Ship decanters were originally used to hold liquor on sailing vessels, but are now used in homes and restaurants for wine and spirits. They have a broad base for stability and can be made of glass, crystal, or ceramic. They feature a stopper to preserve the taste of the liquor and add elegance to any table.
A ship decanter is a container that was historically used to hold liquor aboard a sailing vessel. Today, a ship decanter can be found in homes and restaurants, where it is used as an alternative to wine bottles or decanters. These containers are appreciated for their classic style, which adds a touch of elegance to any table. While decanters are commonly associated with wine, they can also be used to hold spirits ranging from scotch to cognac. Antique ship decanters are particularly popular today for their attractive design and rich use of materials.
The traditional ship decanter features a very broad base that curves towards a long, narrow flute. This large base was designed to give the container greater stability as the vessel rode the waves at sea. These decanters can have a rounded base, or a square base, with square designs often called port decanters. While most ship decanters used a long neck, or flute, shorter units are also available.
The first decanter vessels were made of glass or ceramic. Later, craftsmen turned to metals such as silver or bronze as well as natural clay. By the time of the Renaissance in Europe, glass decanters were once again in widespread use. From that period, the average ship decanter was made of glass or leaded crystal, with elaborate engravings used to add decoration to the container. Ceramic units from this period often featured complex scenes of politics, warfare, religion, or other subjects of the time.
Historically, a decanter would only be found in a ship’s captain’s quarters. Today, these decanters are found both on ships and ashore, where they are used to store and serve alcohol. A decanter differs from a traditional carafe in that it features a stopper or plug. The stopper allows users to cap the bottle, which traps air and preserves the taste of the liquor. These caps often feature elaborate designs of their own, including monograms and crests.
Compared to other liquor containers of the time, a ship’s decanter could sit steadily on a table, though it would likely have been secured during rough patching. Despite their stability, they also offered a sense of elegance and style. The shape of a vessel decanter can also help improve the taste of liquor by allowing users to separate the heavy sediment found at the bottom of a regular bottle of wine. Decanting also aerates wine and spirits, which releases flavor compounds to improve taste and smell.
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