Bottle Variation: Range, Not a Flaw

The standard

A tested closure cohort compares several bottles of the same run under identical storage conditions before a deviation is attributed to the closure.

Criteria

• The comparison includes several bottles of the same run, not a single one
• The storage conditions of the compared bottles are known and comparable
• The closure type used is documented
• A deviation is attributed to the closure only after transport faults are excluded

Distinction

Bottle variation ≠ cork taint: cork taint is a clearly identifiable defect, bottle variation the normal range within sound bottles. Bottle variation ≠ bottle ageing: bottle ageing is the expected development, bottle variation the deviation between individual instances of that development. Without a tested closure cohort, a deviating bottle remains a single observation.