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.
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
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)
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
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.
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