Preserving the cork on empty bottles?

[jinenjo]

As I prepare to dump my rebarrel project (which still may be a month or two away), I have begun to collect some empties for the bottling.

What is the best way to preserve the cork on an empty bottle? Should I keep some water in the bottle so the cork doesn't dry out? I am planning a follow-up rebarrel experiment with scotch and have a bottle waiting for that which may not be used for a year or two.

Do I need to worry about any of these corks drying out from now until I put spirits into the bottle?

Any knowledge is more than welcome and always appreciated.

Cheers!

[cowdery]

Easy. Best advice is, don't use corks. Use screw tops. Corks suck.

[jinenjo]

I know. Show me a classy bottle with a screw top and I'll get it.

[mier]

You can try store the corks in water for some time to prevent them from drying out but you can also look around if there is a brewery, distillery or winery in your neighbourhood where you could ask around for help.Good luck:grin: !.Eric.

[CrispyCritter]

I put used corks into Ziploc bags - more than once it has saved me when I came across a bad one.

[TBoner]

I know. Show me a classy bottle with a screw top and I'll get it.

Weller 12

Weller 107

Old Charter 12

These are attractive-looking bottles, relatively speaking, and all screwtops.

Also, you can buy taster's corks from a homebrew supply shop pretty cheaply (the ones at my LHBS are $2.50/dozen).