Imagine this: An intimate candlelit dining experience, with a bottle of fine wine to enjoy. Unfortunately, you’re facing a Herculean job. The cork. The cork. The world of corkscrews and wine openers are handy tools that can help you solve cork dilemmas.
Like snowflakes, corkscrews are available in a variety of shapes. However, they’re less cold and a lot more entertaining. You want to impress friends? Bring out your sommelier knives. The sleek design of this knife makes it the favorite tool amongst waiters working in busy bistros. Like a Swiss Army knife, but for wine. The spiral has three parts: a small hidden blade for cutting the foil; a lever that helps you remove the cork and the spiral. It’s like learning to dance. If you make a mistake, the cork could crumble.
You can also find the wing-corkscrew. It’s the corkscrew that looks ready to fly. It has two levers. Just twist the spiral into place, push the wings downward, and you’ll see the cork come out of the top like a rabbit in a magician hat. This is an oversized but effective gadget. If you like your gadgets to appear as though they’re constantly giving you high fives, then this is for thee.
The rabbit opener is not the real thing. This device is the speed genie. This device is almost foolproof with its ear levers. This cork is popped out in just a couple of classy movements. The right way to go is to think “I’m not able pop bottles with a rabbit.”
How did life used to be before these clever devices made their way into the kitchens? Imagine trying to open a wine bottle with either a knife or, hold on to your laugh – a pair of shoes. Shoe method is a popular one among brave souls. You can use your trusted shoes to place the base. Find a solid surface and give it several thwacks. Continue at your own peril! The wall might be covered in red merlot. You will find it awkward trying to explain the stains to visitors.
Modern, stylish electric openers are the best choice for people who have no patience for corky antics. Press the button on it, place it over the top of your bottle and watch as magic happens. The days of struggling with stubborn wine corks are over. They make you think you’re living in an automated future. We’ll soon have robots pouring drinks.
The pump openers also have their own version. The pump openers work by sucking in air and squeezing the cork. You can tie it to weekend plans. It’s a bit like doing a little science. As you watch, the cork will often pop with just a couple of pumps.
There’s also the Ah-So. This two-pronged tool is perfect for those that are apprehensive about breaking corks. The tool slides easily between bottle and cork instead of puncturing it. This sounds like something ninja-like, doesn’t? It’s silent, stealthy and the Bruce Lee wine opener.
We must not forget corks themselves. They have their own personalities – twist-off, conventional, or synthetic. Select your corks carefully, as you would choose friends. Corks are a traditional choice, bringing with them a sense of familiarity. Synthetics have dependable consistency. And screw caps can be like easy-going buddies, ready for quick catches up.
Open a bottle and you’ll find joy, stories, and a sense of camaraderie. The purpose is the same, whether you are armed with an advanced gadget or a traditional wingman: Enjoy yourself, pour generously and enjoy the sound of glasses being clinked. Cheers!