!!!! I had found one that was similar but more expensive. If you've given this one a fair try, I'm gonna get it. It's one of those gadgets that you need to keep under your belt for a rainy day. Thank you!
I bought one without the screw part, only with the two prongs at the Museo dei Cavatappi (Corkscrews' Museum) in Barolo and tried to use it for the first time yesterday. I ended up nearly pushing the screw into the bottle. I removed it and reverted back to my usual Corkscrew 😅
The other day I saw a video of someone openning a 1960's wine using an ah-so and a normal waiter corkscrew, worked basically the same way, just inserting the corkscrew first, until it touches the cork and use the regular ah-so as you showed in the video, but I havent tried it myself, dont know if it is riskier than using a proper Tool.
I tried that same approach a couple of years back. It's clumsy and difficult to extract as the prongs of the ah-so lack the needed length. If you can get it to work, good going. For me, not a good option.
This is a must, even for some not so old wines but sometimes, if you have any doubts about the cork just use it! AFAIK the Durand patent will fall this year or next. Then we will be able to find plenty of "cheap" alternatives, I don't know if this is true, but I read somewhere when I was searching why it was so expensive. Btw, just a curiosity Bob, being a active MW in the field, what would you say is the average number of wines you taste per year? Did it change a lot from when you were studying to become an MW?
Interesting background story on the Durand. Thanks. As for wines tasted, it’ll be around 4000 for 2024. It includes for work projects, wine seminars, travel, UA-cam videos, etc. It’s spiked over the last couple of years. Twenty plus years ago when I just prepping for the MW exam, it was about 2000 per year. Mostly focused on classic regions. Now, I taste more broadly than ever before.
Bob. I notice you didn't mention the original Monopol Ah-So, which, of course doesn't have the central auger - not "screw" - you should discuss this in another video. ?Does the central auger really add anything??
Hi, I did mention it in the text. The center piece makes a big difference. It reduces the chance of pushing a fragile cork into the bottle and it helps extraction. I did a video on the ah-so months ago. I’ll post it below.
!!!! I had found one that was similar but more expensive. If you've given this one a fair try, I'm gonna get it. It's one of those gadgets that you need to keep under your belt for a rainy day. Thank you!
This gadget works as it should!
I’ve has a Durand for several years, but will consider this version got travel and gifts. Thx!
Good! I’m glad you found the video helpful.
I think it’s also really great as a gift. The beautiful design catches the eye.
I thought so too. And it works exactly as billed. 🍷
Great tool for troublesome corks! Thank you.
It works great!
Thanks so much Bob! I've been looking for something exactly like this.
Hi Christopher, it works as billed. 🍷
I bought one without the screw part, only with the two prongs at the Museo dei Cavatappi (Corkscrews' Museum) in Barolo and tried to use it for the first time yesterday. I ended up nearly pushing the screw into the bottle. I removed it and reverted back to my usual Corkscrew 😅
Did you get that on video? 😂This gadget works well. It’s fun to use.
I have a Durand which I find wonderful for old corks. Too bad this one wasn't available 5 years ago as the Durand certainly is pricey.
I’m not sure when the KERHAND arrived on the market. I found it by chance. Your Durand will last a lifetime.
The other day I saw a video of someone openning a 1960's wine using an ah-so and a normal waiter corkscrew, worked basically the same way, just inserting the corkscrew first, until it touches the cork and use the regular ah-so as you showed in the video, but I havent tried it myself, dont know if it is riskier than using a proper Tool.
I tried that same approach a couple of years back. It's clumsy and difficult to extract as the prongs of the ah-so lack the needed length. If you can get it to work, good going. For me, not a good option.
This is a must, even for some not so old wines but sometimes, if you have any doubts about the cork just use it!
AFAIK the Durand patent will fall this year or next. Then we will be able to find plenty of "cheap" alternatives, I don't know if this is true, but I read somewhere when I was searching why it was so expensive.
Btw, just a curiosity Bob, being a active MW in the field, what would you say is the average number of wines you taste per year? Did it change a lot from when you were studying to become an MW?
Interesting background story on the Durand. Thanks.
As for wines tasted, it’ll be around 4000 for 2024. It includes for work projects, wine seminars, travel, UA-cam videos, etc. It’s spiked over the last couple of years. Twenty plus years ago when I just prepping for the MW exam, it was about 2000 per year. Mostly focused on classic regions. Now, I taste more broadly than ever before.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thanks for the reply! always great to watch your videos and insights!
@ Thank you for the support!
nice piece!
I thought so too!
Bob.
I notice you didn't mention the original Monopol Ah-So, which, of course doesn't have the central auger - not "screw" - you should discuss this in another video. ?Does the central auger really add anything??
Hi, I did mention it in the text. The center piece makes a big difference. It reduces the chance of pushing a fragile cork into the bottle and it helps extraction. I did a video on the ah-so months ago. I’ll post it below.
ua-cam.com/video/8HTnIvgQosU/v-deo.htmlsi=3h57uJvzvzZPnyqM