Of course, the best booze openers fit beautifully in your hand, open and close without sticking, and slip nicely into a picnic basket or pocket or kitchen drawer. It's also important to me that I love looking at them. After all, sharing a glass of shiraz (or Three-Buck Chuck) or cracking open a few microbrews (or PBRs) is an occasion, and I think the opener is a critical piece in appreciating the moment.
My first really good wine key wasn't my first corkscrew (that was a three-dollar deal I surely picked up at the liquor store), but it is the one I kept and most often use. It isn't too fancy -- just polished stainless steel shaped into an ergonomically ideal curve -- but it reminds me that if I can survive serving tables gracefully, I can get through just about any job. Each time I turn it, I feel like I'm toasting to the places I've come to since those table-side days.
That said, I do love to collect corkscrews and bottle openers that make drinking a smoother, more special experience, whether I'm pouring something cheap or splurging. Here are five openers I'm raising my glass to these days.
The price is steep, but how cool is it that you can grip a piece of re-purposed baseball bat when you're opening a brew? Made out of maple and complete with the nicks and scratches that show it was really used in a big-league game, this opener will make your favorite fan yell out, "Beer here!" very happily.
An architect designed this corkscrew that will only talk back in the gentle glug-glug of your Pinot Gris. OK, that's dramatic, but so are the pretty hand-painted feathers on the parrot.
There's nothing novelty about this opener, and yet it still is sleek, simple, and looks more expensive than it really is. Plus, it has a rubberized strip on the handle so you won't commit the ultimate party foul of dropping the beer before you even take a sip.
If you need a little more bling than grip, this Marquis Bottle Opener for a few dollars more will probably fit your bill.
Apparently, there are high-end gifts out there for the cowboy wine enthusiast who has everything. The body of this corkscrew is made out of a stag horn that was naturally shed and now is in service to your dusty limited-run bottle. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think the one-of-a-kind horn makes for a beautiful booze gadget.
Because I enjoy opening a bottle of wine, I am not a fan of the openers that use technology, vacuums, and secret potions to somehow scientifically get the foil off and the cork out in one fell swoop (many of you know these as the "Rabbit" that has never made it out of the box). Not only do they seem to confuse everyone I know who has one, they feel like cheating to me. Cheating the expensive way. But, damn, this is sexy. Look at that chrome lever! And the chichi leather box! You've got to admit, it's hot.
