Don't Break The Bottle
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Drinking wine is one of life's greatest pleasures. Ergo, not being able to open the frickin’ bottle is one of life's greatest frustrations. So imagine how exasperating it would be if you couldn't even get at the actual bottle in the first place.
 New: Vise Edition
But how could that happen, you ask. Well, it’s quite simple. All you need is a Don't Break the Bottle puzzle. These fiendish brain bam-booze-lers (see what we've done there?) are ingenious gifts that will amuse and infuriate, depending on whether you're giving or receiving. Simply lock the bottle of your choice in the puzzle's seemingly impenetrable embrace and present it to your host/victim.
You'll need this key... |
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...for this lock! |
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Champagne Edition |
 Original
At first glance, these maddening contraptions appear easy to solve. In fact, recipients may even giggle at your thinly-veiled malevolence and applaud your twisted sense of humor. But not for long. After a few failed attempts, they'll be making faces worthy of The Hulk trying to do a Rubik’s Cube. And, as full on dipsomania sets in, they'll be begging for the solution. (Walking out at this point is a seriously good joke).
 Caddy Model
There are five different Don't Break the Bottle models to choose from: the original mind-mangling wooden version, the wooden corkscrew edition (which incorporates a corkscrew for additional irritation factor) and a chic metal caddy version that doubles as a rather eye-catching bottle cradle. Although all three involve untangling a mess of balls and blocks, don't be deceived by the metal caddy's sleek design. We know it looks all modern and minimalist, but this elegant loop of wire is just as fist-bitingly infuriating as its wooden siblings.
 Corkscrew Model
As well as being fantastic party gifts, Don't Break the Bottle puzzles are ideal for storing that special bottle of wine when thirsty visitors call. They also make great dinner party offerings, as hosts will be so flummoxed and amused they'll probably overlook the fact that the brand you've locked inside is actually Boone’s Farm. Best of all, hosts won't know whether to thank you or throttle you, making Don't Break the Bottle puzzles perfect gifts for friends and enemies alike. Cheers, buddy, bottoms up and salute!
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The solution to the puzzle is included in the instructions, so if your recipient goes insane with frustration, you can let them know how to solve it. Or not. The choice is yours...
Please note:
- Wine not included
- The photographs on the Corkscrew and Wine Caddy packaging incorrectly show the puzzle. So just follow the instructions and ignore the box image! Don't worry, it's not as hard as it looks, you can see how they're supposed to look here:
Corkscrew and Wine Caddy.
- Corkscrew Edition will only fit bottles with a maximum diameter 3.5" or 8.9cm and 11-13" or 28-33cm tall - enough space for a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.
- Wine Caddy - maximum diameter 3¼" and 13¾" tall.
- Wine not included
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 | Press reviews |
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"An incredibly annoying idea. A difficult game whcih hides a bottle of wine - to get the bottle, you must solve the puzzle." Evening Standard |
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 | Videos |
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Firebox.com Flash Video Player
Setting up the Corkscrew Edition
Demonstrating how to prepare the Corkscrew Edition of 'Don't Break the Bottle'
Mark Lewis, Isle of Wight
- 5th Mar 2007
Video URL:
http://www.firebox.com/video/697 |
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Win With Firebox! Every week we give away a FREE $50.00 Firebox Voucher to the sender of our favourite video!
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 | Your photos |
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Win With Firebox! Every week we give away a FREE $50.00 Firebox Voucher to the sender of our favourite photo!
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 | What you said... |
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Ive bought the caddy version for an Christmas prezzie - had to try it out as soon as it arrived. Took me a few goes to get it all together but once it's on it's going to be fun watching someone try and get the bottle out! Think I might have to get one of the other designs now!
Emma, Leicester - Nov '07 |
Just brought the vice for my dad's father's day present. It's 1 week later and he hasn't got in to the wine bottle yet! I plan to buy the other ones for presents for the men in my wedding party. Knowing my dad's luck he'll just get into the first one when I present him with a new one to figure out! Fantastic!!!
Julia Morgan, Consett, Co Durham - Jun '07 |
I bought the vice model for my brother-in-law as a Christmas present (I like to shop early!) and just HAD to try it out first... After following the instructions and putting it together I was unable to take it apart again! Even WITH the instructions! I had to cut the string and tie it together again. Excellent gift.
Kevin, Norwich - May '07 |
Can you only use wine bottles with this (ie. Bottles with corks??). This sounds like a excellent gift for my boyfriend but thought about a bottle of Sambuca or something!
Firebox says: It doesn't have to be wine, as long as the bottle is of the same size as a wine bottle ;o) Hayley, London - Apr '07 |
Bought 1 each for my ushers and bestman. . Oh the joys at watching them fight to get into the £30.00 bottle of port. Worth every penny, (best man is still sitting in the puzzle 6 month's later).
Mike, Staffs - Jan '07 |
My boyfriend bought this for his Dad's Christmas. After over 6 hours of hideous swearing and shouting he now has a bottle of Port safely trapped inside, and my headache is subsiding! Hope his Dad likes it. Only to be recommended for those with infinite patience, and a ready supply of painkillers!
Maisie, Perth, Scotland - Dec '07 |
I bought this thinking it would be a great puzzle for my wine loving friend. If it is as hard to undo as it is to set up then it must be good. However my friend managed to break it (the metal one) in about 2 minutes flat. I would have thought it would resist drunken frustration a bit better.
Laureen, Manchester - Dec '06 |
We bought this as a Christmas present and had a good laugh cos we tried to put it together without the instructions. We just went by the pictures on the box, totally baffled. Then one of us put it together and the other tries to get it out- so hilarious. We're giving the gift but not the instructions, we're leaving them with his Dad so it all depends on whether he's in the Christmas spirit or not.
Jan, Batley, West Yorkshire - Dec '06 |
I want to send this to my sister in Australia which one weighs the least the metal or the wood?
Firebox says: Through careful comparison, we have established that the metal one weighs marginally less Andy. However, there's only about 30g in it, so there's not much difference. Andy, Surrey - Dec '06 |
Speedy delivery or wot?! My know it all brother is going to get so frustrated with this when I give it to him for Christmas, excellent gift and thanks again for prompt delivery.
Karen, UK - Nov '06 |
| View all 31 reviews
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