I got to wondering this past weekend (perhaps because I was a bit more sober than the past) about the flask pass and the Whats and Hows of it. And I'm curious on a few things... How do you OFFER your flask and how do you ACCEPT someone Else's.
Pirate Bob and I usually bring about two different rums in flasks (his about a pint's worth, mine about a half-pint's worth) and we usually just hand over the flask to the drink-ee to sip as much or as little as they want. Some people have a wee mug they pour a measure of the rum into, some tip back the flask itself. MOST people take about a....quarter of a shot's worth? Although, there have been some "chuggers" and one 'Dane who thought I'd offered her a chance to spike her cola with about half the flask >:(.
As for acceptance...I usually take just enough of a taste on the tongue to respond appropriately to the offering ("Whoo, that is smooth" or " Mmmm, sweet!") initially. Then, if I've determined that I like what is in the flask...on a second offering (if there is one) I'll take about a 1/4 shot's worth.
So...how do YOU "Pass the Flask"? :D
I don't think there is a hard and fast rule.
But there are people who know us and already know what we like, we'll pour about 2 shots worth into the mug.
Usually at some point in the conversation your preferred beverage will come up. It is appropriate at that point to ask if they are interested in a taste.
If they have no experience generally they re encouraged to take two sips (actually toss back a swallow's worth and then the second taste to really get the flavor) if they like it, hey can be offerred more.
I am very careful about whose flask I will have a nip from, either directly or by pouring it into my tankard. I learned the hard way about that... took a hearty pour (he poured) from the flask of a friend of an acquaintance at a small festival, believing I was getting some wonderful Loki. Except NOT... it tasted like kerosene. I wound up pouring it back into his tankard and rinsing mine out to get the smell out. l've found that I have a great group of folks around who will be honest with me about what's in the flask, and will help look out for me when others are offering to share theirs as well.
My rule- I load my flask with something quality- say a 12 or 15 year Highland Park or Talisker- and offer it up, with the expectation that the recipient will be considerate of the fact that I may want some myself, and that it will also be shared among various other people. So I guess my rule is- the honor system is expected.
Quote from: GoodyTombShoes on May 17, 2011, 09:45:06 AM
My friend has a cool little flask with a little cap on top that he uses as his sipper. He can offer it out and you can get a taste without losing your spirits.
That is one of the funniest avatars that I've ever seen!
When I am thoughtfully offered a flask I always inquire as to the contents because I am not a scotch drinker and no matter how "smooth" it is, I would not appreciate it and therefore do not want to waste your delicious (and probably expensive!) libation.
Now, when partaking of a flask I always take a very small taste-just in case I don't like it, AND more importantly, to be polite to the owner by not shweeling down their goods! LOL If I really like it I just stay close in case it's offered around again. ;) ;D
Quote from: Amyj on May 16, 2011, 05:51:28 PM
Although, there have been some "chuggers" ...
Sorry 'bout that!
*snarky giggle*
I always take a polite nip. Im not a big drinker so a nip is more than enough for me.
This past year I had acquired so many flasks—the ones that come free with the big bottle of Jack Daniels—I just filled them up with JD and gave them away. There were a few special people that got Single Barrel Jack in those flasks. I've still got a few flasks that may end up at RenDevous, if I feel real nice. ;)
Ah yes; the flask with the black leather around the center? My son has one of those!
The flask I carry was gifted to me when I retired from the Marines. It has written on it (upside down) "This End Up"
Pretty neat, eh?
I am just polite and take a small nip as its passed.
Quote from: Once Debauched on May 17, 2011, 04:51:27 PM
Quote from: Amyj on May 16, 2011, 05:51:28 PM
Although, there have been some "chuggers" ...
Sorry 'bout that!
*snarky giggle*
He he he, wasn't you! Besides, if it's as cold and rainy as it was last weekend...chug away; it's for the warmth! ;)
Yes Brandy is good for cold weather, wet weather and every combination thereof.
I'll admit I get a mischevious bit of amusement when people ask to sample what is in my flask and don't get the Loki that they expect.
If someone mentions something I haven't tried before (like a few months ago with Loki) and I mention I haven't tried it, the offer sometimes comes up. The first thing I do is sniff it (because that's the first step in tasting something!) Depending on how well I know or close I am to the person (or how the majority of people around me,) I will either pour about 1/2 a shot into my mug (which is shapped funny enough that if there is less than half a shot, it will get lost in the curves. Sips don't exist in my cup, I wish they did sometimes...) Or I will sip straight from the mug.
I have offered my own flask if someone mentions a desire (but seeing as most of the time we have only apple juice, it makes for a funny surprise when someone tries it. XD And that's only at the end of the day if Daven's blood sugar has been doing well...)