If you have ever asked yourself why that plastic thing is covering the top of your liquor, you are not alone. Most of us wonder what on earth is that plastic is for. Is it even necessary? Often, we don’t even realize it is there until we see it clogging up the pour spout. What is it? Is it safe to drink liquor without one? Who invented these plastic caps over liquor bottles, and why does almost every bottle have one?
So, let’s discuss that plastic thing! You are bound to hear debates over whether or not these flow restrictors should be on every bottle. That scientific-sounding term “flow restrictor” just gets your mind spinning. In short, the flow restrictor is actually necessary. Liquor bottles have them to prevent the liquid from rushing out of the bottle, and they are included on many types of liquor bottles sold to both home and commercial customers.
What Is the Plastic Thing on Top of Liquor Bottles?
That plastic thing on the top of your liquor bottle is called a flow restrictor or spill guard. Alcohol bottles have these flow restrictors to, well, restrict the flow of the liquor. In the bar industry, they serve as a cost-control measure. The flow restrictor slows the pouring speed of the liquid as it comes from the bottle. It also prevents spills because unless you hold the bottle a certain way, nothing comes out. This means knocked-over bottles do not spill all over the floor. Bar owners can depend on these regulators to help them manage their inventory while ensuring that only quality products reach their customers. Watering down liquor is next to impossible unless the restrictor is removed because this plastic cover also prevents liquid from going back into the bottle.
Of course, all of these things are great for the bar industry, but why on earth would flow restrictors also be in bottles sold to the average home consumer? There are a couple of reasons for this. First, it is simply easier to manufacture all bottles the exact same way. This helps keeps production costs down. Also, the spill guards provide some childproofing. You see, if a small child accidentally gets ahold of your liquor bottle, they will be far less likely to be able to drink the liquid in the bottle. Remember that even a small amount of alcohol is incredibly toxic to small children who may not know what the liquid even is. So, if they are able to get any of it out, the idea is for it to be as little as possible so it can minimize the damage.
There is no evidence that these flow restrictors are required in most places. However, industry-wide most companies have begun including them on their bottles to be viewed as responsible vendors. If this one small thing can potentially protect a child, why wouldn’t they want to include them? The liquor companies also likely want to protect themselves from potential lawsuits.
How Do You Get Plastic Caps off Liquor Bottles?
These tops are not designed to come off. But, of course, many consumers are eager to remove them because pouring can be a hassle with them. Other people might want to remove them to refill a bottle that they didn’t have permission to get into.
So how exactly does someone take the dang thing off? The spill guard can be cut off with four relatively easy steps:
- Take the cap off the bottle. Before you remove the guard, check the cap out. Sometimes the spill guard screws into the cap directly, which means that you won’t be able to get the cap back on the bottle if you take the guard out. Be certain you want to take the flow restrictor off the bottle.
- Next, use a knife or some other slim straight edge to remove the wrapping around the neck of the bottle. Slip your knife underneath the metal or plastic and pull until the wrapper comes off.
- Look for the tabs that hold the restrictor on the bottle. Stick your knife into each tab and cut each of them.
- Now you can pull the spill guard off the bottle. However, even with the tabs cut, it still might prove difficult. If the plastic seems stuck, you carefully use plyers to remove the guard.
Why Do Liquor Bottles Have Dents at the Bottom?
These indentions are called punts, and they serve a couple of purposes. Early glassmakers added these punts to ensure that their bottles could stand up straight when put on a surface. It is kind of a carry-over from the days when all glass was handmade. If the bottles were made flat on the bottom, they could fall over if the craftsman even slightly miscalculated the process. The punt also makes the bottom of the bottle stronger since, typically, flat glass is the most fragile. Without the punt, the bottom would be the only flat surface and would become the one most likely to break. Placing the punt in modern glass reduces the chance of any weak spots.
Related Questions:
1. Are plastic liquor bottles safe?
Generally? Yes, they are safe. Specifically, though, it depends on the type of plastic the bottle is made from. To prevent chemicals from leaching into the beverage, producers use specific types of plastic that have been shown to NOT interact with the chemical make up of the alcohols in the liquor. Now all of this is only true for lower proof alcohols. Anything over 40% proof is most likely going to interact with the plastic.
2. What plastic are liquor bottles made of?
In the past, many different distilleries stopped using plastic bottles because scientists found that cancer causing chemicals were leaching into the liquor as the alcohol reacted with the plastic containers. However, there is no need to worry about this today. Modern technology has created a newer, safer type of plastic that is alcohol safe. When liquor bottles are made out of plastic, the industry standard is PET (polyethylene terephthalate). This type of plastic is difficult to break, recyclable, and weighs considerably less than glass. The plastic flow restrictor is also typically made from PET.
While you can feel safe buying that liter bottle of vodka at your local store, you remember that not all plastics are made from the same materials. So if your tempted to put your vodka in a plastic water bottle so you can sneak it into that concert, you might want to think again about your container. The thinner plastics used to make water bottles can start breaking down quite quickly. A soda bottle might last a little bit longer, but even that slightly thicker plastic isn’t chemically able to handle the alcohol in most liquors. So if you are searching for a more portable container, it is best to stick to plastic containers also made from PET or just use a flask.
3. Is it OK to put Whiskey in a plastic bottle?
While you might be less likely to find whiskey sold in a plastic bottle, bottom-shelf brands often use plastic bottles. Drinking it is perfectly safe. However, many consumers feel that whiskey is more prone to taste like, well, plastic. Some types of liquor are more likely to absorb the flavors of the container they are bottled into. This is the main reason that whiskeys and bourbons are typically aged in oak casks until they are ready to ship. The longer that your whiskey is in that plastic bottle, the more likely it is to absorb a plastic-y taste. The proof strength of the whiskey can also play a role in whether or not that plastic bottle will influence the liquid inside of it. The stronger the alcohol content, the greater the risk of the alcohol reacting with the plastic in the bottle. Since whiskey tends to have a higher alcohol content than many other types of liquor, you are far less likely to see it in a plastic bottle when you are shopping at your local store. Most experts tend to agree that whiskeys should be bottled in glass, protected from light, and stored in a cool, dry area.
Finally
Over the years, most of us have adapted to that strange little plastic thing that is now so common at the top of liquor bottles. The commercial alcohol industry has widely adopted the flow restrictors, so much so that most of us don’t think twice about them anymore. The plastics used in liquor bottles are well researched and tested for safety. Those plastic flow restrictors serve a valuable purpose for both commercial and individual users. The bar and restaurant industry can rest assured that unscrupulous employees aren’t ripping them off by refilling their expensive bottles with water. Parents can also feel a little safer bringing these bottles into their homes, knowing that if their small children do somehow get a hold of the shiny bottle, that the bottles themselves are somewhat childproof. And if you just can’t stand the thought of that annoying piece of plastic slowing down your pour? Well, they are easy enough to remove. Just don’t blame anyone but yourself if a rowdy party guest knocks over your open bottle. The wasted alcohol (the ultimate party fowl) is all on you!