I have never been responsible for opening anything larger than a magnum, but this weekend I am partly responsible for pulling the corks from two imperials. I have removed the wax, examined the corks and determined that neither a regular corkscrew or an ah-so corkscrew will be sufficient to pull these corks, given their width. I have heard of people using two regular corkscrews simultaneously on opposite sides of the neck of the bottle. I am hoping some folks here that have actually opened large format bottles in the past could give me some tips. We have fashioned a cradle for pouring the bottles into several decanters, and actual glasses will be served directly from the decanters, so I am really just looking for pointers on extracting the corks. Thanks in advance.
Pulled a cork from a 5L a couple of weeks ago using a corkscrew and big tug.
This works wonders and is good for multiple uses.
I’ve suggested before a large corkscrew:
I figured that Amazon would likely sell sharks with laser beams attached to their heads or at least a Sith Army Knife, since Amazon sells pretty much everything else. Alas, they are currently out of stock. The customer service rep said it would be another 6-8 weeks and, unfortunately, these are being opened this weekend.
I have opened many 6L bottles over the years (the last one being about 30 days ago) and had no problem using a normal corkscrew. All of the bottles were from 1982 or later. Corks were wide but I had no problem with getting enough leverage on the edge of the bottle with the corkscrew to get them out without an issue. I too had heard and was prepared to use the dual method but it was not necessary. Sounds like you are good to go with the wax capsule all cleared away and your decanters ready to go. Enjoy!
I use two long worm screwpulls. Not the mechanical acrewpull but the one with a worm that you twist the top. I pull the worm out and put two worms in the cork. Then i jut pull out the cork. Worked on 3L to 9L bottles. Used a hose to siphon out of the 9L bottle.
Regular corkscrew for the 3 and 6 liters I have opened. Have found these have come out easier than some 750s.
Real Berserkers would use a chain saw…
Funniest post Keith has ever had.
+1 siphon rather than pour
I use a single cork screw, dig the worm in, and yank. I usually have someone hold the bottle in place though.
You don’t need to remove the wax either, just dig the corkscrew in.
was just as a party with an imperial and double mag - and it was opened with a regular cork screw.
Love a big bottle of wine! By the way, what are you opening?
For my 30th, a waiter corkscrew worked on the 6L I was opening. And congratulations!
An Ah So works very well. I have used it for 6l bottles with success.
Good tip - thanks Loren.
Jero on deck for next weekend…