Grahams Buttlers Thief

Long before anyone poured a glass, the cork stayed untouched. A cellar master or the house butler could still taste what was hiding inside the cask or bottle, with a tool that still carries their name.

Expert's Description

Graham's Butler's Thief is a wine-tasting accessory, a long, thin tube used to draw samples directly from a cask or bottle without permanently removing the cork.

The tool is lowered through the bung hole or past the cork, after which the top opening is covered with a finger to hold the liquid inside the tube by suction. Lifting the tube and releasing the finger lets the sample run back out, a method cellar masters and sommeliers have used for centuries to judge how a wine is developing without disturbing the rest of the bottle or cask.

The name dates back to a time when the house butler was responsible for the wine cellar and therefore had access to bottles and casks the household otherwise didn't watch closely. A tool like this made it possible to discreetly taste, or 'steal' a sip, without leaving any visible trace on the cork, hence the name 'thief'.

Specifications

Name: Graham's Butler's Thief
Manufacturer: Graham's
Type: Wine thief for sampling
Use: Drawing samples from a cask or bottle without permanently removing the cork

Did You Know?

The word 'thief' in the tool's name is no accident: it dates back to a time when a cellar master or butler could discreetly taste, or rather 'steal', a sip straight from the household's casks and bottles, without it ever being noticed.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Graham's Butler's Thief

What is a Graham's Butler's Thief?

It's a classic wine accessory, a thin tube used to draw a tasting sample directly from a bottle or cask, without the cork needing to be permanently removed.

How do I use the tool?

Lower the tube into the liquid, cover the top opening with a finger to hold the sample in place by suction, and lift it out gently. Release your finger to let the liquid run into a glass.

Do I need to remove the cork to use it?

No, that's the whole point of the tool: it can be guided past a partly removed cork or down through a bung hole, without the bottle or cask needing to be permanently opened.

Can it be used for drinks other than Port?

Yes, the tool can be used to sample most types of wine and other liquids from cask or bottle, wherever you want a small sample without disturbing the rest.

Is the tool easy to clean?

Yes, simply rinse it through with warm water after use, and it's recommended to let it dry fully before the next use.