Can You Put Tequila in a Decanter?
Tequila is one of those spirits that tastes great on its own or mixed in your favorite cocktail. Whichever way you plan to serve your tequila, you will want to make sure that you’ve got your bar set up just right for your guests to enjoy. Decanting your tequila can be a great way of doing this.
You can put tequila in a decanter. Unlike wine, where decanters improve flavor, there is no practical reason for decanting liquors. However, using a decanter will improve the overall appearance of the spirit and is often used to add sophistication.
In the rest of this article, I will give valuable hints and tips about keeping your tequila at its best in a decanter. I will also be telling you what to look for when shopping for a decanter and what can happen if you don’t store your tequila properly.
How Long Does Tequila Last in a Decanter?
Tequila has an indefinite shelf life.
That means it maintains the same quality as the first day it was bottled, no matter how long you’ve had it sitting around. However, once you break the seal and start drinking, you only have a certain amount of time to finish it before the quality is affected.
A decanter can be a great way of preserving the quality of your tequila as well as making it look pretty.
Still, how effective are they?
Tequila can last for up to a year in a decanter, depending on how and where it is stored. Poor storage of tequila leads to chemical processes affecting the taste and overall quality of the liquor. However, this does not make the tequila undrinkable or unsafe to drink.
How To Store Tequila
Storing your tequila correctly can be the difference between a good glass that you can enjoy or a bad glass that will have you pouring your liquor down the sink. So, it’s essential to follow some steps to ensure that your liquor tastes as great as it was meant to be.
Keep at Room Temperature
Tequila should be kept at room temperature and not exposed to heat sources. The added heat will cause the alcohol to start to evaporate, which impacts the taste of your tequila.
To avoid this, I suggest keeping your tequila somewhere like your living room or dining room away from any radiators or heating vents.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Try not to store your tequila in a place with direct sunlight. Sun exposure is harmful to any type of liquor as direct sunlight speeds up the oxidation process, leading to increased deterioration of the beverage.
The easiest way to avoid this is to keep your spirits in their cabinet and only take them out when it’s time to serve them.
Oxidation is the name given to the process where oxygen and alcohol interact with one another. Oxygen breaks down the original compounds of the alcohol, which results in a degradation of the taste.
Suppose you are looking for a sophisticated way of storing your alcohol. I can recommend this Atlantic Herrin Locking Bar Cabinet on Amazon.com. The fitted compartment gives you a safe and effective way of storing your liquors.
Don’t Leave Dregs in the Bottle
If your tequila is only filling one-third of the space it’s in, it might be time to change it to a smaller bottle or get some friends around to enjoy it.
The more exposure to air the tequila has, the more oxygen can get into the bottle to start the oxidation process.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to store your tequila, check out this video by Jerry James Stone:
What Kind of Decanter Should You Use for Tequila?
Decanters come in all shapes and sizes. While there are many choices, there are a few features that you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping for a decanter for your tequila.
You should use a clear glass or crystal decanter with an airtight lid for tequila to enhance its appearance and reduce the tequila’s exposure to oxygen. Keeping the decanter sealed will prevent air from affecting the overall taste of the spirit and diminishing its quality.
Glass Decanters
Glass decanters usually look like a fancy pitcher, and the material is generally very clear. These decanters don’t often have much decoration unless you get them engraved or choose an exceptionally fancy one.
Glass is a very safe material to use, and it is reliable.
If you are looking for a decanter that will make the perfect impression at your next party, I can recommend The Wine Savant Tequila Decanter Set from Amazon.com. The glass decanter and accompanying glasses are a great touch that will make it easier for you to share your love of tequila with your friends.
Unleaded Crystal Decanters
For those looking to add a touch of class to their tequila drinking experience, you may want to consider buying a crystal decanter.
Crystal decanters are a beautiful way of showcasing your tequila, especially when it has aged and has developed that tremendous golden color.
When purchasing a crystal decanter, one thing to be mindful of is to ensure that it does not contain any lead.
Standard crystal decanters contain around 24-32% of lead oxide. You store liquor in a crystal decanter, tiny amounts of lead can leach out into the alcohol. The longer the alcohol is exposed to lead, the less safe it is to drink.
Consuming lead can be dangerous to your health. The United States FDA recommends a daily limit for lead exposure in food and beverage consumption of 12.5 UI per day for adults.
The high lead content does not necessarily mean that you need to throw out your crystal decanter. If you want to use your decanter, ensure that the alcohol you pour into it is consumed that day and not stored in it until the next time you drink it.
If you are looking for a crystal decanter, I recommend this LANFULA Crystal Whiskey Decanter Set on Amazon.com. The set is entirely lead-free so that you can store your tequila safely inside without any stress.
Conclusion
Pouring your tequila into a decanter doesn’t have any functional purpose, but it is an excellent way to improve its presentation.
To preserve tequila for as long as possible, you should:
- Store at room temperature
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Avoid exposing it to air
Opt for a decanter with an airtight lid to prevent the oxidation of your liquor.
If opting for a crystal decanter, ensure that it is lead-free. If you choose to use a standard crystal decanter, ensure that you only serve the tequila that you’re going to consume that day and don’t plan to store it in there.
