There’s nothing better than an evening of good company, good conversation, a fine cigar — and, of course, a glass of something special. But the question often arises: how should you serve your whisky or wine? Neat, on the rocks, or in a decanter?
Are decanters classy? Pretentious? Necessary? Or pointless? The answer, as with so much in the world of cigars and spirits, really depends on what you’re drinking — and why.
Why Decant Wine?
Decanting wine serves a specific, though often debated, purpose:
- Sediment removal – Especially in older reds.
- Oxidation – Exposure to oxygen helps a wine “open up,” softening tannins and allowing hidden flavours to emerge.
Not everyone agrees how much time is required, but it’s universally accepted that decanting will change a wine’s character — usually for the better.
What About Whisky?
Whisky, unlike wine, is essentially a finished product once bottled. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, “If you keep a 12-year-old bottle for 100 years, it will always remain a 12-year-old whisky.”
Here’s why whisky doesn’t change much in a decanter:
- Tannins – Wine contains tannins from grapes and oak, which evolve over time. Whisky has virtually none.
- Alcohol content – Whisky sits at 40% ABV or higher, making it chemically far more stable than wine (typically 11–15%).
That means the whisky you pour into a decanter today will taste pretty much the same a month from now — unless it’s left in sunlight, exposed to heat, or stored poorly.
The Real Purpose of a Whisky Decanter
If whisky doesn’t benefit from decanting, what’s the point? In one word: aesthetics.
- Historically, decanters were practical — a way to serve whisky from the barrel.
- Today, they’re about style and presentation, adding an element of theatre to pouring a dram.
- Designs range from broad-shouldered classics to Bond-villain crystal showpieces.
One important note: avoid lead crystal decanters. They may sparkle beautifully, but over time lead can leach into the spirit. Opt for modern, lead-free crystal or quality glass.
Whisky, Wine & Cigars
Pairing cigars with wine or whisky is all about enhancing the moment. Decanting a rich Bordeaux before lighting a Romeo y Julieta Churchill, or pouring a 21-year-old Scotch from a heavy-cut glass decanter to accompany a Partagas Serie D No.4, elevates the ritual into something memorable.
Whether you decant or not, presentation matters. Just as a fine cigar case or cutter adds style to your smoke, a decanter adds elegance to your drink.
Top 5 Whisky & Cigar Pairings
If you want to take things further, here are five classic pairings every aficionado should try. Balanced, bold, and perfectly matched for a memorable evening:
- Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak × Cohiba Robusto
- Macallan’s rich dried fruits and oak spices complement the creamy, full-bodied flavour of the Cohiba Robusto (50 × 124mm, ~60 min).
- Talisker 18 Year Old × Partagas Serie D No.4
- Talisker’s smoky maritime character matches the spicy depth of this legendary robusto (50 × 124mm, ~55 min).
- Lagavulin Distillers Edition 2022 Release × Bolívar Belicosos Finos
- The bold peat and iodine notes of Lagavulin find harmony with the earthy, powerful Bolívar torpedo (52 × 140mm, ~75 min).
- Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask × Romeo y Julieta Churchill
- Sherry-rich with dried fruits, warm spice, and lingering sweetness. Smooth and balanced, it enhances the aromatic elegance of the Romeo y Julieta Churchill (47 × 178mm, ~90 min).
- Dalmore 18 Year Old 2023 Release × H. Upmann Magnum 46
- Rich sherry cask influence, with chocolate, orange zest, and spice. Smooth, luxurious, and an excellent match for medium-bodied Cubans like the H. Upmann Magnum 46. (46 × 143mm, ~70 min).
Final Puff
So, should you decant wine and spirits? For wine, absolutely — especially with reds that benefit from time and air. For whisky, it’s purely a matter of appearance, not chemistry. Decant if you enjoy the ritual, skip it if you prefer the bottle. Either way, your dram will remain the same.
Pair it with the right cigar, and you’ll create moments worth remembering — whether at the table, by the fire, or sharing with friends.
To explore a the perfect cigars to match, browse Simply Cigars’ Cuban and New World selection.