4bartenders.com (for bartenders, those who want to be and other scoundrels)
If you're in the bar or restaurant business there is an essential utility tool that is a "must have" for any bartender, mixologist and server called either a "bar key" or a wine key that should be carried in every mixo/server's pocket. They are small, convenient to carry, light weight and relatively inexpensive; in fact, quite a few wineries and vineyards sometimes give them away as "promo items" with their names on them to a lot of establishments who carry and sell their wines.
They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and options. In some respects, they are the "Swiss Army Utility Knife" of the bar world and a great tool for your kitchen gadget drawer at home when needed to open up a nice bottle of wine for dinner or entertainment events.
While I will provide instructions on the proper use of the bar/wine key in future articles, here are the essential components of what a good one should comprise of:
- handle
- blade or foil cutter
- corkscrew
- lever
- bottle opener
Bar/Wine Key - My Recommendations:
Handle: easy to grip, non slip, durable and non-bulky
Blade/Foil cutter: I prefer a medium sized, fold-able serrated blade as I find it easier to use in cutting through the wine foil versus a flat blade; the serrated blade has less tendency to slip..
Corkscrew: Teflon coated or stainless steel; never plastic
Lever: I like the "double-pump" option that is available of some bar/wine keys as I find it easier to use, especially when uncorking a bottle of wine for a customer table side; less fuss and muss.
Bottle Opener: as a utility tool, this option is used for the non-screw off beer bottle tops ...a must have!
Note: this article is the personal opinion of Ed Schrader for 4bartenders.com and not meant to endorse one vendor's product versus that of another.
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