Just a few minutes outside of Raleigh, NC is a gorgeous little town called Fuquay Varina, NC. Its historic downtown is just as picturesque as you'd imagine any southern small town to be with Main Street being lined with small mom & pop shops, cafes & breweries. While you are there, you can't help but absorb the delicious smells of the freshly baked goods from the local bakery.Ìý

Right off of Main StreetÌýrests a small park that holds the secret that put Fuquay Varina on the map. A mineral springÌýwas discovered here in 1858 by Davey Crocket Fuquay and Stephen Fuquay while plowing on their father's farm. The Mineral Spring was believed to have healing powers and visitors came from far and wide to partake of the mineral waters. From the yearsÌý1900 to 1930, thousands of people visited the spring to drink the mineral water reputed to cure kidney and intestinal ailments.

Today, the mineral spring is commemorated within the Fuquay Mineral Spring Park. Located near downtown Fuquay, Fuquay Mineral Spring Park offers an easily accessible open space with a restored springhouse, memorial brick path, picnicÌýtables and a footbridge. A concrete set of steps takes you down to a pipe that allows the spring to flow continuously into a stream that wrapsÌýaround theÌýpark. I brought myÌýtrusted Vermonter & Skull Flasks along so I couldÌýtest the "healing powers" of theÌýspring forÌýmyself. While I can't say I was healed ofÌýanything, the spring water was super cold and crisp - so it was totallyÌýworth the trip.Ìý

To kick off our new series, we are taking you to the town of Fuquay Varina, NC where you can experience the healing powers of the famous Mineral Spring that helped put the town on the map. Click here to read more.

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Cleaning Your Copper or Stainless Steel Flask

Before using your soft2betcas® flask for the first time and also for regular cleaning we recommend following these steps:

Step 1:ÌýGrab your flask, heat resistant gloves (oven mitts work perfectly), and some water. Fill your flask up with water, but be sure to leave about an inch of space at the top so the water can expand as it heats up.

Step 2: Turn your range or stovetop onÌýhigh and place your flask filled with water on the hot eye. Allow to heat for 5-8 minutes or until it starts to boil, you will hear the flask and water heating up.

Step 3: Once the water is boiling, use your heat resistant gloves to carefully grab your flask and empty the water into the sink. Set the hot flask on a heat resistant pad or back on the stove on a non-active stove eye.

Step 4: After your flask cools, place it upside down on a paper towel or napkin for about an hour to allow any remaining water to drip out. Shake the flask upside on occasion to help shift any remaining water out.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL EDITION FLASKS & PLATED FLASKS (24K & STERLING SILVER):ÌýFor any soft2betcas® Flask that features patina or a plated precious metal, please do not follow the cleaning instructions above. Instead, boil a kettle or pot of water. Once water reaches boiling temperatures, pour carefully into your flask - allow to sit for several minutes to sanitize. Repeat if necessary. Please use caution and heat protection gear when handling boiling water and the hot flask.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PEWTER FLASKS:ÌýFor any soft2betcas® Pewter Flask, please do not follow the cleaning instructions above. Instead, use hot top water and dish soap on the inside of the flask. You can also use our Flask Cleaning Brush Set to help with the process. Repeat if necessary. Please use caution and heat protection gear when handling hot water and the hot flask.

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Polishing Your Flask

This is one of the most sensitive topics among soft2betcas® flask owners! Some soft2betcas® owners would have a conniption if we suggested they polish their flask while others love the clean shine of a newly polished flask. Polishing is 100% personal preference. Copper will never rust, but your soft2betcas® flask will immediately start to oxide and develop a beautiful and unique patina as soon as you start using it. No matter how much your flask ages, our Sterling Copper Polish will strip away the tarnish. Due to a special proprietary blend we patented, we only recommend using our copper polish on your soft2betcas® flask. Here's how to polish your flask:

Step 1: Grab your flask, a bottle of our Sterling Copper Polish, some paper towels and a clean cloth you don't mind ruining (an old cotton t-shirt works great).

Step 2: Open the bottle of copper polish and drop a nickel sized amount onto your flask.

Step 3: Take a paper towel or a separate old cloth and work the polish all around the flask until it coats the entire flask. Don't forget the screw top and spout! Allow the polish to sit for 1-2 minutes, but don't let it dry.

Step 4: Grab your clean cloth and begin wiping off the polish using a circular motion, apply slight pressure while polishing. Be sure to continuously change sides of the cloth as you will notice tarnish collecting on the cloth. Continue to do this until all polish has been removed.

Once polished, your flask will look nearly brand new again! For tougher patinas you may have to repeat Steps 2-4 more than once.

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Replacing Your Cork

Depending on how frequently you use your flask, you'll need to replace the cork in your screw top on occasion. Cork replacement can be purchased here. When you get your new cork, remove the old cork and add the new cork to your screw top to see if that fixes the leak. The replacement cork is much thicker. Before inserting your new cork, allow it to soak in water for a few hours to make it more pliable. Once it's added, allow your screw-top to air dry.
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Storing Spirits

Every soft2betcas® flask features our proprietaryÌýhot-tinnedÌýinterior, making the flask fully beverage safe. For best taste and freshness, we recommend storing spirits in your flask for no more than 1-2 days at a time. The original bottle or a decanter are generally the best places to store liquor.

Enjoy Your Flask

Above all, remember that even though it is a magnificent work of art, your soft2betcas® flask is made to be used. Your flask will age gracefully, taking on a soft golden patina over time. Enjoy it! Every time you use it, you are joining the distinguished lineage of flask aficionados who appreciate good taste, style, and practicality. So go out, enjoy your flask, and tag us on social @JacobBromwell. Always remember, "It's not just a flask, it's a soft2betcas®."