I think the old adage “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” applies here. Or in this case, “...don’t judge a whiskey by it’s topper”.
Most whiskey’s have a cork topper that sits in the bottle, and the cork is usually topped with either wood or in some cases plastic. Sometimes you will find that the entire topper is cork (Chattanooga Whiskey is like this, very cool). But, there are several whiskey’s that have a screw top (no cork).
So which is better? Does a screw top indicate that the whiskey isn’t good? Well, not really. I think there are a couple of factors that play into it, However, the biggest factor that plays into it are your taste buds. Again don't judge a whiskey by it's topper.
It could be a matter of economics for the distiller. Cork tops are more expensive. It becomes another manufacturing process since it is often a two part piece. And, if the distiller is trying to keep the cost of the whiskey down, it’s cheaper to use a screw top. However, once again don't let looks fool you. Kings County Distillers looks like an old fashioned metal screw top, but it's really a cork...crafty.
It could be a brand marketing tactic. It helps to build the brand, and looks great on the bottle. Some toppers really help set off the top of the bottle and they are easy to spot in a bar setting (Blanton's is the obvious bottle, but there are others like Old Elk, Hillrock Estates, and Pinhook). Nothing wrong with that.
And, there’s something to be said about the sound a cork makes when you take it off of the bottle. It’s a satisfying sound. That high pitched hollow sound of the cork coming out of the bottle. It’s great! It’s part of the experience of drinking whiskey. I love it. You just don’t get that same satisfaction with a screw top. However, a cork topper does not guarantee that the whiskey is good or even great.
Just because a whiskey has a screw top doesn’t mean it’s not good. I have several bottles with a screw top that are great. Matter of fact one of the bottles I always keep in my readily accessible bar and is a regular pour for me is Evan Williams White Label, Bottled In Bond. It has a screw top. And it’s great. Yep, it’s not a craft whiskey, however it’s extremely affordable, readily available at just about any store and it’s very tasty.
There are several brands that don’t use a cork as a topper. Maker’s Mark, Jack Daniels, just to name a few, and those are huge brands. And, very very good whiskey.
Yes, the cork topper is great, and gives the whiskey part of that romanticism of days gone by. It makes a great sound when it comes out of the bottle. But, it’s not a guarantee of the quality of the whiskey. You still need to taste it and see what your taste buds tell you. Matter of fact, I have a Japanese whiskey that has a screw top and it’s fantastic. I have one last pour left and I’m saving it for a special occasion, or for a friend who has never had the chance to try a Japanese whiskey....or for a great Wednesday...or.....well, you get the picture.
So don’t judge a whiskey by it’s topper. It’s just not fair. Besides, the screw tops do come in handy if you are making home-made donuts or what I know as camp-fire donuts and the donut holes. Bonus!!!
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