Let’s be honest, in our current digital epoch of TikTok videos and Insta-stories, it’s all about presentation. So when it comes to serving libations, the right decanter for the occasion is essential. Serving a Scotch? There’s a decanter for that. Your go-to gin for a G&T? There’s one for that, too. Since spirits are less reactive to oxygen than wine and beer, they can easily be stored in a more attractive container as long as it’s lead-free and airtight. For a pleasing aesthetic on the home bar cart for your viewing, and imbibing, pleasure—here’s a guide to a few of our local favorite retailers.
Decanter Guide
For the Modern Mixologist: Estelle Colored Glass
If pops of color are your décor vibe, then these gorgeously hued decanters from Estelle Colored Glass await you. The Charleston-based glassware brand offers everything from Champagne coupes to cake stands in a rainbow of translucent shades, but their decanters are certainly a modernist’s dream. While the Vogue throws out some retro genie–in-the-bottle vibes, the Heritage adds fresh tints to a classic style. Order online or find them locally at Shops at Provence on Augusta Street.
3213 Augusta St, Greenville. 864-277-6303, estellecoloredglass.com. Open Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm.
For the Vintage Queen: We Took To The Woods
More into quality over quantity? Why not splurge on an elegant antique that will be the envy of all of your Instagram followers? Local seasonal shop We Took To The Woods has a curated collection of vintage crystal decanters, and while one of these individual pieces will up the ante on any home bar, they also make stunning stand-alone additions to a shelf or small drink cabinet, especially if you typically lean towards one type of liquor.
106 E Stone Ave, Greenville. 864-451-7155, wetooktothewoods.com. Open seasonally, Tues-Sat, 11am–5pm.
For the Southern Soul: House of Crystal
In the South, when in design doubt, put a monogram on it. Amirite? And for glassware, House of Crystal has you covered with their elegant selection of decanters and decanter sets, all available for custom engraving in a wide variety of styles. The monogrammed European mouth-blown crystal decanter makes an excellent, personalized gift for the whiskey lover in your life, and if you have a beloved, yet broken, family heirloom, the team at House of Crystal specializes in glass repair for mending cracks and chips.
30 Orchard Park Dr, Suite 1, Greenville. 864-288-3195, houseofcrystalinc.com. Mon–Tues, 10am–6pm, Wed–Fri, 10am–5pm, Sat, 10am–2pm.
For the Don Drapers: The Rock House Antiques
A one-stop shop for eclectic crystal decanters of various shapes and sizes, The Rock House Antiques is sure to have a vintage container for your spirit of choice. Located off Mauldin Road, the shop is home to a host of dealers who offer a variety of quality goods and antique gems. Whether you’re looking for a tall teardrop or a 1960s piece straight off the set of Mad Men—Rock House is the best spot to browse for that unique find to enhance your home bar collection.
415 Mauldin Road, Greenville. 864-299-8981, therockhouseantiques.com. Open Mon–Sat, 11am–5pm, Sun, 1–5pm.
Did you know?
Originally invented to help aerate wine and separate it from the dregs, decanters are used primarily these days to showcase different types of liquor. Wine carafes are a more popular aeration option for modern-day oenophiles—stop by Total Wine on Woodruff Road to view their selection.
Photography by Jen Jefferson
