The Screw Cap Vs The Cork

Unfortunately, although not surprisingly, economics play a part here. Cork has become expensive in recent years and modern bottling methods sometimes struggle to incorporate cork into their process. Screw tops or artificial cork is more cost effective and productive. As such cork is increasingly seen as a 'premium' product and as far as whisky is concerned will still find a home but probably at the high end of the market or for bottles with limited production. I expect even distilleries like Glenmorangie to move away from cork completely as they continue to embrace the volume production route.

I hate screw caps...I was so sad when I picked up one of my favorite bottles of wine and discovered they switched from corks to caps >: (

I was at Buffalo Trace when they were bottling Blanton's and inserting fancy corks by hand. Asked the guide why some of their products were screw cap and some cork. He said it was a matter of marketing--cork generally makes a better impression on people who are about to part with a chunk of change. Also, read about a fellow who collects antique bottles of bourbon. Seems he bought some really old, fancy bottles. When he went to taste the bourbon, it had evaporated. Cork makes a good seal for wine bottles that are stored on their sides so the cork doesn't dry out. I have never had a bottle of spirits get so old that the cork would dry.