Preserving cork bottle tops

[nudder12]

Hi all.
Just got myself some 2nd hand Wild Turkey bottles, that I'll put my finished product into.
The bottles are sealed with a cork that has a plastic fitting on the top of it.
Person I got them from had been collecting/storing them for a while, and when I tried to remove some of the corks/tops they broke off.
They seemed like they'd dried out and become a bit brittle or something.
So I'm wondering how I'd look after these corks into the future to prevent the same thing eventually happening to all of them?
I don't do a lot of distilling so there will be periods where the bottles are empty for a while.
Any suggestions please?

[Maxxx]

Hey nudder
You could try soaking them in water to get some moisture back in.
Store them in a ziplock bag to stop them drying out - but watch for mould..
Personally I would look at replacing them with silicone corks - lots of types out there ..

[nudder12]

Thanks Maxxx
I've already done just as you suggested (a soak and a ziplock bag) as a temporary measure, pending advice from the experts here.
Hadn't thought of the mould issue - good point.
I'll go and check out silicone corks.

[Chocko6969]

I had the same problem with some, all I do is keep about 30-50ml of whatever spirit in the bottle and tip it up. Leave it that way for at least a few days if it's sealing OK, and then upright if you want, it's all about retaining the moisture. Otherwise if it's leaking, just do above and whenever you're there just give them a shake to wet the cork and over a week or so they should swell and seal. Mine are all good now, even the ones that had shrunk.

Cheers,

Chocko

[bluc]

I would soak in spirit not water in mason jar. I dont like water as max said you end up with mould and or rancid taste if not constantly renewed..

[nudder12]

Appreciate all the advice.
Thanks.

PS - Maxxx - apologies if my reply suggested I didn't think you were an expert. Re-reading what I wrote looks a bit ambiguous. What I meant was that I had already done what you said, and then posted here for more advice.

[Maxxx]

Appreciate all the advice.
Thanks.

PS - Maxxx - apologies if my reply suggested I didn't think you were an expert. Re-reading what I wrote looks a bit ambiguous. What I meant was that I had already done what you said, and then posted here for more advice.

All good mate.
Don’t consider myself expert in anything really :D