Stuck Corks - What to Do?

[ultravista]

I have a case of Trader Joe's seasonal corked bombers, 2010 & 2011 vintages. The corks get stuck and are a real pain to get out. For most, I have to use a corkscrew to get some of it out then a screwdriver or something else to push the remainder into the bottle.

These brews are made by Unibroue.

It appears that the corks have dried and stick to the glass.

What can I do to get these out easier? I'm tired of the cork floaties.

 

[Zamial]

Store the bottles upside down for a few days with the exposed cork in Starsan. Starsan is slippery and this should rehydrate the corks. If this will help them to be removed I have no idea but this is what I would try.

 

[ultravista]

I wondered about rehydrating the cork. After posting, I found this great thread - apparently there are others just like me with corking issues.

http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/bad-beer-cork.87583/

 

[Teromous]

[ame="http://youtu.be/S0DmWeNKTp8?t=40s"][YOUTUBE]S0DmWeNKTp8?t=40s[/YOUTUBE][/ame]

 

[Setesh]

This is what I use for stuck corks. The ears will slide in on each side of the cork, then you will slowly work them around with a twisting motion until you free the cork on all sides. Then you can work it out with the puller or use a traditional corkscrew to get it out. Works great, even for synthetic corks which can be a real PITA.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HMDOBI/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[ultravista]

That cork puller looks like it will work. I'll have to check my local WalMart.

 

[stvo]

I have 2 cases of 2011 (tasty!!!) left I just use a pair of pliers with the jaws open and turn them just a 1/4 to 1/2 turn to loosen them then just use your hand to remove as usual. They were tough to get out from the get go.

 

[ultravista]

The 2010 vintage get stuck more that the 11. I'll give the pliers a shot for the next bottle.

 

[GarageDweller]

put a long screw through the middle of the cork and pull it out with a wrench. easy peasy