If you hadn't given the bottle to the fairy yet, I would have suggested introducing another soothing mechanism to use simultaneously with the bottle, so he can become attached to that before giving up the bottle. For example, start playing a tape you made of yourself reading his favorite bedtime stories or soothing songs, and have him listen to that while he has his bottle. However, it's not too late to do that. You can play the music (or whatever you choose) during night time routine, and have it continue playing after you leave so he can have that carry over into sleeping time. That kind of consitency and familiarity is comforting even at my age, so I'm sure it's paramount for a little child.
We have recently moved my 22 month old to her own room and own bed after weaning from nursing, and I have tried many things. What I realized is that bedtime is an iterative process. Things that work come and go, and you constantly have to be in touch with your child's needs and abilities at his/her age to respond appropriately. Understanding the difference between the short-lived, frustrated cry of a child learning a new skill and the urgent cry of a scared child in need is very important, IMHO.
I'm also wondering if a sippy cup would be a good alternative. My DD never got attached to a bottle, but she does use sippies for soy milk and other fluids. They still have a somewhat comforting suckling, but it seems like it would be a good step down. Just an idea, since I don't have experience in the bottle department.