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Corking

279 bytes added, 21:00, 18 December 2017
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====Cork Depth====
Inserting the cork too far into the bottle can result in a cork that is difficult to remove. It might be necessary to manually [[Corking#Mushrooming|"mushroom"]] the fork in order for the cage to fit. The below cork was inserted about 3-4mm too deep <ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1920123874682484/?comment_id=1923456904349181&reply_comment_id=1923497444345127&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R9%22%7D Mitch Ermatinger. Milk The Funk Facebook group thread on cork depth. 12/18/2017.]</ref>:
[[File:Cork1.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Cork inserted about 3-4mm too deep. Photo provided by [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1920123874682484/?comment_id=1923456904349181&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Ryan Beal].]]
====Mushrooming====
"Mushrooming" is the actual or perceived compression of the top part of the cork that protrudes out of the bottle, and is often preferred for the aesthetic appearance. The practical benefits of mushrooming are debatable, as is the cause of mushrooming when no effort is made by the brewer to manually compress the top portion of the cork. Some people believe that this compression happens naturally after packaging over time and is due to high carbonation in the bottle pushing the cork out of the bottle, which is held in by the cage. However, in many cases this might be just an illusion of appearance and the cork may not actually be compressed at all, but just appears to be compressed by the cage due to the much thinner "leg" of the cork which is compressed by the lip of the bottle (see [http://www.notcot.com/images/2009/09/gatinoismain.jpg this image] for an example). Some people claim that manual mushrooming makes removing the cork easier and allows for more "pop" noise, while others say that mushrooming does not serve any functional purpose and is not necessary. Some have noted that in order to insert some corks to a proper depth (see [[Corking#Cork_Depth|Cork Depth]]), manual mushrooming must be done so that the cage will fit. See [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1920123874682484/ this MTF thread] for more opinions from various brewers.
Actual mushrooming of the cork can be accomplished manually by hand, though be aware that flaws in the bottle may cause the neck to break, which would be a very dangerous situation if you are applying the downward force by hand. It can more easily and safely be applied with a bench capper. Put the cage on the cork and compress both with a bench capper. Hold the bench capper arm in place with your shoulder/armpit, leaving both hands free to orient and twist the cage. Special cage twisting tools are available, though pens such as sharpies or some interchangeable screwdrivers are about the right size. You could also use twist lock pliers if you have them around.

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