Is it possible to cork 500ml "champagne/Belgian" beer bottles?

[Drewch]

I have a decent collection of 500ml "champagne/Belgian" beer bottles. (You know, the ones like these: Bottles - 500 ml (16.9 oz) Amber Champagne/Belgian Style - Case of 12 | MoreBeer ).

They normally fit 26mm crown caps, but I love the look and aesthetic impression of cork-and-cage. Is it possible to cork these bottles? If so, what size corks? Would i need a particular kind of corker? Etc?

 

[DBhomebrew]

I use those bottles too, like them a lot. Haven't used them with corks myself, but there's a staff-answered question on that page. Staffer says yes, and recommends their Belgian/Champagne corks. I believe these are them...

https://www.morebeer.com/products/belgian-corks-25-count.html

 

[Drewch]

I use those bottles too, like them a lot. Haven't used them with corks myself, but there's a staff-answered question on that page. Staffer says yes, and recommends their Belgian/Champagne corks. I believe these are them...

https://www.morebeer.com/products/belgian-corks-25-count.html

Ah. Thanks, I missed that. One of the other answers suggests using a slightly smaller diameter. But I've got somewhere to start.

 

[Drewch]

But I've got somewhere to start.

On that note, I'm still interested if anyone has tried corking these and has any lessons-learned or tips to pass along.

 

[Golddiggie]

I have corked Belgian style bottles with the red floor corker before. The corks are a very snug fit into the corker, but it can do it if you take your time. It's easier, though, with a champagne corker (which I have now). Since the champagne corker is designed to also work with the larger diameter corks.

 

[T Murph]

I use the same red Italian floor corker @Golddiggie mentioned. I've never had an issue with it. I do however soak my corks in a starsan solution to sanitize them and I apply them wet straight out of the solution.

 

[Drewch]

I use the same red Italian floor corker @Golddiggie mentioned. I've never had an issue with it. I do however soak my corks in a starsan solution to sanitize them and I apply them wet straight out of the solution.

Which size corks did you use?

 

[Golddiggie]

Like @Murph4231 mentioned, I always put my corks in wet. Drop a bunch into a container of Starsan in prep of using them. Usually I have a good idea of how much volume is being packaged. Still, I'll drop a few in a time as I'm getting close to the expected end. I've had times where I'm a bottle (or two) either short of long of the expected amount.

@Drewch I've always used the corks made for the bottles. They do protrude out of the bottle, which is the most impactful part. Since the red floor corker is more designed to set the corks flush. You can do it, since I have, but you can't just rip through them.