Post #214487 by Tonnikan Jinn on Mon, Feb 13, 2006 9:32 PM

I actually do this regularly with varying degrees of alteration in the product.
What the hell does that mean, do you ask?

Well... I have my regular bar in the livingroom, then I have my 'back' bar in the garage. Trying to be cost effective as much as possible, I buy 1.75L bottles of as much booze as I can. However this does cause a problem as they don't fit in my bar. I keep "regular" sized bottles (up to 1L) in my bar and keep them topped off with the larger bottles I keep in the garage.

I try to keep vintage bottles like Bacardi and Myers, as well as cooler looking bottles for my 'well' tequila etc.. inside my bar because they just look better.

I also have a few vodka bottles in my freezer (here is ther the varying degree of alteration takes place) that have pleased even my most discerning guest. Basically I buy some cheap vodka, run it through a Britta water filter a dozen times, pour it in to the Stoli, Absolut and Skyy bottles that live in the freezer and everyone is happy. SO far no one has been able to tell the difference. Now don't get me wrong, I do keep at least a real bottle of Grey Goose in there for special occasions.

I also reuse/refill Trader Vic's bottles when I make more simple syrup and other mixers.

SO... I don't see anything wrong with it! It can make a good show, and if people don't taste the difference then there isn't a problem. Although I do believe in honesty... if someone askes for something specific or asks me about the bottle, I will tell them the truth. Every response I've gotten with the truth has been extremely positive.

-T.J.

P.S. Does anyone have any vintage booze bottles laying around? I'm interested if you do.