Cracks in my Wax!

[smknjoe]

Are small cracks anything to worry about? :slappin: Seriously though, the wiskey fill level and appearance are okay to me. Unless the cork had been removed (which it hasn't) I don't think there is much to worry about. What has your experience been?

[jtexaslonestar]

As long as you keep them in a controlled climate, I don't see an issue. But I did have one BMH16 that popped its cork while sitting in my truck on a hot summer day that I was going to take over to a buddy's place that evening. Not a good thing when you start smelling bourbon while driving. I also bought a BMH23 thats wax had cracked, but that only helped me to open it quicker.

[LostBottle]

Hey Joe, nothing to be concerned about. The hairline cracks in the wax are very common and appear with age. I have seen this on the old Pappy 23 bottles, and I have had Vintage 21 & 23 with the same thing - all tasted perfect. You are right that the cork integrity is the main concern, especially on older bottles - just keep an eye on the fill level and if it starts to drop, open it and drink it.

[luther.r]

Hey you're a poet! And you didn't realize it!

These cracks seem to happen with Willett SB bottles often. I've also had the cork pop in a hot car on a Willett.

[LostBottle]

Hey you're a poet! And you didn't realize it!

I am just glad this thread is titled what it is and not "Wax in my Cracks!":lol:

[WAINWRIGHT]

I have seen almost all of my Willetts develop cracks and have had no problems with them so far,that being said I have with one of the V17 bottles I have had.I had a V17 that cracked and when moving the bottle it lost a piece of wax on the cork line.I didn't see a noticeable difference then the bottle began to gain condensation within the bottle so I opened it,to my surprise the cork had a thin film of mold on it.I replaced the cork in the bottle and it seemed just fine,but moisture within a bottle is a sure sign of a problem.

[smknjoe]

I am just glad this thread is titled what it is and not "Wax in my Cracks!":lol:

[squire]

If you don't smell whisky the seal is ok.

[BFerguson]

Like everybody else said, just watch and wait.

i've got a couple of BMH 23's that are either a combination of cracked, or cracked and some wax missing from where the tear away strip it.

Poor dipping job.

B

[squire]

Or poor quality wax.

[Meruck]

Wax becomes dry and brittle over time. Squire is essentially correct. The better quality waxes have higher carnauba content and stay more supple and flexible for a longer period of time. As for cork popping, it’s simple physics. When liquids heat they expand, when they cool they contract. All liquid "fill levels" are based at 60F. Fuels have an API number as they carry the same BTUs per pound regardless of volume. The same is true for distilled spirits. If you have ever left a non-venting gas can in the sun you have seen it swell to almost bursting at the seams. Whiskey behaves exactly the same, except glass don’t swell. Corks just pop. This is caused not only by the expansion of the liquid, but also by accelerated off-gassing and the combination is a guaranteed cork popper.

Edited March 9, 2013 by Meruck

[tigerlam92]

Had a cracked on my PVW23. All it means is that you should pop it open a drink it. That's what I did and it is a great pour.

Years ago when I used to go hunting a lot, I try to avoid those but later realize it doesn't matter.

Cheers

Hugh