The High Camp Flask May Become Your New Best Friend On The Road

High Camp Flasks makes a line of insulated flasks that vary in size and color. The Parkside Flask 750 is designed to hold a full 750ml bottle of wine and includes two magnetically-held insulated cups. A smaller version, the Parkside Flask 375, holds one half bottle and comes with one magnetically-attached cup. Both are available in pleasantly muted colors: Cyprus – a light green, Granite – a light blue, Parasol Grey – a light grey, and Rosé – a light pink. The exterior finish is matte with stainless steel accents. The flask comes with a fabric bag with a draw string. In addition to the standard version of these flasks, the company offers fancier color schemes and custom engraving at extra cost.

The flasks are well insulated to keep the wine (or most other drinks, dairy excepted) at the desired temperature. The interior lining of the flask is made of an alloy that does not impart a taste to the contents, a problem with some metals. It’s called “sommelier grade” but I’m not sure what exactly that means. In any case, I filled the flask with filtered water at 33°F (1°C) and no ice. I left it on the counter at room temperature for 24 hours with the cups attached. The room temperature was in the 70s. At the end of that test interval, the water had risen to 50°F (10°C), a rise of only 17°F (9°C). Temperatures were measured using a ThermoWorks ThermaPen One. I taste-tested the contents and could not discern any off tastes or odors.

The cups, which hold about 9 oz. (260 ml) when filled to a half inch (12 mm) from the top, are also insulated. I poured boiling water into one cup and held it in my hand. The exterior got noticeably warm to the touch but not uncomfortably so. The cups have the same exterior color and finish as the flask itself. With the cups attached at both ends, the assembly stands 12.25” (31 cm) tall and is 3.2” (8.2 cm) in diameter. The empty weight of the flask and cups is 1.6 pounds (766 g). Full of wine, the total weight should come to about 3.3 lbs. (1516 g). The liquid capacity is right on at 25+ oz. (750 ml).

The fit and finish of the flask and cups is fine. Everything goes together nicely and has an elegant feel. Insulation is more than adequate. The opening to the flask is on the small side – about 1.13” (2.9 cm) – so it’s not designed to be filled with ice, but filling it from a wine bottle is easy enough. (Of course, who would put ice in wine? Good gracious!). The mouth of the flask has a rim around it that prevents drips. A small instruction sheet comes with the assembly that gives basic information and refers the user to their website for more details and warranty registration. The company’s website is highcampflasks.com.

High Camp flasks are sold in a limited number of outlets but purchasing from their website is easy enough. The product is pricey at $129, but it’s a bespoke product aimed at an upscale audience: you pays your money and makes your choice. It’s an excellent product which merits our AmazingRibs.com Gold Medal.

We thank High Camp Flasks for providing a Parkside for this revue.