Flask Etiquette?

[JPBoston]

Hey all ---

So I was thinking of putting a flask on the ol' Christmas list... then I got to thinking; how comfortable am I going to be slinging that bad-boy around in public?

I can only think of two situations I find myself in that I'd be able to "get away" with using such a device:

1) Sporting events

2) At the movies

And I'll add a third

3) Halloween trick 'r treating (lots of people in the neighborhood set up tables with various liquors for small block parties, give out jello-shost to the parents, etc... so I don't think I'd look too out of place)

I don't really go camping or fishing... anybody have any ideas on socially acceptable times to use a flask?

[deathevocation]

Only seem to be used when sneaking booze into somewhere. I've never used one.

[Young Blacksmith]

I've used one on an overnight train trip, but mostly it sits around collecting dust. I find it easier to grab a coffee cup or other non-see-through cup and pour it in there. Possibly use the flask to carry it to the cup?

[tmckenzie]

I have never seen one that was small enough to sneak something in anywhere that would hold much. Just enough to piss me off.

[tanstaafl2]

I have never seen one that was small enough to sneak something in anywhere that would hold much. Just enough to piss me off.

Clearly you have never used a (brand new sterile) catheter bag for its true intended purpose! Can get a couple of quarts in there discreetly with a handy valve and pouring tube for no muss, no fuss dispensing...

One of the perks of working in the medical field! Once you get past the notion of what it is usually intended for...

[GaryT]

I bought my groomsmen flasks as wedding party gifts, and felt we should match so got one myself as well. It is two 3 oz flasks that fit in one holder, and I use mine several times a year. If I'm going on an overnight trip and I want to share a taste of something with someone out of town, the 3 oz is perfect because I can take it as carry-on. The airlines say "No liquor" so that you'll buy theirs, but the TSA doesn't give a crap (at least never have bothered me with it, and I've done that a dozen or more times). I also take mine to poker parties and the like where most of my friends drink beer. Sure, I could take a bottle, but the flask helps with portion control (I'm confident I can drive home with 3 oz of anything over a period of several hours - and for an all-day affair I may take both barrels!)

In my younger days, I would sneak a flask in my coat in the pool hall because their bar prices were OUTRAGEOUS (and no one could see me tip a bit into my Coke).

I think you're looking at it the right way though - figure out when you'd use it first. I've gotten plenty of toys that I thought would be great ideas - and then used them once for the novelty and never again :-)

[ebo]

The only place I use one is on the golf course. I usually just bring it for outings when playing in scrambles.

[Trey Manthey]

They come in handy during events in New Orleans: Mardi Gras, Halloween, Saints games, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, Po Boy Fest, Voodoo Fest, Greek Fest, Mid Summer Mardi Gras...what was I talking about?

Oh yeah, well it's legal (and encouraged!) to drink on the street here, and I love to nip on something special if I'm out and about where good whiskey is nowhere in sight. I have about six different ones from 3 - 6 oz in styles ranging from manly to downright girly, and I distribute them to visitors and house guests as needed. Some of them want to fill them with "lesser" spirits, but who am I to judge?

[ebo]

How do you get a flask into an NFL venue? It's been my experience that they search very thoroughly.

[Ejmharris]

How do you get a flask into an NFL venue? It's been my experience that they search very thoroughly.

Bengals games only wand you. Plastic flask gets by the check easily.

[oke&coke]

My brother used to have a belt buckle that doubled as a flask. Held about 2-3 oz. Best part was that it you wouldn't know what it was just by looking at it. He used to use it when he would go to a club when he was underage.

[ChainWhip]

I bring it on my mountain bike rides - a little bit of liquid courage helps when dropping in to hit drops/jumps/gnar.

A little to pass around to celebrate in the muddy post-ride glow is quite nice as well.

[humchan2k]

There are very few things in life more enjoyable than stopping on the side of a ski run, pulling your flask filled with Grand Marnier out and taking a good, healthy pull of it before you drop into a big powder field on your snowboard

[silverfish]

I can only think of two situations I find myself in that I'd be able to "get away" with using such a device:

anybody have any ideas on socially acceptable times to use a flask?

