Almost every festive feast involves serving not only culinary delights, but also alcoholic beverages. Most often, among the arranged dishes, you can see bottles with drinks, but sometimes there are other containers, such as decanters, jugs, and damask bottles. If the first two names are often used in everyday life, then not many people are familiar with shtofs. In the article, we will consider what shtofs are, what they are, why they are needed, and also which of the products produced are considered the best according to users.
Content
A damask is a traditional vessel designed for strong spirits such as cognac, vodka, whiskey or brandy. There are also containers designed for wine and other low-alcohol drinks. The classic version of damask is a square-shaped bottle with a small neck closed with a ground cork. There are options that have the shape of a vessel, prism, cone, and so on. The most popular among users are shtof-cases, decorated in the form of animals, people, weapons and other items, they are given as souvenirs.
The first shtofs were made of malachite-colored glass or silver. Over time, the material for production has changed, and now they are made from glass, crystal, ceramics, porcelain, metal, and wood. Objects made of wood and clay, as a rule, act as cases for ordinary bottles, but other materials are suitable for pouring alcoholic beverages. Containers for alcohol, decorated in the form of shtofs, perfectly complement the table setting, giving it some sophistication and elegance.
In Rus', until the beginning of the 18th century, alcohol was measured by such measures as a barrel, a bucket and a mug. Changes began to occur after Peter the Great visited Europe. The ruler was so fascinated by Western culture that he began to introduce the inventions of foreign countries into his homeland. Thanks to him, there was a fashion for shaving beards, celebrating the New Year, and also a new measure of volume called damask, which means “big mug” in German. Approximately at the same time, a green-colored glass-blown vessel appeared, which had four corners and was closed with a wooden cork.Such containers gained popularity by the beginning of the 19th century, at the same time darts shops appeared where you could even buy vodka sealed in such a bottle. At the peak of popularity, containers were made of multi-colored glass, and it was also possible to order more expensive decanters with engraving and inlay.
Shtofs are classified according to several criteria that are taken into account when choosing a product. One of which is volume:
In addition to the volume of the bottles are divided by purpose:
Another distinguishing point is the material from which the products are made:
A variety of products allows you to choose a product suitable for everyday use in a simpler design, as well as an exquisite one that can be put on a celebration or presented as a present.
In order not to make a mistake with the choice of damask, it is necessary to take into account some criteria when choosing:
Choosing a damask is not difficult, the main thing is to take into account the selection criteria, and of course pay attention to the quality of the product itself.
It would seem that it is difficult to care for dishes, washed, put in a closet and forgotten until the next holiday. But it was not there, in order to maintain the appropriate appearance for as long as possible, it is worth following some rules, especially they relate to the handling of crystal:
Glass shtofs are washed in the usual way and wiped dry to avoid plaque, dust and streaks.
A large number of manufacturers of products of this type makes it difficult for buyers to choose. Despite this, you can always use the reviews of other buyers that they share on the Internet. To get acquainted with the products, a small list of products is presented, which, according to buyers, can be called the best.
The list of inexpensive items includes goods, the cost of which does not exceed 1000 rubles. Such products are perfect for everyday use, but there are models that are made of crystal and are suitable as a gift.
This product is produced in Ukraine and is quite popular because of its unusual design.The container is made in the form of a double-barreled gun, on the handle there is an ornament in the form of animals, and stacks of 6 pieces are also attached to it, which are made in the form of black cartridges. Such dishes are suitable for serving strong alcoholic beverages. When creating such an original design, ceramics are used, the decanter itself has a capacious size (1.5 liters), which allows it to be used for large companies. The material of the product is durable and able to maintain the temperature of poured drinks for a long time, and it is also completely safe for human health.
MAGNATE from the Chinese company Zibo Shelley has a fairly budget price, but is distinguished by good quality material and a stylish, modern design. The product is made of high-strength glass, which allows it to be used in the dishwasher without fear of spoiling the appearance. Suitable for serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The sleek design will complement any table setting for a more sophisticated look. The container is closed with a cork that fits snugly to the neck, preventing drinks from running out of steam for a long time, and therefore it can be used not only to serve drinks to the festive table, but also simply store them in it. The product is sold in a beautiful box and is perfect as an inexpensive but stylish present.
Damask of the Italian company Bormioli Rocco S.p.A. It is made of glass and is suitable not only for serving drinks, but also for storing them in it. Innovative technologies are used in the production, and therefore the dishes of this brand are of high strength and quality, and are also absolutely safe for health, as they do not contain harmful substances. The product does not absorb foreign odors, it is easy to clean using conventional products. Capitol is elegantly designed and will perfectly complement any table.
Another model of the Chinese brand Zibo Shelley, also suitable for alcoholic and non-alcoholic products. Due to its appearance, the product will be a spectacular addition to any table. Produced from high quality glass, which is confirmed by the presence of a crystal luster, it is also suitable for use in the dishwasher. For greater effect, manufacturers have made a ball-shaped lid that fits snugly against the walls while maintaining the quality of the contents for a long time. The product is sold in a presentable package and is perfect as a gift.
The list of expensive shtofs includes products whose cost exceeds 1000 rubles. In their production, more expensive materials are used, which is reflected in the price. As a rule, such models are often used as solid gifts.
RCR is an Italian manufacturer of high quality tableware. As the main raw material, the company uses LUXION crystal glass, which is lead-free and environmentally friendly. The product is made in a modern design and is suitable for storing drinks, as well as serving them on the table. A beautiful model made of high quality glass will be a great gift for any celebration.
The decanter of the Belarusian company "Neman" is made of crystal and has an original handmade pattern that gives it an extra charm. Drinks in such a damask will look great regardless of the table setting. The sophistication and quality of the product, allow you to use it not only for personal use, but also as a present. The container is suitable for use with various types of drinks, equipped with a stopper that isolates the liquid from weathering, which allows it to be used not only for serving, but also for long-term storage.
Another model of damask from the Belarusian company Neman is made of crystal. This product is distinguished by its unusual appearance; the name and initials of the person to whom the product is presented are applied to it. That is, the container is made by hand, and the buyer can order the design in accordance with the wishes. The item itself is suitable for both personal use and as a gift.Products with initials have gained great popularity among users as they make them individual and often not repeatable. The container itself is presented in a wooden case, with a metal plate on which it is possible to put text of any content at the request of the buyer.
The Czech company Crystal BOHEMIA is engaged in the production of high quality crystal products, among which there are damasks. Madison, a container in the production of which lead crystal is used, such a composition does not have a harmful effect on the human body. But the object itself gives shine, a play of light, and incredible transparency. This product is suitable for serving drinks of any strength and will decorate any table. The container can also be washed in the dishwasher.
Shtof is a container that acts not only as an addition to serving, but is also a wonderful gift for any celebration. Among the large number of presented products, everyone will be able to choose the right product in accordance with the criteria.