Removing a Wine Bottle Cork with an AH-SO Opener
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- Опубликовано: 20 май 2023
- In this video, Bob Paulinski, Master of Wine discusses a wine accessory that’s well worth having around and might just save you a lot of hassle. I’m talking about a cork extractor that goes by several names: ah-so, butler’s friend or the two-prong puller. Whatever name you use, it’s a handy to have around.
Why is this opener so handy?
It’s ideal for older bottles of wine when the cork may not be in the best condition. I’m talking about wines that are over ten years old. Sometimes with older bottles corks can become soft or crumbly. If you’ve watched my previous videos featuring some old bottles, you’ve watched me struggle getting a cork removed from time to time. Also, its handy when a cork splits and part of it remains in the bottle.
You can pick one up at most any decent wine or kitchen gadget store. There’s also plenty of options on Amazon as well.
A word of warning, if you toss it in your suitcase while traveling by air, make sure it’s in your checked bag. I recently had one confiscated from my carry on while going through airport security. Trying to explain what it’s not a weapon to the TSA officer was an interesting conversation.
How to use it?
I’ll be opening a 1998 Sociando Mallet from the Haut Medoc. Insert long prong first between the inside lip of the bottle and edge of the cork. Insert the shorter side. Rock back and forth gently. Be careful to not push the cork into the bottle. Insert deep, twist and pull. You’ll feel the cork start to come free. At about the ¾ extraction point, it’s best to grab the prongs and pull the rest of the way.
Why not use it always and ditch your other corkscrews?
You certainly could do that. I find that a waiter’s corkscrew is an easier, quicker option with most bottles. I keep this one around for specific circumstances.
#winelife #winetasting #wineopener #agedwine #corkscrew #cork #bobpaulinski #masterofwine
Master? To me Bob is a PhD in Wine. Not only is he amazing academically, but he's got such a wealth of hands-on experience that really separates him apart from other MWs I've seen. And yet, he's so humble. Gosh, I wish he would've started his channel sooner. But hey, he is so committed to his channel that I'm sure he will succeed. And what we can do on our part is to make sure that we share his videos with our friends on social media platforms, etc. Bob's videos deserve wider audience. Simply put, he rocks. Please note, I have no affiliation with Bob. I'm just his huge fan. Cheers, everybody!
Hi Dimitri, thank you for the very kind words. I appreciate hearing it, as wine is a topic that is near and dear to me. I’m a newbie to RUclips, but I know it’s a marathon, not a sprint.The early days on this platform have far exceeded my expectations. All of the stats are pointing in the right direction and I’m confident the channel will continue to grow. Your support and the many others that routinely reach out means a lot. Cheers. 🍷
👍👍 I saved this vid to my keeper files! Thanks a lot!
Glad it worked out. 👍
Not sure if everyone else will agree, but when I've used this opener with younger bottles for practicing, I've found that it's somewhat more difficult as the cork itself is tougher. Just one more reason for me to keep it as a secret weapon reserved for the more challenging situations.
I completely agree. With young wines it’s often more difficult to use a two prong, but for older wines it’s most helpful.
I have the prong puller and used to use it exclusively, but over time I found the single stage Laguiole is what I prefer to use now. I still use the prongs on older bottles.
That makes sense. It’s similar for me as well.
Great tutorial, Bob! That shirt pattern was playing tricks with my eyes though, might’ve been just me.
Thanks Marvin. Haha! I thought the same when the edited version was completed. I’ll never wear that shirt again in future videos!
Another great educational video, thanks Bob😊
P.S. Your T-shirt looks very elegant!
Thanks Laura, the shirt! 😂
Aha! So that's where I effed up yesterday trying to open my 2007 Vouvray moelleux. Pushed the cork straight into the bottle, didn't rock back and forth. Btw wine went really great with my oven roasted chicken.
I’ve the done the same. Many years ago, I learned my lesson. Ended up cleaning red wine off the ceiling! Old Vouvray can be a treat, glad to read it worked out!.
You gots to wiggle it in.
And its really good for old sweet wine, the cork can be really stickey.. Good vid Bob 👍
Good point! Thanks for commenting.
Thankyou this was very helpful
Glad it was helpful! Cheers!
Thanks for that, I need one, I had a 95 Rioja GR last week and the cork was crumbly.
For a small investment, it comes in handy.
Super helpful, Bob! Thank you! I’ve got one, but haven’t had the courage to use it. I’ve only used it in case of damage from the screw option, which is a habit I would like to break.
Glad to hear it. Hopefully this video will give you some added courage! 🍷
@Andrew Webster After I got mine I practised on a cheaper, younger bottle. That way I minimized the risk and would have the option of using a corkscrew if I would have messed up entirely. I find it pretty easy to use after having opened 5-7 bottles with it.
Originally sold in Germany, so don't pronounce "Ah-so", but "Ahk-Zo".
Lesson learned, been pronouncing wrong for decades! 😂
Also known as a "Monopol."