D&D Decanter set: 750ml of dwarven courage

This blogger is Scottish, home of whisky, and I’m currently obsessing over Whisky Santa.

So, I noticed that Merchoid has an official D&D Decanter Set. Actually, the merch site has a generous Dungeons & Dragons section, and I note with mixed interest and alarm that many of the ranges are selling out.

The D&D Decanter Set comes with glasses and sets itself up to be perfect for the gift-giving season.

The decanter holds 750ml, which is more than enough for most spirits, as larger bottles don’t have liquid likely heading to a decanter in the first place. There are two 320ml glasses as companions, although four would be nice.

The main gotcha is that neither the microwave nor dishwasher suit the set. I don’t know who’d microwave a decanter, but the easy wash option is always a temptation.

Dwarven courage

I’ve used the expression “dwarven courage” in the title as an alternative to Dutch courage. Orc felt too unlikely, and I suspect elves might use fancy bottles.

All of which got me into researching the history of the phrase Dutch courage and the decanters themselves. Dutch courage probably dates to the 17th-century Anglo-Dutch Wars. It’s probably a phrase that needs to be let go of today, too, as it leans too heavily into a real-world stereotype.

The history of the decanter

The history of the decanter set can be traced back to the ancient Romans, who used glass vessels to store and serve wine. However, it was not until the Renaissance period that decanters became popular in Europe. Venetian glassmakers developed new techniques to create more intricate and elegant decanters during this time. These decanters were often made from cut glass and featured elaborate designs.

In the 18th century, decanters became increasingly popular in England. British glassmakers developed a new decanter style with a long neck and a wide body. These decanters were designed to aerate the wine, which helped to improve its flavour.

Decanter sets became especially popular in the 19th century as people entertained more at home. Decanter sets were seen as a status symbol, and many wealthy families owned elaborate sets made from crystal or silver.

Decanter sets typically include a decanter and several glasses. The decanter stores and serves the liquor, while the glasses are used to drink it from. Decanter sets can be made from various materials, including glass, crystal, silver, and pewter.

Decanter sets are still popular and often used to serve wine, whiskey, brandy, and other liquors. They are also a popular gift item for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Here is a brief overview of the evolution of decanter sets over time:

• Ancient Romans: Glass vessels were used to store and serve wine.
• Renaissance period: Venetian glassmakers developed intricate and elegant decanters made from cut glass.
• 18th century: British glassmakers developed a new decanter style with a long neck and a wide body designed to aerate the wine.
• 19th century: Decanter sets became increasingly popular, especially in England, as people entertained more at home. Decanter sets were seen as a status symbol, and many wealthy families owned elaborate sets made from crystal or silver.
• Today, Decanter sets are still popular and often used to serve wine, whiskey, brandy, and other liquors. They are also a popular gift item for special occasions.

Quick Links

• D&D Decanter Set
• Whisky Santa