Leaking Cantillon

I had the same exact thing happen about a month or so ago. Didn't leak a lot as the fill line wasn't noticeably low but the label looked and smelled like the whole bottle got dumped on it.
I decided to get it in the fridge and drink it that night, when I pried off the cap there was beer on top of the cork and under the cap, sipped it off and proceeded to open. Tasted great.

 

It is a pretty usual occurrence. Beer will be fine as long as the bottle isn't damaged.

 

I've also had it happen a couple of times to me. I have found that Cantillon is one of the instances where electrical/static taping down the caps really well does seem to help somewhat. I had an un-taped Lou Pepe bottle sent to me one time that reached me almost 1/4 empty from leakage and a Classic Gueuze about 1/5 empty. Was a bummer, but the risk is there with these bottles.

 

Well, I was on the receiving end, and the opposing traders didn't really say anything other than "that sucks" when I told them, but I didn't feel the need to push the issue given I knew ahead that Cantillons leak sometimes. I would recommend you try to make it square with your trader on your end though if it was significant leakage. I don't consider those I traded with bad traders by any means, but I personally wouldn't trade with them again. If it was just a little on the bottle, like others have said, it isn't any major issue to the beer inside, but I always like to try and keep my trading partners happy when we get a deal going.

 

how much leaked? a few ounces? Price of trading cantillon. Half the bottle? price of trading cantillon, although you might want to send a commiseration box to him.

 

I absolutely understand, I wouldn't necessarily suggest a replacement Cantillon either though. Locals, anything really maybe. Also, as an aside, did you tape the cap?

 

I came to say I traded with someone that made sure I taped up the 'Loons because of previous issues. I tape up all bottles I send anyway. Even if it won't save it, just gives a little more peace of mind.

 

It's definitely common. Any beer in a state of heat/transit is at risk. And Cantillon is a particularly common victim.

Ultimately I think it depends on how much leaked and how aware the recipient was of the potential issue. The beer will be fine. But even if a lot is gone, the thing is - what would do to "make it right"? Sending another one could leak again just as easily, and then you're out another beer for something that genuinely isn't your fault.

IMO it's like receiving a growler - there's a risk involved and it's nobody's fault. Just do whatever the two of you are most comfortable with.

 

Dan, this definitely wasn't you, you did a stand-up job packing that box!

 

I'd just talk it out with the trader then, see how much leaked, ask whether the cap was taped, etc. Not sure exactly what I'd do, but I'd probably offer up a sixer or 750ml of a good local seasonal, or a 750ml swingtop of something local (though, that has its own risks of course!). Just communicate, I've found the traders I work with 99% of the time are great and sometimes just having a conversation about the issue is enough to have both parties leave happy. Cheers and good luck!

 

taping the cap won't do it.... had it leak with cap taped well before. If it wants to leak, it will, and cantillons just want to leak.

I'd throw him a tiny box of a few nice locals, as a peace offering, if I felt I owed it to him. If a few oz's leaked, I'm not convinced you need to do anything, but if it'll make you feel better, go for it.

 

Thanks! That's what I meant, you told be you had one leak before. That reminds me I have a few brews for you, maybe get a box out soon.

 

I have 0 idea why people think that taping the cap helps prevent leaks. Since when has electrical tap made a water-tight seal on a flat surface, let alone a curved cap/neck?

As for the original question, add me to the list of people that have received leaky Cantillon bottles. I lost an imperceptible amount of liquid, so didn't ask the sender to do anything special. OP, how much actually leaked? I haven't seen you answer that.

 

Yep - electrical tape doesn't do anything. It's not a water-tight seal at all, and it's certainly not a reason to determine whether or not a make-up is justified.