For the Love of Flasks

Whether you’re for or against the signs of the impending winter season, the warmth you get from the swig of a flask is heavenly when you’ve been outside in the cold. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a break from hiking a mountain or slipping a few splashes into your morning coffee on the weekend, flasks are a classy way to ensure your favorite liquor is always close to your heart.

The “Just in Case” Flask: IZOLA ($25)

Etched with a witty message, these three- or five-ounce stainless steel flasks are good for those who don’t want to go on a bender but need to keep a few nips of liquor close. Our favored Izola flask has an etching of the old Irish blessing, “May you never go to hell but always be on your way.” Wise words to live by! Small sips need strong taste. If you’re one to savor every last drop in lesser amounts, go with Midleton Very Rare Irish whiskey and fill it to the brim.

The “Day in Central Park” Flask: J. Crew ($43)

Knowing you, you’re probably in the market for a new hip flask as your last was lost in the park after a very long day of inebriated reading under an elm tree. Embossed with the handy words “This Way Up” on leather, J.Crew’s hip flask is perfect for those who like to keep up with the trends but may not have the means to overspend. Don’t be shy; fill your eight-ounce flask with a bourbon whiskey like Maker’s Mark that makes you feel light on your feet and is easy on the pocket.

The “Corporate Retreat” Flask: Tom Cecil ($475-550)

Spending your weekend with the boss isn’t ideal, but you’ll grin and bear it, finding comfort in the fact that the feeling is most likely mutual. Break out the bourbon and bond over a communal drink or two behind the hotel when you go for yet another smoke break. It’s the only way the two of you will be able to get through this together. The Tom Cecil Flask takes a new twist on the old classic hip flask design; they’re handmade to order and come in brass and stainless steel. Fill with a unique whisky like Suntory Yamazaki.

The “20K Hike” Flask: Stanley ($20)

Congratulations, you climbed that mountain, showing little to no sign of how much your body is aching after that “cute” sprint your girlfriend wanted to do up the last 3K of the ascent. The top feels good, but you’re damn happy you brought your Stanley Flask to cut the pains and ease the fact that you’re going to have to eventually climb down this thing. Take in the landscape and swig back the cure for whatever ails you, be it tequila or Jack.