At one point or another, most of us have taken a nip or two from one, but have you ever considered how flasks came to be?
You’d have to wait until the 18th century for the curved flask we now call a “hip flask.†Designed to be carried snug against your hip or thigh, hip flasks were high-quality containers crafted from silver and glass, and immensely popular with the wet and wealthy upper crust.
Although, when Prohibition arrives what was once a prestige accessory quickly becomes a necessary accessory for America’s 13-year dry spell. To avoid penalty and confiscation, flasks were routinely hidden in objects like books, cameras and elsewhere. In fact, the word “hipster†was coined during this time for people who carried hip flasks, and “bootleggers†tucking them into a boot.
While not as direly necessary today, flasks remain…cool…rebellious…practical. Be it a ball game, a show, a parade, perhaps the second Saturday of Jazz Fest—where there’s a flask, there’s almost certainly a good flask story unfolding.
Shop now for a selection of fine leather, stainless, and canvas flasks, as well as an artful assortment of good-to-go goods.
Events
The Weller Classroom Experience
Step into the story of one of bourbon’s most enduring families and discover how William Larue Weller helped pioneer the wheated style that would later inspire the Van Winkle legacy. This guided tasting explores four expressions—Special Reserve, CYPB, Full Proof Single Barrel, and 12 Year—tracing Weller’s journey from the days of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery through the industry’s quiet decades of the 1970s and 1980s to its modern revival under Buffalo Trace. Guests will nose, taste, and compare each whiskey in an elegant classroom setting, uncovering how proof, age, and history intertwine to shape the signature richness of Weller and the heritage of American bourbon.
In The Mix Cocktail Class
In the Mix is an immersive cocktail class where music, flavor, and storytelling come together. Guests learn to craft three iconic drink, the Vieux Carré, Southside, and Painkiller, while experiencing curated soundscapes that enhance each cocktail’s character and mood. More than a mixology lesson, this class connects taste and sound to culture, creating a memorable, multi-sensory experience that lingers long after the last sip.
The Art of Proof: Sazerac Rye Edition
Explore the depth and character of Sazerac Rye in this guided whiskey class designed for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Led by a knowledgeable expert, guests will learn about the history, production, and flavor profile that define this iconic rye. The experience includes a comparative tasting of each expression—90 proof, 100 proof, and Sazerac Rye Full Proof—allowing guests to discover how proof influences aroma, body, and finish. This side-by-side journey highlights the versatility and craftsmanship behind one of the most recognized names in American rye whiskey.
