*This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn commissions.*
The two-prong cork puller — often called an Ah-So or Butler’s Friend — goes by many names, but it remains one of the simplest and most brilliant wine tools ever created.
Wine lovers may already know this clever little device, but for the uninitiated it’s designed specifically for removing fragile corks from older bottles without damaging them.
Instead of piercing the cork like a traditional corkscrew, the Ah-So gently slides two thin prongs down the sides of the cork and eases it out intact.
This makes it ideal for opening valuable older bottles such as Bordeaux, Madeira, Sauternes and other fine wines where the cork may have become delicate with age.
The Butler’s Friend is believed to have originated in Germany around 1864, later patented in the United States in 1879.
Legend has it that the tool allowed a butler to quietly remove the cork, taste the wine, decant it if necessary, and replace the cork again — leaving the bottle appearing untouched.
A wonderfully simple tool… and for many wine lovers, an essential one.
Supplies Needed
Two Prong Cork Puller and Foil Cutter - Stainless Steel for Vintage WineDows Quinta Do Bomfim Vintage 2010 Port in own Wooden Case
Trying the Butler’s Friend on a Vintage Port
Dow’s is one of the better known names in fine Port, and the 2010 Vintage sits comfortably among the standout years.
Now, I’ll admit that a magnificent bottle of vintage Port is probably not the ideal bottle to practise using a Butler’s Friend for the very first time.
But then again… who really needs an excuse to open a fine bottle?
In truth, a wine like this is exactly the sort of bottle where a two-prong cork puller comes into its own. Vintage Ports often have long, delicate corks, and a traditional corkscrew can sometimes make a bit of a mess of things.
With the Ah-So, the cork can often be eased out smoothly and intact — exactly what you want when opening something special.
And if it just so happens to be a good excuse to enjoy a beautiful bottle of vintage Port, well… I certainly wouldn’t argue with that.
Step by Step Instructions
The Ah-So Trick: Removing and Replacing the CorkOne of the clever things about the Ah-So (Butler’s Friend) is that it removes a cork without piercing it. Because the cork stays intact, it can often be put back into the bottle almost exactly as it was.
After removing the cork using the normal Ah-So method, simply place the cork back in the neck of the bottle. Position the two prongs around it again and twist gently while pushing downward.
With a little care, the cork will slide neatly back into place.
It’s a simple trick, but one that collectors and sommeliers appreciate — and it’s said to be how the tool earned its nickname, allowing a butler to taste the wine and replace the cork without leaving a trace.
This is not for the fainthearted, you need to just apply the process.
It's obviously not for you if you have wrist issues or grip problems but other than that we are good to go.
If you feel a bit unsure try it first on a bottle that you won't worry about too much.