These might not qualify as "socially acceptable" occasions but you'd be

surprised how quickly you are able to "get away" with being the flask guy

as people (friends/family) become used to seeing you with one at weddings

and funerals. Even when used discretely, word spreads and you'll find

yourself having to share as well as disappointing folks when you neglect

to bring something along.

[Lazer]

There are very few things in life more enjoyable than stopping on the side of a ski run, pulling your flask filled with Grand Marnier out and taking a good, healthy pull of it before you drop into a big powder field on your snowboard

that sounds so much cooler than keeping it in your car and taking a good healthy pull of it before you drive home from work! :cool:

[fishnbowljoe]

I used to bring one (of several I have) with me to the bowling alley on bowling nights. Now I'm using an empty 200 ml bottle. There's a few guys I have to share with, and a 200 ml bottle seems to work out good. :grin:

[jcg9779]

Now I'm using an empty 200 ml bottle. There's a few guys I have to share with, and a 200 ml bottle seems to work out good. :grin:

I have a couple of flasks, but I use an empty 200ml bottle most of the time as well. I found a store with JBW 200ml bottles dirt cheap one time and grabbed four for the bottles. I also use the 200ml bottles to make small batches of Stagg, WLW, etc. watered down to a proof that I like (typically around 105- 107).

[Happyhour24x7]

I have never seen one that was small enough to sneak something in anywhere that would hold much. Just enough to piss me off.

Bring two!

I have several flasks, and use them frequently. Many of the use cases have been named already, but there are others. Ever gone to some kind of event or reception that was beer/wine only? Not an issue. Walking on the beach? Much more fun with a flask. Picnics. One in the car for unplanned occasions. Most of them are 6-7 oz, so a decent drink or two, while still fitting in a pocket; and if there might be sharing required, I bring two as mentioned above.

[Kalessin]

Just remember your proper flask etiquette:

1) Extend the pinky on the upward tip of the flask.

2) Retract the pinky on the downward tip.

3) Declare "Pip pip, old boy, that was a delightful dram! You simply must ask your valet to tell my valet what it is, so I can have him order a case or two."

4) Those little metal shot cups are usually of too poor a quality to be used for drinking anything without cutting your lip. Drink directly from the flask, the way dear uncle Bertie taught you.

[luther.r]

I usually take one to the movie theater. Funny flask follies: a fumbled pass-off by one of my friends caused my flask to sail into the air, then fall down one of the heating ducts at the Music Box Theater. It was irretrievable.

I have been known to take one to the bar on occasion when the place we're going a) has a crappy selection or has ridiculous prices. I'll buy one drink, then refill the glass under the table.

[Enoch]

I can say don't take one to a restaurant and just order a glass with a couple of cubes of ice. They notice the brown liquid later........

[smokinjoe]

I can somewhat see taking a flask into a theatre or sporting event. Maybe....Sort of...... But, not to a bar or restaurant. No.

[ILLfarmboy]

I usually take one to the movie theater. Funny flask follies: a fumbled pass-off by one of my friends caused my flask to sail into the air, then fall down one of the heating ducts at the Music Box Theater. It was irretrievable.

I have been known to take one to the bar on occasion when the place we're going a) has a crappy selection or has ridiculous prices. I'll buy one drink, then refill the glass under the table.

Definitely the movie theatre. I took a flask of Stagg (a stainless EW SB flask) and several midnight milky ways to the last movie I saw.

[ethangsmith]

I use one when shoveling snow. My neighbors can't figure out why I can go for hours and seem so cheerful- until the catch a flash of stainless in my hand from the glow of the street lamp. OGD 100 or 114 work great!

[Restaurant man]

My flask has been to every concert with me over the last few years. It supplements trips to the bar. In fact the last show my son locked my keys in the car and I had to wait over an hour for roadside. It was a much nicer kickback with the flask (and my son) to keep me company.