I want this decanter!

Relative newbie alert.

Just started drinking ports and learning my way around and it seams I need a decanter. After searching for hours all over the Internet I found one I like but have no clue where to buy it. I actually found a picture of it on the Wine Lovers site in THIS ARTICLE about decanting ports. Anyone know where I maybe able to purchase one?

Can't help you on that particular decanter, Bill, but welcome to the Forum!

There are a lot of very knowledgeable and nice people here. Someone should be able to help.

Can't help you on that particular decanter, Bill, but welcome to the Forum!

There are a lot of very knowledgeable and nice people here. Someone should be able to help.

Thanks Cynthia for the welcome and help with the new account.

Did you try asking Roy Hersh? Follow the link at the bottom of the article and you'll see there's a "Contact Us" page. The crest engraved on it suggests to me that the particular decanter was probably made for a special customer - an organisation, or a rich family - or at least engraved for them. Isn't that style a ship's decanters? Maybe the crest is that of a shippping line.

I agree with Steve - the general shape is that of a ships decanter (very much heavier at the bottom for stability). I think this shape is very stylish and the only negative (IMO) being that it's not the easiest to pour from, expecially for the last 25% of the wine. I suppose they also take up a little more space, if that is at a premium.

In general I have simple tastes in decanters and eschew intricate designs and etchings for something clear and practical (albeit a bit of style never goes amiss). A simple glass jug would do the job, but most wine enthusiasts appreciate that a stylish decanter (with Port decanted into it) is nice to be able to plonk on the dinner table at the end of a nice meal.

... and always remember to pass the port to the left, with anyone leaving it sat in front of them without passing it on (when someone else's glass is empty) is clearly related to the Bishop of Norwich

Maybe we should do a 'show us your decanter thread'

regards

Ian

Welcome Bill.

Personally, I do not care for that particular style of decanter at all. It is very difficult to drain, as mentioned, and takes up too much storage area. I much prefer the more hour-glass shaped decanters. In my experience a single decanter style works equally well for most wines, including Port.

Thanks for the welcomes ....

As for the style of the decanter I guess I have a bit to learn about functionality as well as great looking designs. The main reason I liked this was the shape of the decanter as well as the stopper. The etching does not matter. I looked at other ships decanters but this one just stood out.

It is just me here and I may only have a glass or two a week. So what I am mainly looking for is a decanter that will keep a tawny port for a couple of weeks?

It is just me here and I may only have a glass or two a week. So what I am mainly looking for is a decanter that will keep a tawny port for a couple of weeks?

Bill,

My low tech solution is to put a piece of Saran wrap over the opening to the decanter if I wish to store it. I also simply pour the remains back into the bottle and recork it on some occasions. I find that Ports tend to fall apart rather quickly, usually within a week, under almost all storage conditions. I try to buy half bottles since I'm the only Port drinker at my house.

I have several decanters- one somewhat similar in shape to this (though simpler),a "captain's decanter" (wide flat bottom, top of spout is angled), and some smaller carafe styles. I find the carafes easiest to use if I don't need major aeration.

I'd reconsider leaving port in a decanter, stopper or not. Unless decanter is lead-free. I don't worry about lead leaching from decanters or glassware, but if one left alcohol in more than a day or two, it could become a concern.

you want to really drool, try this site:

http://www.claretjugs.com/all.html

you want to really drool, try this site:

http://www.claretjugs.com/all.html

I'm droolin'! Wow...

Bill,

It's a beautiful decanter, but as has been pointed out, not completely practical. The one I use is cylindrical in shape--not as stylish, perhaps, as the flatter ship's decanter, but easier to pour from and to clean. And with the same nice glass stopper.

Practicality ain't anything. IMO, if you're opening a fine vintage Port, it's a celebration, and practicality be damned. And that is one beautious decanter.

-Paul W.