Perfect Whiskey Flask for Holidays

Giving the gift of a beautiful whiskey flask is sure to make you the favorite gift-giver of the season. But if you’ve never purchased a flask before, you might be looking at all of the options available and feeling a bit overwhelmed.

That’s where we come in. We’ve collected the top tips you’ll need to get the best flask for whiskey this holiday season, even if you’re totally new to the topic. Let’s dive in.

A Few Ideas for What to Look for to Find the Perfect Whiskey Flask

Not all flasks are created the same, so it’s important that you learn the basics before starting your gift search. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect whiskey flask gift for the holidays.

  • Volume - As a general rule of thumb, one ounce equals one shot. The majority of flasks will hold anywhere from six to eight ounces (177 - 237ml). If your gift recipient wants something more discreet, shoot for a flask that holds anywhere from two to four ounces (60 - 140ml). Looking for a flask that can carry enough whiskey for a camping trip with friends? Consider something around twelve ounces (355ml).
  • Shape - There are three popular flask shapes: straight, round, and kidney. Straight flasks are typically considered “Coat Flasks” as they’d fit right in the inner pocket of a jacket. Round flasks are more like canteens. They’re more popular for those who like to have a drink in the outdoors or who don’t mind carrying something a little bit hefty. Kidney-shaped flasks look similar to a coat flask, but have a slight contour in the middle. The soft curve was created because they were designed to be worn against the hip to hide booze during Prohibition. Consequently, they’re also known as “Hip Flasks.” The best shape depends on where your gift recipient plans to store their flask. Hip flasks are popular. However, wearing the container on a hip can warm the liquor and alter the taste. So you may want to start with a straight coat flask.
  • Color - Flasks span the entire color wheel, but the cheapest will typically be silver. If you’re unsure what color to get, go for a basic silver-toned flask. Then, buy a few protective sleeves in different colors so it can be customized for any occasion.
  • Cap - Flasks come with a variety of caps. Keep an eye out for which type of cap you feel will work best for your loved one. The most basic is a simple screw-on cap. This will be the cheapest, but also the easiest to lose. If you’re worried that the cap might go missing, look for a flask that has what’s known as a “bayonet cap.” There are also caps with a sort of tether or hinge that keeps the cap attached to the flask at all times.
  • Material - Most flasks will be made of stainless steel. But you can find flasks made of anything from animal skin to wood, glass, or other types of metal. Stick with a container that has an interior made from something like stainless steel or another non-porous material. That way, it’ll be easy to clean and won’t carry notes from one whiskey brand to another.
  • Accessories - If you’re getting someone their first flask, consider looking for a kit that includes a funnel and shot cup. These kits are relatively inexpensive and usually come packaged as a gift set (which makes things easy). They are a great way to make the decanting process less messy. Is your giftee already an avid flask collector who has their process nailed down? Look into getting them accessories that customize the experience of carrying their flask. This could be a hip holster, leather sleeve, or shoulder harness.
  • Care - Flasks need to be cleaned when empty to prevent bacteria and cross-contamination of flavors. A tiny opening makes cleaning the flask more difficult than it needs to be. Look for flasks that are dishwasher-safe or have an opening wide enough for things like dishwashing liquid or baking soda to easily make it through. (Many liquor enthusiasts prefer to use a solution of baking soda and vinegar to clean out the interiors of flasks.)

How to Pick the Perfect Whiskey Flask Gift

Now that you’ve got the fundamentals down, it’s time to start finding the perfect gift for your whiskey lover. There are hundreds of options available when it comes to flasks, so it can get overwhelming quickly. If you feel like you don’t know where to start, here are a few ideas for finding that perfect whiskey gift.

  • Consider what’s important to your recipient - While they may be a whiskey fan, chances are they are fans of something else, too. Their other interests can personalize their new flask. Consider looking for decanters that have details like:
    • Military service emblems for those who have served their country
    • Logos of their favorite sports teams
    • Symbols of their background and heritage (like Celtic knotwork)
    • Religious symbols
    • Iconography from their favorite TV shows, bands, or movies
    • Icons from important places in their history like these wood-engraved city map flasks
    • Famous sayings and quotes.
  • Get it engraved - Add a little something extra to show the thought you’ve put into this gift by having their new flask custom engraved. You can use their name, birthday, or other special dates like an anniversary or graduation. A dedication or quote are other ideas to signify that this flask was purchased especially for them.

Final Thoughts

No matter what options you decide to go for, the critical element is ensuring that the flask you buy is one your giftee will use. Give a few of these points some thought before going shopping so that you’ll know your loved one gets a gift they’ll be excited to open.