Rock Bottom FAQ

The Cork

Our natural, sustainable corks are sourced from Portugal from the Cork Oak Tree. The bark is peeled off and after 7-9 years the tree regenerates its bark. We hand dip each custom sized cork into hot beeswax which seals the surface preventing moisture and odors from absorbing into the cork. They will last years and years, unless you have a pooch. Be warned! They love the smell of the wax and the texture of the cork. Once it’s in their mouth it’s game over. So, if your cork goes MIA, check your backyard. We sell replacement corks in our on-line shop

The Leather

The leather used to wrap the flask are hand cut from hides that are a by-product from the European meat industry. The tanneries are regulated and ethically worked. The wraps have been designed with a tapered end that is tucked using a bamboo skewer or a nail file, making it easily removeable for washing the flask. (link to video coming)

The Science Glass

The round bottom boiling flasks are made of certified scientific lab glass, called borosilicate, in a European ISO-certified facility. Think lab class with Bunsen burners. Remember this isn’t just a pretty wine decanter. Each flask has been inspected for use in extreme hot, cold and presser combustion applications, so any markings or bubbles have all passed quality inspection for performance. Spare flasks are sold in our on-line shop

The Concrete Base

Each base is hand cast in custom molds and then sealed with a food grade sealer. The mix design we have formulated is a custom blend that is 25% greener by using recycled post consumer expanded glass for a percentage of aggregate. There is also glass fibers disbursed throughout for stability and strength for the fluctuating extreme temperatures. The bases are finished with cork feet that are adhered with an industrial adhesive that can withstand the heating and cooling of the base. Looking to always have a base chilling? We sell extre bases in our on-line shop

How to heat the concrete Base?

To heat the concrete put in oven at 375-425 deg F for 20 mins. Remove with oven mitts. CAUTION - it will be HOT! If making tea you can temper your base by pouring some boiling water in the flask and letting it sit for 5 minutes so the warmth penetrates the concrete. Good ole method tried and true.

Using a microwave is not recommended. There maybe traces of metal from the aggregate, plus there is no moisture in the concrete and this method doesn’t work to get the base hot.

Is boiling water safe to pour into the flask?

Yes! The flasks are certified science lab glass and are specifically made to handle extreme heat…think Bunsen burner and boiling potions. Start brewing up that tea!

How to chill the concrete base?

To chill the base put into the freezer for 4 hours or longer. You can totally let the base live in the freezer so it’s always cold and ready for you. Another cooling option is to put the base and the flask in the fridge. We do this for infused water and milk. If you live in a place that gets cold, embrace the chill during holiday entertaining time - space in the freezer and fridge is at a premium, so put the base outside on your porch or in your car to cool off before the party.

Help my flask is stuck in the base, how do I get them unstuck?

Sometimes the flask settles into a comfy spot on the base ;) So here’s the trick
Put one hand on the base to hold it down and the other on the neck of the flask (use a tea towel just to be extra cautious) Tug up on the glass (like your pulling a nail out with a hammer) and push down on the base at the same time. Don’t be gentle... really... the glass is super tough. Give it a really good strong tug.
DON’T soak it in water. That will just create a stronger suction between the glass and the concrete.

Let us know how you make out

How to re-wrap your leather?

The leather has been designed to be removeable so you can easily wash your flask. To wrap the leather back on so it looks as good as the day you got it, take the non-tapered end and start wrapping it from the top of the flask neck down. Using a bamboo skewer or a nail file tuck the tapered end under so it stays nice and tight to the glass. Click this link to watch our tutorial on Instagram on how to re-wrap your leather.