Watch just about any TV show in the past 50 years and the boss will always have a whiskey decanter handy for pouring a couple of fingers of whiskey while plot points are discussed. A beautiful crystal decanter shows off the beautiful golden liquid but the use is for more than just show as a status symbol.
Similar to a wine decanter, a whiskey decanter allows oxygen to interact with the whiskey — pouring whiskey from its original bottle into a decanter will allow the spirit to interact with oxygen and make it easier for more nuanced aromas to bloom.
Is it necessary to decant scotch or whiskey to enjoy it? Certainly not but by showing off your whiskey in a beautiful decanter, you elevate the tasting experience.
Beyond the benefits of decanting whiskey, a decanter allows one to show off their own personal style like these unique whiskey decanters in the shape of globes, guns, footballs, baseballs, ships, airplanes and more.
The traditional reason for a decanter is that each whiskey poured in creates a small aroma and taste, when a new whiskey is poured in, it adds to the aroma and taste. You only wash the outside, never inside. Gradually and overtime, your whiskey becomes uniquely your own, like no other made before. Think of it like a cast iron skillet for whiskey.