Crying Over Spilled Scotch

Our next post is from a good friend and prospective member to the Westside Whisky Society, Richard Culver.  An avid whisky drinker and a new addition to our entourage.  During our last meeting, he proposed a post on bottle carriers, which I asked him to forward and I'd gladly post.  I feel that we don't come across this type of information often enough, so I'm pleased to offer a post that might help anyone prevent the loss of a bottle.

  There is an old joke about a Scot walking along carrying a fine bottle of whisky when he tripped and fell. As he was getting up he felt liquid seeping into his trousers… He looked up at the Sky and said, “Oh Lord, Please! I beg you let it be blood!”

  In the movie The Angels Share there is a similar scene where (spoiler alert) an irreplaceable bottle of old scotch gets broken. A gut retching event that can bring a grown man to tears. Good movie. Go see it. 

The fact of the matter is: Bottles can break.

   During my travels I have been fortunate to pick up some fine whiskies from great retailers like The Good Spirits Co. in Glasgow and Loch Fyne Whiskies in Inveraray. These retailers know the importance of protective packaging and will gladly ensure your precious cargo is lovingly and tenderly wrapped. What happens when you find a rare and forgotten bottle in the Scottish souvenir shop in Oban, but they don’t have any bubble wrap.  Then they tried to sell you a pair of tartan Scottish hose (long socks) to put your bottle in; surely your own socks would suffice. Wouldn’t they? Maybe. Maybe not. Do you want to trust a pair of crusty worn socks? Not a problem you say. You always do your laundry while on holidays. Well I didn’t. And I had never had a bottle break before in spite of wrapping it in my clothes. Why would this time be different?

  I had an opportunity to raise the issue of bottle breakage with the WestSide Whisky Society at one of their tastings. It was a remarkable night ranging from quietly contemplative while coaxing aromas out of a glass, to moments of boisterous laughter.  Impressive camaraderie! At times I was awed by the depth of knowledge that sprung forth. Anyway, only one of the members had a bottle break in his luggage case, a backpack as it were. So it does happen. Has it ever happened to you?

  Some bottles do come in protective containers. I took a look around and purchased some items that are made for protecting bottles. I hope the review that follows here may save you some time and expense when deciding what to buy.  Considering the minimal expense per bottle I felt it was worth it. Consider it bottle insurance.


First up:  The WineSkin

Available at CAA/AAA stores, costing $9.99 for three, members get a 10% discount. The simplest of the containers. Sealed bubble rap in the  shape of a bottle. Has a piece of sealing tape that you can only use once to prevent leakage in case of breakage. Folds relatively flat for packing on the trip over, but you may use it to transport a bottle to your friends in Scotland or elsewhere. This packaging is exactly the right size for Forty Creek special releases. John Hall may have them at the store.

Next: The Tracker (carrier in grey)
Available at luggage stores like ACCESS, costing $12.99 for two.  Essentially the same as above with a thin rubber skin melded on the outside for additional protection and a sturdy reusable zip lock seal. The bubble pack inside this one is sealed to the outer shell unlike the WineSkin. This also folds flat when empty. The reusable seal and better quality may make it worthwhile investment.


Next: Sturdy Inflated Package (Package on the left of the pic)
I’m not sure where Mark at The Good Spirits Co. came up with this, but I’m glad he did.  Even the big Balblair and Bunnahabain bottles fit in this. Some precious drams have travelled in my suitcase in both directions with this packing. The downside is it does take up some room in your luggage when empty. I considered that a small price to pay to know that what I had in my luggage was going to be safe.

Next up: The Rabbit (Package on the right of the pic)

I found this at the restaurant supply store. A neoprene sack with a cost of $11.00 for the single, and $16.00 for the double bottle model. Works great for the slim bottles but won’t fit a Bunna or big Balblair bottle. It can provide additional wrap protection though.


Last up: The Vinnibag

Can be found online at Vinnibag.com.  I paid $29.99 at Urban Traveller for one.  It has an internal bag inside an inflatable bag.  Be careful to not over inflate the bag; allow a little room for squeezing. There's a nice video on their website of someone jumping on a suitcase and it being dropped off a bridge. I’m sure the baggage handlers at the airport take much better care of your luggage than that. Don’t they? Yeah. Sure they do.




  The bottom line is this: If you don’t pick up some extra protection, you're running the risk of losing that investment.  Some ideas to keep in mind are to make sure that your bottles are in the centre of your luggage, surrounded by clothes/padding.  Make sure that any metal, sharp or hard objects are not able to come into contact with any bottle surface, and cross your fingers and toes.

  Perhaps you found something better then what I’ve listed above. If so I want to hear about it. Or if anyone has a WineCruzer http://www.winecruzer.com/ they no longer want let me know. If you’re in Canada and want to see The Angels Share then contact e-One  and ask them to release it.