About three years ago I received my first decanter for my Birthday. It was beautiful and elegant much like this decanter. However, I quickly learned that cleaning a decanter is nearly impossible with common sponges and mold grows quickly if you do not properly dry out your decanter. This is why I recommend you save yourself the headache (and probably a bit of time and money) by purchasing the whole decanter kit at one time.
I ended up purchasing the sponge separately not too long after after I received my old decanter and it cost me an additional $10 at that time. I never purchased the stand, because that old decanter unfortunately broke. This is why I was very happy to work with Mixologist to test out and review this set. I taste, pour, and talk about wine on a regular basis for my website and I was way overdue for a new decanter. When I saw that this was a whole kit, I was honestly delighted to get the product because I knew the troubles I had in the past.
Here's what I liked and what I recommend for you when considering the purchase of this kit:
1. The sponge in this package not only cleans the decanter, but it will more effectively clean long flutes or wine glasses with a narrow opening. Love when I can use one product for multiple reasons!
2. The drying stand is the key to preventing the mold issues that I ran into. Just be vigilant with making sure all the water properly clears out before storing the decanter again.
3. I love how this whole kit packs away neatly in one box that is clearly marked with visual images. There is no confusing (in my home) that this is a decanter. When I purchased these items separately, nothing stayed together so inevitably I was looking all around for the sponge when I needed to clean the decanter. If I had purchased the rack separately, that probably would have ended up in the back of the cabinets, never to be seen again.
4. The decanter wooden "egg" or stopper was a little difficult to get out of the decanter, but I would use it while outside or if the doors are open in the house while the wine is sitting out. Bugs do like wine and there is nothing more unattractive than a gnat in the decanter.
5. The two pieces of literature in the box are full of tips on wine and use of the kit. I like that the one titled "Why a Wine Decanter" is laminated. It will last longer especially when things can easily spill in the kitchen or dining room where this product likely will be used.
6. Use your decanter even on bottles that are under $15. Why? It presents well with guest and it does help to open up a red bottle of wine up with aeration. Also, because I regret not using mine more often in the past; It was such a pain to clean and store. This set really solves all of those issues, so please enjoy using it often or giving it as a gift.
Cheers!
Jenn @WineAntics
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