Question on dealing with broken cork

[numen]

Hi,

I'm new to the board -- usually a lurking reader, but a broken cork has left me running for advice and registration. I just got a rather old bottle of whisky and attempted to open the bottle, but the top of the cork broke off from the stem. I used the vintage wine cork removal kit and got the rest of the cork out without a problem. My concern/question: what do I do with the bottle now? There's a lot of whisky left in the bottle, and it's good, rare stuff. In the meantime, I've put a plastic wine-stopper on it, but is that a sufficient or appropriate resolution for the long haul, or is there something else that I should do or use?

Thanks,

[Ganga]

When I have issues with corks that break, I replace the cork. My friends and I keep a bag of various corks around to fit the different bottles. In addition, I usually keep a couple of empty bottles around that contents can be transferred.

I have no experience with the wine stoppers. I've heard good things about them for short-term but have heard nothing about using them long-term.

[numen]

Thanks for the advice. I went to a local wine & spirits shop and asked for some advice. I was advised that the bottle stopper was ok, but that glass is better than plastic. The staff member suggested that I use a glass stopper from a wine bottle for long-term storage instead. I'll give that a shot!

[Willie JJ]

I'm not sure I trust that advice. The glass might not make a perfect seal and you could suffer significant evaporation. Stick with your original device, or pop in a replacement cork from another bottle in my opinion.

[Ganga]

I'm with Willie on the glass stopper. I would think you would get a poor seal. A poor seal will lead to deterioration of the whisky.

[numen]

Thanks. Would I be better of getting a new bottle of whisky - even if the aromas and flavor profile is different -- and just reappropriating the cork?

[Willie JJ]

I don't think it matters much. Just as long as it forms a seal.

[Ganga]

I've never noticed much impact from the other corks. Just rinse the cork off.