AIBU about this Whisky?

[Cortana]

I can't work out if I'm being a whinge or not. I am gutted for DP as this was his big treat this year.

Bought DP a single malt for Christmas. Not the most expensive of Whisky but certainly at the top of our budget. Brand is well known and is considered to be a luxury brand IYSWIM.

DP opened it carefully (should have seen his little face light up ) and the cork snapped off in the bottle. I posted a tweet to the distillers to say what had happened, no response yet but can see from other complaints that they have just said "Sorry, but it won't affect your enjoyment of the Malt."

AIBU to think that an expensive bottle of plonk, where the smell and taste is so important that you'd spend 15 years making the stuff, should come in packaging that is up to the job?

What should I do if they come back with "Sorry, but...", press on or accept it and avoid the brand in future?

YANBU.

If you bought from a shop (off licence/supermarket etc) take the bottle back for a replacement - and maybe take dh with you so he can open it in the shop to make sure the replacement doesn't have a faulty cork.

If you bought it online direct from the distellery or other retailer, pack the bottle securely and return it by trackable means (Royal Mail recorded delivery or similar) for a refund or repacement.

I think that's a bit shit. It does affect your enjoyment as you'll be fishing bits of cork out of your dram!

Name and shame. (Fingers crossed not part of any brand I have associations with!!)

I don't even know why they use corks tbh, screwcaps are far superior.

"I don't even know why they use corks tbh, screwcaps are far superior."

Agree completely, I think it's part of the image of being luxury.

We bought it from a specialist Whisky store which we love and are usually very very helpful.

I doubt we'd get a replacement as DP is ever the soldier and has drank a bit regardless. I think he's doing the whole "It's a brilliant present, no need to take it back!" thing, I know nothing of Whisky and I think he's trying to appreciate my effort by not whinging about it in any way.

I am cross though, he works so hard and never treats himself and I feel like his one big treat has been spoilt.

Whisky is a Glenfarclas 15yo single malt. Not expensive in the grand scheme of Whisky but certainly the top of our range. I was assured that despite the price Glenfarclas was quality and luxury while affordable.

DH and my Dad are both whisky lovers and would return the bottle asap. It will affect the 'enjoyment' as he will end up checking for bits of cork everytime he pours a tot!
Sngle malts can be expensive and you're right, they should be packaged to reflect the price.
YANBU.

It's a good malt op- the price is just very reasonable, I think they could charge more for it.

I'd contact the place that you bought it from to say, 'Btw, this happened- it's not too much of a problem for us but if you notice this cropping up regularly it's worth taking up with the distillers'.

See what they come back with. They might have top notch customer service and replace it for you.

You need to deal with who you bought it from, take it back. Why would tweeting be your first thought? I don't get it.

If you can't get it replaced, having recently had a whisky cork snap (had to push the end down into the bottle, it wouldn't come out) I can recommend using a teastrainer.

"Why would tweeting be your first thought?"

I follow the distillery and they respond to many customers on their for both praise and problems. Not like I sent a pigeon or a smoke signal.

I have written a brief email to the store I bought it from. They know their stuff and I doubt they have stored it incorrectly but will see what they suggest (store is a fair hike away). I have made sure to include lots of praise for the chap who served me as he did make a great recommendation using very little information and even gave advice on storing the Whisky and what it goes well with. I don't blame the store at all and would use them again, but I do know legally my "contract" was with them not the distillery. I think the problem is with production rather the the retail side of things.

*on their Twitter feed.

I just don't think it has to be that complicated, just take it back or call then first if you don't want to risk a wasted trip.

I think its a good idea to have e-mailed the store. I suggest DH doesnt drink anymore just yet just in case they offer another. I had some frozen croissants once that were pants, e-mailed the manufacturer saying how dissappointed I was in them and that evry other product of theirs I had before had been great. not really expecting anything but they sent me a huge freezer box of products and some vouchers in response! worth a try.

Maybe not so straight forward to take back now a couple of swigs have been had.

If your DP is happy, share his happiness and don't 'make a fuss', you bought a present he appreciates and I imagine he is really chuffed that you put the effort into buying it for him.