There’s always someone in your life difficult to buy for.
Someone who has a has a hobby, an interest that means that whilst ideas for gifts are many, actual presents are harder.
Yeah, OK, so probably someone like me.
I would imagine buying for me would be a nightmare. I’ve got a lot of gin, but you don’t know what’s on my shelves, or in my cupboards. I’ve tried over 350 gins now, so picking one I haven’t had could be a challenge. Do you get me a voucher? Watch my twitter feed for clues as to gins I want? Take the easy way out and hunt up some vouchers?
Or you could go for something that helps me drink gin.
Joseph Joseph have brought out a range of barware, that’s sleek, well designed and does a little extra. For gin (or beer or cider) lovers, there are two bottle openers that offer a little extra.
The first, larger version is the Barwise Cap-Collecting Bottle Opener. Useful if you know someone who hosts parties and barbecues, there’s no hunting for a bin, or worrying about losing caps (and finding them later with your feet!). This collects them, keeps them and is easy to empty when it gets full. Of the two openers, I think this was the one that I preferred and will no doubt use at tastings and events. It’s one less thing to worry about tidying up!
The second offers a similar premise – the Barwise Magnetic Bottle Opener. This can collect upto four caps, but is much smaller than the collecting version, and the loop in the handle makes it ideal for popping on a keyring. I like the feel of this one, I like the neatness of the design, and it feels rather tactile.
Of course, I don’t just drink gin. Occasionally there’s a need for something different – like a little wine. I must admit, I have a lot of wine loving friends, and they are far more into their wines than I am. I’d find it intimidating to try and buy them a bottle, so something like a good bottle opener is a great option.
Of the two, I loved the design of the Barwise Corkscrew, but on practicalities, it failed a little for me. The corkscrew whilst easy to use (and would suit someone who struggles with opening wine) absolutely destroys the cork – meaning that any opportunity to recork the bottle and save it is lost. Maybe Barwise could come up with a bottle stopper to fix this too?
The Barwise Waiters Friend however, is much more my cup of tea – or glass of Chardonnay. It comes with an integrated foil cutter (expertly modelled by Mr GFB above) and promises to remove the cork in one clean pull!
I’m not sure we managed it in one, maybe it’ll take a little more practice. But again, it’s such a neat little design that I can forgive it.
Overall, they may be a little style over substance, but these are lovely little pieces and I know they’ll get some use in my life.
Anyone for gin?
With thanks to Joseph and Joseph for sending these items to review.