Hip Flasks and Whisk(e)y

@RianC I have a silver plated pewter one that I got years ago and a Vargo titanium one that I got recently from Massdrop. I have used them both for good malts and they have been fine. They only hold about 8oz so the stuff never stays in too long. I usually fill one up to take to any kind of gathering or party where I know one or two of my malt mates will be in attendance. If it is a decent flask I wouldn't worry about putting good single malt in it. Just don't leave it in too long.

@BlueNote I think that is key - don't leave it in there too long. I'm guessing, using it for what you describe, that you pour it out into a glass for drinking at these functions? I've got one but rarely use it. I like the idea of using it for outdoor activities but I've only used cheaper blends which were sipped straight from the flask. I never, ever take it when hunting, which is what most of my outdoor activities involve.

@BlueNote - Thanks! Yes mine is 8oz as well and I usually only put enough in for the day/weekend.

Next time I'm out on a long walk I may try some single malt as a treat.

You might find this old thread interesting...

connosr.com/do-you-own-a-flask-when-do-you…

I have accumulated flasks as bonuses from various marketers...Forty creek whisky weekend, , Canadian club at SOT.

I have never used them. I don't find bringing my own of any use. If they don't have what I like where I am, I don't need anything. I can always pour a dram at home later.

Outdoors? what I like about my whisky is the smell and the taste, and outdoors is not really a good place to experience complexity. And I never drink for the alcohol, so if I'm out I'll stick with water.

@Nozinan - Thanks!

I agree that drinking outdoors makes appreciating the full nuances of a whisky practically impossible but imagine drinking Ardbeg on a West coast Scottish beach at this time of year on a cold, drizzly and windy day . . .

Oooh, stop it!

@Hewie Yes, I never drink straight from the flask, and I never take it for outdoor activities. I agree with @Nozinan: water is the way to go for outdoor things like hiking or biking.

Glad to hear you don't mix guns and booze.

I also would avoid cheap stainless flasks. I had one once and it seemed to taint the contents.

I also have a heavy glass flask with a leather cover that was my father's. It is by far the best for any sort of extended storage and has no effect whatsoever on the whisky.

@RianC The first time I tasted bourbon, it was in single digit temperature (Celcius) at an organic camp, under the stars. Basil Hayden's, in a plastic cup. I wouldn't change that experience for the world.

Sure, I'd enjoy the Ardbeg outside in Ardbeg (if there was a nice spot in Ardbeg, Ontario, that would do), and I suppose a flask might be used to transport the appropriate liquid to that spot. But that would be an exceptional circumstance.

@Nozinan - Sounds like a nice memory!