what is a decanter used for

A decanter is a vessel used to hold the decantation of a liquid, such as wine, which may contain sediment. Decanting wine is done to remove sediment and to aerate the wine, allowing it to "breathe" and release more aromatic compounds. Decanters are also used for spirits such as whiskey, bourbon, rye, rum, tequila, brandy, cognac, armagnac, vodka, and gin. A whiskey decanter allows oxygen to interact with the whiskey, making it easier for more nuanced aromas to bloom. Decanters can also be used for aesthetic purposes, creating a cohesive look on a home bar by removing bottles from their mismatched, branded packaging and placing them into a set of beautiful decanters. When using a decanter, it is important to avoid lead crystal decanters, which contain small amounts of lead that can leech into the spirits over time.