January is a time for new beginnings, we leave the hardships of the past year behind and look forward to what the new year will bring.  But with our bank accounts hurting from holiday shopping, our middles expanded from holiday eating, well-intentioned new years' resolutions already out the window and the terrible cold and wet weather January is feeling rather bleak.  We can't change the weather (as hard as we might try!) and we can't help you with your new years' resolutions but we can suggest what to fill your flask with this time of year to warm you in the cold and distract from your worries....

Below we share some ideas for a few warming tipples to fill your flask, but first let’s look at some essential tips for proper flask usage.

Temperature – Yes, we have to state the obvious here – whatever you put in your flask should be drinkable at room temperature or slightly warmer (if you carry your flask close to your body the temperature will increase).  Many spirits we enjoy chilled, and/or over ice, will not work in a flask.  It is also advisable not to use any cream-based spirits as the temperatures mean they can go off quickly, not to mention, it’s not easy to clean out of the flask when you are finished.   

Materials – What is your flask made from?  Most are made from stainless steel, but you will also find aluminium, pewter and even solid silver.   Make sure you check what spirits/liquids are safe for your flask before filling it!  For example, aluminium does not react will with acidic liquids so you should avoid citrus juices and other acidic beverages.

Water – This is an often overlooked element of flask cocktails.  Water is naturally added when mixing a cocktail because of the ice it’s mixed with.  When mixing for a flask you would not use ice so will need to compensate by adding a little water – it’s not an exact science and will vary based on type of cocktail and personal taste so you may need to experiment a bit to find your perfect balance.

Size – Flasks come in different sizes so make sure you know how much liquid your flask will hold so you can mix the right quantities.  The most common size flask is about 6oz-8oz so you may need to adjust recipes accordingly.

Filling – If your flask didn’t come with a small funnel we highly recommend getting one as it will make filling your flask much easier!  If you are filling your flask with a mixed cocktail then it’s always a good idea to mix up first before decanting into your flask.

Time – How long will your drink last stored in your flask?  Ideally, you should consume your flask contents on the day you fill it.  But depending on the spirit/cocktail and material of your flask (some will adopt a metallic taste from the metal quicker than others), you should never exceed a week (and many wouldn’t suggest even that long).

Here are some of our favourite flask cocktails….

The Godfather

-          Scotch

-          Ammaretto

Sidecar

-          Cognac

-          Cointreau

-          Lemon Juice

-          Water

Farmhouse

-          Apple Brandy

-          Mezcal

-          Splash of lemon juice

-          A touch of maple syrup

Hot Toddy

-          Whisky

-          Honey

-          Lemon

-          Cinnamon

Copa Del Diablo

-          Apple brandy

-          Spiced Rum

Non-Alcoholic Option

Mulled Apple Juice

-          Apple juice

-          Cinamon

Not long to go until Christmas and if you are stuck on what to get for her stocking fillers you have come to the right place. 

Here is a handy list of our top 10 stocking fillers for the woman you are shopping for…

Christmas is right around the corner and shopping for wonderful gifts and stocking fillers is probably consuming your attention.  No doubt you have been bombarded with advertisements in person, and online, but it can be difficult sifting through to find the inspiration you need. 

Here is a handy list of our top 10 stocking fillers for the man you are shopping for…

What do you do with your leftover pumpkin after Halloween?  Or, even before that, what can you do with the inside 'guts' and seeds of a pumpkin when you are carving your pumpkin up for Halloween?  If you hate waste as much as we do, then you may find this blog post helpful as we have put together some ideas to stretch the use of your pumpkin and get use from every last seed!

The sloe season usually begins in October; however, in particularly wet weather, the berries can be ripe enough to harvest as early as September. This is excellent news for gin lovers, as you can get a head start on making your own sloe gin this season. If you’d like to have a shot at making this warming autumn beverage, our guide is sure to help you get the best from your sloes, from picking tips right up to flavouring your very own spirit!

If you are lucky enough to get invited on a shoot, it’s important to follow etiquette regarding what to bring and what to wear. 
The first thing to do is enquire with the shoot host about what the dress code is, some shoots may be more formal than others.  And second, (as all British know!) is to check the weather, you will want to ensure you are warm and comfortable as it will be a long day.

Men will typically wear brown or green on a shoot, while women can also add in some warm earth tones like burnt orange or yellows.  Just keep in mind that you will want to blend in with the landscape so you are less noticeable to the birds.  The exception to this rule for women is the occasional small ‘splash’ of colour with items like shooting socks, a hat or even a colourful feather pin.

We have put together this handy guide to help you select the right clothing and accessories….

Before you race out the door, donning your shooting jackets with your shotgun in hand, you need to ensure that it is fully licensed. Don’t wait until the police reminder letter comes through your door, as it is often too late! This guide will tell you everything you need to know to renew your license for when your shotgun certificate is getting close to its expiry date.

Press Release

August 2019

Anglesey Gundog International Has a New Sponsor and a New Name

[Chichester] Fur Feather and Fin are very honoured to announce they have become the new sponsor for the Anglesey Gundog International.  This gundog field trials competition, held in Anglesey Wales every year, was first started over 25 years ago.  The location and terrain, complete with a lake that was added, makes for an ideal spot and has become a favourite for many gundog handlers that have had the opportunity to compete here.

However, despite its’ popularity and picturesque location, the competition almost didn’t even happen this year.  When the sponsor pulled out at the last minute, it looked like the only option was to cancel the competition for this year.  Thankfully, there weren’t any disappointed gundogs as Fur Feather & Fin stepped-in to take over sponsorship of the event.

When you purchase a gun it is an investment, of both your money and your time.  You are spending money to purchase the gun and you will spend money to enjoy it as well, by way of other shooting accessories, ammunition, etc.  Additionally, you are investing your time in a hobby/sport that may become, or already is, an important part of your lifestyle.  So, just like any other investment you make you should protect it, which means it’s important to do your research to ensure you are selecting a gun slip that meets your needs, budget and personal preferences. 

This Gun Slip buyers guide will help you identify, and evaluate, the various factors to take into consideration before you make your purchase.

This time of year, the sun and heat can present some challenges for our canine friends.  It is up to us, as responsible and loving dog owners, to stay informed about the precautions we need take to ensure their wellbeing in the hot summer heat.  And sometimes it means doing what’s right to protect your dog’s health and having to endure ‘sad-dog-eyes’ because you need to leave them home where it’s cool.

Water – It is always important to keep your dog well hydrated but even more so when the temperatures soar.  Make sure to regularly replenish your dog’s water bowl and ensure they have constant access.  If you are going out with your dog be sure to bring fresh clean water and a bowl for them to drink from.