screw cap vs cork

[_peke_]

Why some whisky bottles have screw cap and others cork?
And how does it affect in preservation of whisky?
And what happens when you open bottle (screw cap vs cork)?
I have noticed that some beer bottles have cork also.

[Brummie]

Personally I prefer and trust a cork over a metal screwcap but there are some very good plastic screwcaps around these days.

[Diademo]

Simple - screwcaps are cheaper than corks.
...and corks are still here because of tradition (I never had a bottle of single malt with screwcap).

[A15UK]

[TheWM]

Apart from when (as happened to me last night) you break the seal on a screw cap and then the cap does not screw on properly still trying to think of the best way to rectify this situation.

[Diademo]

Producers (similar as in wine industry) would probably like to use corkscrews because they are cheaper but they are afraid of losing high end customers or that their brand name will suffer.
Personally, I don't care until seal is perfect but similar as with wine, I'm used to them. I'm probably lucky because I never had serious problems with whisky corks (I can't say the same for my wine bottles - actually I prefer screwcaps for younger wine).

[_peke_]

Thanks for info.

[opelfruit]

Which is funny as most Japanese whisky I've had is;

a) expensive
b) bloody good
c) have screw caps


Maybe it's a cultural thing thats come about over the years. Blends "are cheap and nasty" and they have screwcaps, therefore whisky with a screwcap is cheap and nasty. People are funny with relationships sometimes.


Personally, I don't care how it's closed. I understand and appreciate what's in the bottle - but considering that the vast majority of people who buy whisky don't even understand what single malt is, scotch, blends or in fact what an age statement means.....well....they're going to want a cork because it must be better whisky.


I must admit though, the sound of a good cork closure opening does add to the experience of drinking. A good sounding "plonk" gets you ready for the goodness that's to come. It's just not an essential part of the experience for me.
_________________
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[opelfruit]

[CGRenn]

[Big Mac]

Cheaper whiskies and wines have cheaper screw cap tops probably as they are unlikely to be stored long term. I have stored a few whiskies long term which have had screw caps and they tend to be more prone to some evaporation. I am sure the modern plastic screw caps are very good but I wouldn't trust them long term on a expensive malt.

Many whisky and wine drinkers see a cork as an indication of the quality of the liquid you will find in the bottle and I think they will be with us for a long time to come.

[5-12-1908]

I assume with a screw cap the whisky could be stored on its side?
Doubt it matters to the quality and i have no preferance.

[opelfruit]