Delving through the archives, publishing director Sarah Kemp describes Decanter's early years and portrays how two polar opposites joined forces to launch the magazine in 1975.
Bense are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
A momentous year, 1975: the fall of Saigon; Franco’s death; North Sea oil; the UK votes Yes in the EEC referendum; David Beckham is born.
Of equal significance for wine lovers the world over, it was also the year that saw the very first issue of Decanter.
It was the brainchild of Colin Parnell and Tony Lord, two of the most unlikely magazine entrepreneurs Britain has ever seen.
Parnell was editing the wine trade magazine Wine & Spirit when he and his deputy, Lord – a young Australian journalist and wine enthusiast – spotted a gap in the market for a wine magazine for consumers.
As he wrote many years later in Decanter: ‘It soon became clear to the two of us as we wrote about comings and goings in the international wine trade, features on gin, vodka and the new sensation of tequila, that there was no lively magazine for wine lovers.
‘Rather than work for the rest of our lives for someone else… we decided to do our own
thing and launch our own magazine.’ Parnell was bookish; a talented musician who loved jazz and opera, and somewhat at sea in the new world of securing funding.
‘The banks wouldn’t lend us money, and without funds we could do nothing. But fate stepped in with Luis Gordon, whose family company, Luis Gordon & Sons, had the highly successful Domecq sherry agency for Britain since around World War I.’
Gordon bankrolled the first three issues’ printing bill and Decanter, a name nobody particularly liked, was launched.
If Parnell was an intellectual Bordeaux lover, Lord was his polar opposite. A hard-drinking, talented but tortured Australian, his blunt (to say the least) language and chain-smoking were legendary.
The two managed to work together, but would rarely spend time in each other’s company.
Lord would bash out articles on an old typewriter and then – ashtray full by 11am – head off for lunch (or, as he preferred to call it, ‘product familiarisation’.)
It was Lord’s enthusiasm for the wine world outside France that gave Decanter its international flavour. He was the author of the first guide to Australian wines, which was used by the Masters of Wine on their first trip to the country.
Spain, California, South Africa and ‘Latin America’ were his areas of expertise, while Parnell was happiest interviewing Bordeaux grandees and reporting on the misdemeanours of failing wine companies.
They shared one common fear: each dreaded the thought of the other turning up on his patch.
The first issue of Decanter, for the modest sum of 40p or 12 issues for £6 a year, had the cover line ‘How to buy Bordeaux and keep your bank manager happy’, along with ‘Confessions of a Lady Wine Bar Proprietress’.
In 1977, Michael Broadbent, head of Christie’s wine department, wrote his first column – on vintage Port. His column lasted for more than 35 years, becoming an industry institution.
Other early contributors included Bordeaux experts Edmund Penning-Rowsell and David Peppercorn MW, Serena Sutcliffe MW and Clive Coates MW; the latter still writes for the magazine today.
From the start, readers came from all corners of the globe, including a certain A Hitchcock from Hollywood and Roald Dahl from Great Missenden.
Unless you have been living under a rock where alcohol is forbidden, you have heard of Jim Beam. Jim Beam is a mega-brand of bourbon whiskey that has been crafted, distilled, and bottled in Clermont, Kentucky, since 1795.
It is one of the oldest spirit companies in the United States and was founded by Jacob Beam, who began producing his namesake bourbon.
But did you know there were Jim Beam decanters in production at one point? It's true, and in this article, we will take a trip down memory lane from when Jim Beam first released their decanters in the 1950s.
In 1955, Jim Beam introduced its first line of decanters that had a distinct shape and popularized the design, which was an icon for years to come. The decanter featured a sharp angle, rounded shoulders, and a square bottleneck, making it both iconic and unique compared to other bottles in the industry.
The original decanter was produced in ceramic stoneware and was available for a limited time span, lasting until the early 1970s. It's important to note that these were not just used for decorative purposes; they also contained some of Beam’s finest whiskey.
Now, you can find vintage Jim Beam decanters at antique stores and online auctions that range in price and design. Collectors and whiskey enthusiasts alike highly seek out these decanters.
Jim Beam continues to produce iconic bottles, but none can compare to the classic charm of their original decanters, which have become an essential part of the company's history. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or a collector, Jim Beam decanters are the perfect addition to any collection and make for excellent conversation starters.
While the history is cool, why did Jim Beam produce the decanters in the first place? Jim Beam created these iconic bottles for a couple of reasons.
The company is the world’s best glass decanter manufacturers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Firstly, some customers felt that whiskey should be stored in ceramic vessels due to their ability to reduce evaporation and maintain the bourbon's flavor.
Secondly, it was also a way for the company to differentiate its product from competitors and increase its brand recognition.
