Column: The Added Value of a Hip Flask of Whisky?

Recently, I watched a movie where a woman at a cinema reached for a hip flask. Whether it held whisky, I can't say, but typically such a container would hold alcohol. Suddenly, I found myself wondering: what's the actual purpose of this thing?

I'm familiar with the shape of a hip flask. There are even unique hip flasks in highly creative designs, but I actually don't know anyone who carries them around in person. Or are they so 'top secret' that I just don't notice?

The hip flask reportedly gained popularity in Great Britain somewhere in the 18th century. It was an item folks took with them while hunting.

Anyone in need of a sip of whisky could conveniently keep the hip flask literally in their pocket. After all, their shape has been adapted to fit into a trouser pocket: a flat flask (previously made of glass, now stainless steel) and not the round alcohol bottle that we often see in stores.

Looking back, it appears that hip flasks were seen as a symbol of rebellion during the American Prohibition era. Makes sense, since alcohol was indeed prohibited between 1920 and 1933. And you're not going to tell me folks thought: okay, I’ll just fill it up with Coca-Cola.

After Prohibition ended, we had that dreadful Second World War (I sometimes hold my breath with all the conflicts happening today, in 2025), and soldiers sometimes received a hip flask from home.

Alcohol as a comfort in hard times. Some of these flasks were reportedly even engraved. If you've ever watched a war movie, you'll sometimes see soldiers taking a quick sip during intense battles.

And presently? Well, it might see use again. I have no idea. However, I do know that here in Western Europe, the hip flask has largely become a ‘fun’ item or a lifestyle product. You might buy one as a gift for someone's birthday or wedding, or to preserve something of value in your cabinet safely.

But it's not like I see anyone carrying it around in public. Besides, public drinking of alcohol is prohibited in certain places in the world.

Yet I still wonder: what's the actual point of this thing?

Or is the world in such a state of chaos that everyone who owns one at home might soon reach for it again, because we need courage in these difficult times?