I've been using synthetic corks so far.
Quite consistently, I can't get the corkscrew all the way into them, as they start sliding in the mouth of the bottle when I have it partway in. I can't even get it far enough in to use the levers on the corkscrew.
I can't help but think that this means my seal is less than adequate . . .
hawk
What size corks are you using?
You have a BIG issue. Are you soaking or using any type of lubricant on the corks?
Are you laying them down and do they leak if so? That will tell you if the seal is inadequate.
Sounds odd. What brand are they? Guardian are a little undersized on purpose, they are stiff. Are you putting a #9 cork in a screwcap bottle? Screw thread ID and cork ID are not the same...
We may need more info to answer. Regards, Joe
You might also look into getting another corkscrew - if by "levers" you means the type with "wings that go up as the screw gets deeper, those are pretty bad on any cork. Get a waiter's friend.
Pp
I lay them down, but they don't seem to leak. But the cork sure comes out easy.
I'm not sure what the brand is. These are "standard" sized plastic (?) corks, with the grape bunch on the side.
I haven't used any screwcaps, and I've been soaking them in iodine solution and then rinsing before using.
I stumbled across a waiter's friend the day after I bought the replacement lever corkscrew.
The bright side is that these things are easier than usual to use with the corkscrew on my Red Army Knife.
hawk
There are several "standard" sizes. Which one are you using?
The kind that fit the overwhelming majority of corked wine in the U.S. :)
hawk
OK, I guess I have to ask very precisely, to get the answer I'm looking for. Are you using #8 or #9 corks? How long are they?
In general I agree -- plastic is not a good option. However, practically speaking, 3 months is hardly aging and you might get away with it.
Ray
They seem to be the Guardian polymer corks shown at
Many (most?) of the bottles I used were my father's two buck chuck, with a bunch of my own Barefoot bottles.
The most recent batch went into bottles from the local winery.
My wife wanted a bottle last night, and asked me to pour a glass before my meeting. My new Ecko corkscrew broke trying to pull it out, and I had to use some imitation Vise-Grip pliers to get it out.
When I returned home, the bottle was empty. Lacking an opener, I tried the one on my cheap pocketknife, which promptly broke off.
I then went to my neighbor's house, and broke his two-lever corkescrew, and use his imitation vise grips to get it out.
That's only two bottles, but suddenly my problem seems to be inverted!
hawk, who will now buy a waiter's friend
Perhaps it would be better if you knew for sure what you were using.
Use a natural cork, or agglomerated cork, #9 x 1.75" long, of good quality, and you won't have any problems.
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