Lack of corks?

[thehighking]

Hey -

Am I the only who gets put off by bottles that do not have a proper cork? I have noticed this seems to be quite common with American whiskies of all sorts (not so much with Irish and Scottish ones).

Generally, the only Scottish or Irish whiskies that don't have a cork are the cheaper brands, but with American whiskies it seems that plenty of "top of the line" brands (e.g. Maker's Mark and Virginia Gentleman) seem not to use them. What's the reason for this? (If there is one...)

I tend to get bothered just because I have a lot of bottles open at once and tend to drink at a slow rate and am always worried about evaporation (yes, I know I could change my drinking habits!)

Am I the only person or are there others who agree? :-/

[CrispyCritter]

I'd say "yes and no" on this issue. While there's a lot to be said for the "pop" of a cork being pulled, and it does have a touch of class, corks also have a downside. Namely, they can go bad - and a bad cork can really spoil a bottle.

[FlashPuppy]

I would really rather have a little bit more whiskey evaporated, than spoiled due to a bod cork. if a cork were really that much better than a cap, i really they would not have but put on such premium bourbons.

[barturtle]

The plastic screw caps used by the majority of American whiskies are far superior to corks-though they lack the cool factor. They seal better, last forever and basically cannot cause taste/smell problems with your precious spirit.

That said I still like corks, but I do worry about the bottles I have that are going to be hanging around for an extended stay that use them.

[TomH]

After playing "cork roulette (TCA)" in the wine world, I'm quite happy without them especially after having to pry out a broken cork from a lovely Springbank SMSW, filter it thru a coffee filter to remove the little pieces that went into the bottle, and then live with a Vac-u-vin seal for the rest of the life of the bottle. Twist offs suit me fine.

After all, if the wine snobs are at least coming to the point of getting away from corks (at least for wines that are meant to age long term) why do we want to prolong their use in bourbons. They do look neat, but they are not worth the problems.

Tom

[gothbat]

While I realize the downside to corks I still prefer them over a screw on cap. It kind of puts me off when I see a bottle that doesn't use a cork although I never let it stop me from buying any particular brand of whiskey. I like the pop it makes when you pull it out, the snap it makes when you push it in fast enough, and the way the bottle looks without the threaded top. Although they have been around for quite some time (late 1800's if im not mistaken) I think the screw top gives the bottle too much of a modern look.

[Joeluka]

I have to be honest when I say that all I'm thinking about is the whiskey. Cork or Screw-top just get out of my way and let the whiskey in my glass:slappin:

[BobA]

I'd just as soon they all be screw tops. When I see a bottle with a cork, I think, "Oh good, pretension." Their reasons to use the inferior packaging don't benefit me.

Bob

[jburlowski]

While I realize the downside to corks I still prefer them over a screw on cap. It kind of puts me off when I see a bottle that doesn't use a cork although I never let it stop me from buying any particular brand of whiskey. I like the pop it makes when you pull it out, the snap it makes when you push it in fast enough, and the way the bottle looks without the threaded top.

My sentiments exactly....

[TimmyBoston]

Screw tops are getting more and more popular for both whiskey and wine. Personally I am of two minds about them. I don't like the aesthetics or the feel of screw tops. But IMO the screw tops work better. They seal my whiskey much tight than with a cork, but I will always love the corks.

[thehighking]

Hmmm...I had always had a very different perspective, in that I always thought that corks were *better* precisely because they seem to keep more oxygen out (and so more whisky in). But you guys are making me reconsider my thoughts on the matter...

As far as I am now concerned, it's a win-win situation. I like corks and feel comfortable with them and now, thanks to your posts, I seem to like screw-caps. The whisky was never an issue...so the conclusion is that whisky is good and capping it with something is good.

Therefore, it's all good.

[jspero]

I personally favor the screw top. I don't have to worry about storing bottles upright that way. Corks are a probelm particularly if you are traveling with a bottle and have to make SURE it stays upright the whole time.

Jay

[TnSquire]

Corks are cool and throwback but the screwtop is much more utilitarian. I dont make buying decisions based on the packaging. If I like it I buy it regardless.

[jimibourbonhammered]

I like corks and I don't mind the plastic screw caps, but I don't like the metal caps. These can leak, strip, let the bottle go stale too quickly and leave sharp edges. Corks can be problematic as mentioned above, I try not to put too much importance in it, but there's something to be said for the mood when plopping that elegant bottle of GTS in front of you, squeeking the cork back and forth knowing what's to come.