifying the aesthetic appeal of the space. Furthermore, it is a potent testament towards your refined taste in things and is suggestive of the sophistication and class that is prevalent in the various aspects of your home entertainment strategy. In fact you can obtain several styles of decanters at vital wares and showcase them in your bar to portray an effusive style statement.

What are the reasons for using a crystal decanter?

Have you noticed that little something missing from your regular drinking sessions? Is it getting a little too monotonous because of its sheer repetitive and predictable nature? Well, it is time to breathe a fresh lease of life into your drinking sessions with the incorporation of a crystal decanter. Using one of these to serve alcohol transforms and infuses the ambience with a stylish undertone. It is also an instant means of garnering a coveted place in the elite host list. The beverage imbibes a novel flavor and tastes great when served from this type of decanter. Nonetheless, there are three main reasons for using a decanter to serve drinks.

• It encourages aeration

  Aeration is one of the chief benefits of storing and serving wine from a crystal decanter. While the wine stored in a decanter undergoes the process of decantation, it is also simultaneously subjected to aeration. Most of the wines spend too much time in the innards of a bottle and have been essentially deprived of oxygen during this time. Once the bottle is opened, the wine takes in huge gulps of air much in a manner akin to a person breathing in briskly after an oxygen deprived moment. This process allows the flavor of the wine to flourish, thus resulting in a better tasting beverage. Though the wine should not be exposed to the atmosphere for an unduly excessive period of time, even a short span of exposure can influence the taste of the wine albeit in an upbeat manner. Vintage wines that have been closeted in a bottle for ages should not be opened and offered instantly. This move would not mete out adequate justice to the inherent flavor of the wine. Keeping the wine in an open crystal decanter will ensure that the oxygen works on the wine to draw out the unbidden flavors. Though some wines take only a few minutes for the original flavor to emerge, others which are of a vintage nature take hours of oxygenation before they are perfect for consumption. So buy decanters from vital wares and refine your wine drinking experience.

• Promotes sedimentation

  Manufacturers of good quality wines are well too aware that a good wine should be filtered prior to bottling. The intensity of taste and the complex flavor of the wine are best preserved when the wine is bottled in an unfiltered state. However as the bottled wine starts to age, the sediments gradually settle at the bottom of the bottle. Therefore it becomes essential to decant the wine before consumption. Here is where the immense functionality of a crystal decanter comes into play. The wine decanted in to a decanter will thus be clear and free from all remaining traces of sediments and crystals.

• Visual appeal

  The most conspicuous and popular feature of crystal decanters is the tremendous visual worth it lends. The tasteful and elegant designing detail of this decanter is capable of singlehandedly altering the visual quality of the setting. A great looking decanter adds flair and style to any party or social gathering. It can transform a simple and nonchalant occasion into an exceptional affair. Moreover when you serve drinks in this type of decanter you are also making a subtle proclamation on the singular status of your guests.

How do I use my crystal decanter?

Acquiring a decanter from vital wares is the first step towards elevating your wine drinking experience to a hitherto uncharted level. However it is equally important to be acquainted with the proper manner in which you ought to use the decanter. An improperly used decanter essentially fails in its fundamental purpose.

• Ensure that the decanter is free from any lingering signs of sediments or dirt. For this you can fill it with a solution comprising of a mild soap and tepid water.

• Let the solution work its magic on the decanter for some time.

• Rinse the decanter thoroughly with fresh water. Make sure that the last traces of soap have been washed away.

• Allow the decanter to dry completely. For this process you could even employ the aid of a decanter drying rack.

• Select the alcoholic beverage that you would prefer to display in the decanter. This could be a full bodied red wine, a strong blend of scotch, brandy or gin.

• Pour the alcohol into the decanter in a slow yet steady manner. Hold the bottle of alcohol from the bottom and regulate the amount and the pace at which the liquid is poured out.

• In case the mouth of the crystal decanter is too small for comfort, you could just as easily use a funnel to direct the alcohol into it.

• To facilitate the process of aeration, ensure that the decanter is no more than 3 quarters full. This will allow the stored alcohol to get appropriately aerated.

• Seal the decanter with a stopper or cork before returning it to the display cabinet.

Looking for the perfect decanter? Vital wares is where you need to be.

How do I maintain the good looks of my crystal decanter?

The clear nature of these decanters is designed to allow the displayed beverage to be clearly visible to the naked eye. Thus you can admire the pure amber of a blended scotch or the blood red magnificence of a vintage red wine through the crystal. The resulting view is nothing short of spectacular. However storing wine or some other alcoholic beverage in these decanters is sure to inflict some stubborn stains on it. Therefore it is important to adopt measures to preserve the good looks of your decanter. Scrubbing and harsh chemical cleaners are an absolute no-no since it can tarnish the delicate surface of the decanter in the process leaving behind scratches. Here are a few simple ways in which you can retain the sparkle of your decanter for years to come.

• Cleaning with denture tablets

  For this process, you will need about two denture tablets and a small brush with soft bristles. Fill the decanter with hot water while leaving a few inches from the top. Immerse the denture tablets and allow the tablets to fizz and expend themselves in the water. Let the solution linger in the decanter for about six hours. It would be advisable to swirl the solution at regular intervals to make the cleaning formula reach every nook of the decanter. Use the soft bristled brush to clean the interiors and do not forget to scrub at the stains that remain. Discard the solution and rinse the decanter with clean water repeatedly until the last traces of the solution have been washed out. Dry the crystal decanter scrupulously and presto! The sparkle is back with a vengeance.

• Other popular methods of cleaning

  Uncooked rice mixed with a little bit of salt is yet another way to get the sparkle back on your crystal decanter. For this fill the decanter with warm water and then add the rice and salt mixture. Swirl the decanter so that the deposits on the bottom are loosened enough to be discarded. Wash the decanter with plenty of water and dry it.

What are some useful factors to keep in mind when buying a crystal decanter?

This type of decanter makes a lovely addition on the display cabinet of your home bar and can also serve as a superb gift for a friend or a loved one. Here are a few factors to consider before you buy one.

• Crystal decanters come in specific designs at vital wares that are dedicated to storage of wine, scotch, whiskey and other types of liquors. If you want to use the decanter primarily for serving wine, choose a wine decanter. On the other hand, if your taste hinges on whiskey or scotch, there are some great options available at vital wares. However if you are the kind who likes to serve an array of drinks, you can buy a series of decanters.

• Consider the number of glasses that come with the decanter set. You can buy one without the glasses, but it makes sense to go for an entire set that is coordinated in style and design. Decanter sets come with up to six glasses and your choice should be dictated by your specific needs.

• These decanters come in a range of shapes and sizes at vital wares. Some of these come with contemporary cuts while others are more traditional in style. In deference to your decor, you must make a choice that would be in sync with it.

• Different types of crystal decanters come in certain shapes and capacities. Therefore ascertain if you would want a crystal decanter that can hold an entire bottle of wine or one that would hold only a part of it.

• Before buying the crystal decanter, make sure that it is suitable for storing all types of wines. This is because of the fact that improper storage can render some wines useless.

• It would be prudent to purchase crystal decanter cleaning equipment like cleaning balls, brushes and drying racks along with the actual decanter.

• The most practical design of crystal decanters that offer optimum aeration by way of their shape are the ones that come with a wide base that tapers as it goes up.