Traveling With Your Whiskey: Expert Tips and Essential Gear
Due to duty-free shops often failing to satisfy the discerning palate of whisky enthusiasts, traveling with your own carefully chosen bottles, has become a thing. Imagine no longer settling for the limited selection at the airport but instead indulging in the pleasure of savoring two bottles you truly love. This is the way of the modern whisky traveler.
The dilemma begins at the departure gate. Duty-free stores may offer a range of options, but rarely do they cater to the individual preferences and tastes of discerning drinkers. So, what’s the solution? It’s simple—travel with your whiskey.
From sealing techniques that preserve the integrity of your spirits to the essential gear that ensures safe and convenient transport, we’ve got your trip covered in this guide.
The Wax Immersion Technique
This technique not only preserves the contents but also adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation. The process involves immersing closures in wax, creating a seal that not only looks impressive but also ensures the whisky remains untouched by the outside world.
It’s essential to start with the right sealing wax. Websites like blendedwaxes offer a wide range of options. The wax is not only colorful and sturdy but also reasonably priced, with prices starting at less than $13 per pound. It’s a cost-effective way to elevate the presentation of your favorite bottles.
The wax immersion process is surprisingly straightforward. By heating the wax and gently dipping your bottle closures, you can achieve a professional-level seal. In just about 10 minutes, the wax sets, creating an airtight barrier that ensures your whisky stays in pristine condition. For added convenience, consider attaching a pull tab to the wax before sealing—it’s a small detail that makes opening a wax-sealed bottle effortless. One of the remarkable benefits of wax sealing is its ease of maintenance. If you ever need to access the contents of your bottle, rewaxing is a simple process. A quick application of a flame from a lighter will suffice to reseal the bottle completely. This ensures that you can enjoy your whisky on your travels and then seal it back up before returning home.
Adding an Extra Layer of Protection
For those who prefer screw-top bottles, there’s an additional step you can take to ensure a secure seal. Utilizing Teflon sealing tape, you can enhance the tightness of the cap, minimizing the risk of leaks. Simply apply the tape to the bottle’s neck and the base of the top for added security. This small yet effective measure can make all the difference during your whisky-filled adventures.
The Inflatable Solution
If you plan to transport entire bottles, whether they are open or sealed, consider investing in convenient inflatable bags designed specifically for protecting spirits. These blow-up bags are a reliable option to ensure your whisky arrives intact, even in the event of rough handling.
For just $14, wine shipping boxes offer the ultimate buffer package, which includes 20 inflatable bags and a hand pump. These bags provide an extra layer of protection, and they are especially useful if you have concerns about potential spills during your journey. To double up on safety, consider placing the inflatable container inside a zipped heavy-duty plastic bag, providing an additional safeguard for your luggage.
Vin Garde-Valise Travel Bag
Traveling with an entire collection of whisky bottles requires a solution that matches your dedication. That’s where the VinGarde-Valise travel bag comes into play. This innovative suitcase mimics the appearance of regular luggage but is designed to safeguard your precious whisky bottles.
The VinGarde-Valise is not your average suitcase. It incorporates dense polystyrene compartments that can securely hold up to twelve 750 ml bottles. Imagine having the freedom to transport your favorite whiskies without the worry of breakage or leakage. While this travel bag is a luxurious choice, priced at $380, it provides the utmost protection and convenience for serious whisky enthusiasts.
Boston Round Bottles
Not every whisky travel demands a full-size bottle. For those occasions when you want to carry smaller quantities of your favorite spirits, Boston round bottles are the perfect solution. These containers are not only budget-friendly but also incredibly convenient for travelers. For just $11 on Amazon, you can acquire a case of 12 glass Boston round bottles. Each bottle can hold 2.03 fluid ounces and comes with an insert for a plastic conical lid that acts as a secure, leak-proof seal. Many of these bottles even come with small funnels and labels, making them a practical choice for whisky enthusiasts on the go.
ATS Tactical’s Sample Pouch
For those who prefer a more organized approach to carrying Boston round bottles, consider ATS Tactical’s sample pouch. Priced at $55, this dopp kit-sized purse is designed with elastic loops to hold each bottle. It’s a well-thought-out solution for those who value convenience and organization while traveling with whisky.
Aged & Ore
A true whisky lover understands the importance of presentation and convenience. This understanding led to the creation of Aged & Ore, a Chicago-based brand founded by Roberto Meza and Kegan McDaniel. A decade ago, these two bonded over their shared passion for bourbon. Little did they know that their passion would lead to innovative solutions for whisky travelers.
Aged & Ore prides itself on functional design that meets the needs of whisky enthusiasts. Their travel decanter and tumblers have been carefully crafted to make traveling with whisky not only convenient but also stylish. A standout product from Aged & Ore is their stainless steel travel decanter, capable of holding 500 milliliters of liquid. This elegant decanter is a sleek and practical solution for carrying your favorite whisky on your journeys. The accompanying tumblers ensure you can enjoy your whisky in style, no matter where you are.
What sets Aged & Ore apart are the thoughtful features incorporated into their products. The travel decanter comes with wide-mouthed 3-ounce bottles, eliminating the need for a funnel. This design choice makes pouring and refilling a breeze, even when you’re on the move. Additionally, the glass marker provided with the decanter allows you to label your bottles conveniently. The inclusion of a labeling window and measurement indicators adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
A bottle fits snugly into its Neat glass container, serving the dual purpose of protecting your whisky and enhancing its presentation. The sleek and stylish silicone sleeve completes the design, ensuring your whisky is both safe and visually appealing.
No longer confined to the limited airport selections, travelers now have the freedom to enjoy their carefully chosen bottles on their travels. From sealing techniques that preserve the whisky’s integrity to essential gear that ensures safe transportation, the world of whisky travel is evolving.
