Flask Funkifying Whiskey

[scream ale]

I have a pewter flask that comes in quite handy from time to time. I don't use it that often but it makes dull moments tolerable. The one downside is it tends give my beverage of choice, whiskey, a funky almost sweeter than usual taste. I used to be able to freshen it up a little bit by letting a mixture of baking soda and water sit in it a while but the odd aftertaste still lingers.
I'm curious if anyone here has a remedy of some sort to clean out flasks or am I just inexperienced and this is quite common with flasks?

[Casual Binger]

I have a pewter flask that comes in quite handy from time to time. I don't use it that often but it makes dull moments tolerable. The one downside is it tends give my beverage of choice, whiskey, a funky almost sweeter than usual taste. I used to be able to freshen it up a little bit by letting a mixture of baking soda and water sit in it a while but the odd aftertaste still lingers.
I'm curious if anyone here has a remedy of some sort to clean out flasks or am I just inexperienced and this is quite common with flasks?

Does an almost sweeter than usual taste mean it's not actually any sweeter than usual?

I don't use my flasks often enough to notice this. They smell like metal. I empty them pretty quickly after filling them when I do use them.

[Badfellow]

My guess is that if the flask is made from pewter and is old, it probably has interior tarnish from oxidation of the metal. This is probably where your "funky" flaves are originating.

If the funk is a bother to you, pour the inside full of vinegar and let it sit for a while. Just make sure you rinse it thoroughly before putting it back into active booze duty.

But, if the funk is not such a bad thing, just consider it a flask with it's own unique character and that any liquor you put inside will be seasoned accordingly.

[scream ale]

My guess is that if the flask is made from pewter and is old, it probably has interior tarnish from oxidation of the metal. This is probably where your "funky" flaves are originating.

If the funk is a bother to you, pour the inside full of vinegar and let it sit for a while. Just make sure you rinse it thoroughly before putting it back into active booze duty.

But, if the funk is not such a bad thing, just consider it a flask with it's own unique character and that any liquor you put inside will be seasoned accordingly.

Thank you I shall try the vinegar treatment. Is there a specific amount of just as much as the flask will hold?

The funky taste is annoying but I could learn to live with it. I just don't like interference with my tasty bourbon.

[Patchez]

I think you only need a table spoon or so. the rest should be water. Too much acidic stuff can have the reverse affect.

Just my thought. Badfellow should know more.

Also if it's like my water clock, it has zinc plates that need cleaned once a year of so, leave the cap off and sit it away from flames as the reaction produces hydrogen and oxygen. Ya don't want a mini Hindenburg reenactment on your kitchen counter.

[Badfellow]

I'd go straight vinegar for a couple minutes, shake the shit out of it (cap securely fixed in place) and rinse immediately with plenty of water.

There are people who say dilute it 1:4 with water, but table vinegar is only 5% acidity and I'd rather be assured all the tarnish is eaten away.

Scream Ale, if you're worried about your pewter, go ahead and use a weaker solution of vinegar. Another alternative is lemon juice used in much the same manner. Good luck and good drinking.

[scream ale]

Thank you fellas for the advice. The vinegar helped a lot. The Jim Beam tastes like Jim Beam again!

[oettinger]

No problemo

[peetie44]

1) Fill your flask with white vinegar and let it sit a couple of days.

2) Empty and rinse.

3) Fill your flask with Everclear and let it sit a couple more days.

4) Empty the Everclear into another vessel and make a punch out of it. Rinse the flask.

If this doesn’t kill the funk, then toss the flask or just live with it.

[Badfellow]

^^^^
Truth.

[mistah willies]

^^^^
Truth.

Ayuh.

[scream ale]

Mmm...funk punch. My favorite.

[Hardcore Stig]

I try to make sure each flask contains only 1 spirit and leave it in there a while (for the first fill anyway). That way I feel that the spirit lines the inside of the flask almost sealing that flavour in to it. I could be wrong but I have had flasks for almost 20 years that still work a treat and taste just fine with everything from vodka to tequila.

[peetie44]

I try to make sure each flask contains only 1 spirit and leave it in there a while (for the first fill anyway). That way I feel that the spirit lines the inside of the flask almost sealing that flavour in to it. I could be wrong but I have had flasks for almost 20 years that still work a treat and taste just fine with everything from vodka to tequila.

I concur!

[calx]

I try to make sure each flask contains only 1 spirit and leave it in there a while (for the first fill anyway). That way I feel that the spirit lines the inside of the flask almost sealing that flavour in to it. I could be wrong but I have had flasks for almost 20 years that still work a treat and taste just fine with everything from vodka to tequila.

I concur!

Holy smokes it's Peetie. :O