No matter the reason, vintage Jim Beam decanters remain a timeless reminder of America’s oldest spirit company. Its classic design, distinct shape, and iconic bottle have become integral to the bourbon industry. So next time you hear the name “Jim Beam,” think of these unique and special bottles.
It's said there were 1,650 Jim Beam ceramic decanters made between 1955 and 1971. It's hard to determine the exact amount as many of these decanters were given away as gifts or put into storage and forgotten about for decades.
Throughout Jim Beam's history, there have been more than 100 designs in various colors, shapes, and sizes produced by the company. The problem is, most of these designs were not released in large quantities and are now quite rare.
Depending on their rarity and condition, Jim Beam decanters can range from $10 to thousands of dollars. Collectors may spend years hunting down the decanter they want, making them valuable to whiskey enthusiasts everywhere.
Vintage Jim Beam decanters are the perfect addition to any bar cart and make for an excellent conversation starter. Whether you're a collector or appreciate the history behind them, grab one of these gems before they all disappear!
So, if you happen to be going through your grandparent's attic and find a Jim Beam decanter, consider yourself lucky. You've stumbled upon a piece of whiskey history that will continue to be passed down for generations. From there, you can take it to Pawn Stars and see what you can get for it, or keep it and enjoy its classic beauty.
Regardless of what you decide to do with your decanter, remember that these unique bottles are part of the history behind Jim Beam whiskey and will continue to be treasured by collectors around the world.
In addition to vintage Jim Beam decanters, there are vintage decanters from other distilleries that are also highly sought after. For example, if you are lucky and can get your hand on a vintage crystal decanter from the 1800s, you can expect to get quite a bit of money for it.
To determine if you have a vintage decanter, here are some key factors to examine:
Vintage decanters were usually produced between the 1920s and 1970s.
Look for identifying marks on the bottom of the vessel, such as the name of the distiller, a logo, and/or specific design elements.
Pay attention to how the bottle is shaped - some vintage decanters have unique shapes that are not seen in modern-day whiskey bottles.
Older decanters were often hand-painted in bright colors and patterns, which is a telltale sign they were produced in the early decades.
Vintage decanters often featured stoppers or corks with seals and labels that indicated when the bottle was made.
If you want to confirm whether or not your decanter is vintage, bring it to an antique dealer for further inspection. They will be able to provide more insight into the age and origin of your bottle.
Once you've identified your decanter as vintage, it's time to decide what to do with it. You can either keep it for yourself, pass it down through generations, or sell it for a lucrative price.
Vintage crystal decanters are highly sought after and can be used to store various liquors. However, due to their age, it is important to take the proper steps when using them.
Make sure you only use distilled spirits inside of a vintage crystal decanter - not wine or beer. This is because distilled spirits contain higher alcohol content and won't corrode the decanter's surfaces or discolor it over time.
Additionally, you should avoid using your vintage decanter to store a mix of different drinks as this can cause staining and discoloration. If you are going to use a vintage crystal decanter, make sure it is for one type of liquor and not a rotating selection.
Finally, when pouring any drink out of a vintage crystal decanter, make sure to use a funnel. This will help to avoid overspilling and prevent any damage to the bottle's stopper or seal.
If you follow these tips, your vintage crystal decanter will remain in pristine condition and can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Nowadays, decanters are seen as a power item to impress guests at dinner parties or special occasions. However, the history of decanters dates back much further than that.
The earliest known reference to a decanter came from the 1500s when they were used to store and serve wine in royal courts. During this era, people also began using them to store expensive perfumes and spirits like brandy and whiskey.
Throughout the years, decanters have evolved in their design, materials used, and even their purpose. Nowadays, you can find decanters made of various materials like glass and crystal, some of which are considered antiques or collector's items.
No matter what type of material they're made of or what they are used for, decanters continue to be treasured items in households around the world.
Decanters are primarily used to store and serve alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey, cognac, wine, and brandy. Decanters work by allowing the spirit to age gracefully and develop a richer flavor. They help wine and spirits retain their flavor and aroma by protecting them from direct sunlight, oxidation, and changes in temperature.
For avid wine and whiskey collectors, decanters are also a great way to show off their prized possessions. Aside from serving beverages, they can also be used as decorative pieces in your home or bar.
You would be surprised how a good red wine tastes out of a decanter versus a regular wine glass. Decanters also make the perfect addition to any bar set-up or a dinner table, adding an extra touch of class and sophistication.
No matter what type of alcoholic beverage you prefer, having a decanter can elevate your drinking experience and give you a way to show off your prized possession in style.
Overall, Jim Beam decanters made their mark in history as some of the most popular and collectible decanters on the market. With a range of colors, shapes, and designs, these classic bottles offer something for everyone.
Whether you're looking to start a collection or just want to add a vintage piece to your home bar, Jim Beam decanters are always an excellent choice.
Before you go, check out our collection of crystal decanters!