It was like nothing I had seen before. Was I just misinterpreting the data? I was so proud of my 1000+ 5 Star reviews. Not just for me, but for my team at SWIG. Generally all reviews were won from exceeding expectations in a variety of customer service and product delivery scenarios. Making good on unfortunate situations and helping out those in gifting need.
She didn't seem to understand my dismay. She told me I deserved it, because by clearing out/filtering the bad ones... I should expect people to be turned off.
HANG ON ONE SECOND. If my OWN MOTHER thinks I'm clearing the bad reviews... what must a random Googler think? God damn!
How the hell did I get SO MANY 5* reviews that people were bouncing BECAUSE of the reviews?? Not fair!
In my business, customer service is everything. To be fair, things don't always go right. But when it doesn't? I act humane and make it right. That is how I sit at a 4.8 Star Average.
So I've put together this blog. See below for IRON-CLAD PROOF that the reviews are totally legitimate!
So every single review gets through without my decision (Yotpo my review management service doesn't seem to support 0 Star as of yet, so 1 Star is the lowest!)
The date you see below ranges back to when I first started collecting reviews (2014) and shows 'All' reviews selected. This is including those 'Pending, Moderated and Rejected'. You can also see my total of 'Rejected' reviews is 0 when filtered. EVERYTHING gets through!
Yup. Because we all know 'Brass' and 'Cracker' are going to be profanity related on a website selling hip flasks. Nice one Yotpo!
A Scotsman, specialising in limited edition prints and sculptures. You can find more of his work on Instagram, or Facebook.
You might have seen stirrings of this wee one on Instagram, if not have a check back and see if you can spot what has been going on behind the scenes...
Early SWIG-ers might recall our first artist collaboration back in 2014, where some talented people were scouted to hand draw epic designs onto a SWIG Flask pouch. Pretty cool right? You can see some below :D
*Official Announcement: Well due to popular demand I have decided to launch a new collaboration programme in 2018*
There are already artists from 10 countries signed up, and only 25 spaces left. I actually can't wait to see what designs they come up with; there are some amazingly talented people of all ages and styles (and I've given them a complete free reign :O) so this is going to be legit.
If you can recommend someone hit me up here I'm always open to new names and ideas, especially from the SWIG Society.
David
(#00000)
"I would like to nominate Firefighter Stevie Hawkwood for the flask as he has recently passed his fire training for Kent Fire & Rescue Service and is also an Afghanistan veteran".
The Harris Tweed SWIG Hip Flask has since zoomed its way to Stevie in the UK and his partner in crime David in the USA. It's so awesome to think the SWIG Society is growing worldwide, but even better knowing they're bringing wee anecdotes like this back to brighten my day.
]]>It's your chance to ease up the Xmas spending, spend more on whisky, and have a bit of fun.
1. Email me at david@swigflasks.com and tell me what you'd like offer....
2. I'll pick my 3 favourite offers (over a nice SWIG of Bushmills).
3. We'll seal the deal by Saturday 25th November and you get any gift set of your choice in return.
SWIG SWAP 2016...
I made THIS video last year. It was an awesome response. I got over 50 offers (see some below)...It was a difficult choice, but I was only able to take up 3.
Last years runners up:
Also a shoutout to Gray Mears.. He offered a tour around the Emergency Operations Centre in London. I was super tempted but didn't find a time to get over to London! Also Darren Thompson who was offering out a full marketing consultation service via Skype. I was so damn busy with Christmas that I didn't have time to change up my strat. But super interesting regardless!
Now that the creative juices have been stimulated, what are you waiting for? Get in touch now with your offer, as you can see there is no limit to the skills that have been rewarded!
Deadline is 25th November 2017.
Good Luck.
]]>Some awesome new pouches have just landed through our Port view doors over the past month. But there is one that stands out - check out the new Kangaroo Collection limited run (only 10 left).
'Australian Heritage' SWIG Flask
(by Australian Artisan James B. Young)
A genuine 'Australian Heritage' Vegetable Tanned Kangaroo SWIG Flask.
After 4 months of work & waiting, I've launched my new Kangaroo SWIG. It'll divide opinion, I know- but with Crystal Glass SWIG Flasks on the horizon- my goal is to have a 1st class of pouches to dress the world's finest flasks.
If you're looking for something extra special (maybe for that someone special), this is the one.
Cheers
David (#00000)
It's your chance to ease up the Xmas spending, spend more on whisky, and have a bit of fun.
1. Email me at david.galbraith@swigflasks.com and tell me what you'd like offer....
2. I'll pick my 3 favourite offers (over a nice SWIG of Jawbox Gin).
3. We'll seal the deal by Wednesday 23rd November and you get any gift set of your choice in return.
SWIG SWAP 2015...
I made THIS video last year. It was an awesome response. I got over 30 offers (see some below)...It was a difficult choice, but I was only able to take up 3.
My favourite was a Hand Knitted 'Aran' Jumper from Joanna. She made it so I could wear it on my next whisky expedition to Scotland. It is awesome.
I also chose some video work for my Youtube channel, and a piece of bespoke woodturning from a young craftsman. I've also swapped SWIG's in the past for bottles of excellent gin, one guy took us to Buckingham Palace, and one lovely gal even cooked me a birthday cake!
So Good Luck. Just send your trade through to david.galbraith@swigflasks.com.
But, it is only 42 days until the big man in the red suit pops down the chimney, and if you’re anything like me it seems like a million miles away. But I am assured by our SWIG team that before I know it, Christmas will soon be upon us (and am I quite sure I don’t want to start ordering presents).
So this is a thumbs up to you guys that are thinking… "aye right its still at least a month away", I got your back.
Check out our postage options below:
20th December - Last orders for 2nd Class Postage
21st December – Last orders for 1st Class Postage (48 hours)
22nd December – Special Delivery Guaranteed (24 hours)
23rd December – Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed (next day)
24th December – Pre arranged with myself (collection only)
But if you're on the other side of the fence and are getting your ducks in a row, you'll be pleased to hear we've been getting orders since August...yes August you did read that right. So you are not alone - it's never too early to order a SWIG Flask.
Cheers!
David (#00000)
PS if you’re based in Northern Ireland I can get you a SWIG flask on 24th December even if it means donning the red suit and picking up the black sack and delivering it to you myself.
]]>One of my mates known as 'Turtle' (right) was feasting on the free Veda bread, but nothing matched up to the bacon on top, or the free cheese in the Tesco tent.
Now you might be wondering what on earth Culture Night is, but basically it's a free for all for businesses to show case local produce, entertainers to entertain and a wee night out for the locals. Check out this guy, he was cracker -nothing wrong with belting out The Gambler and donning a pair of cowboy boots.
A quick pitstop to refill the Capped Flask with some Absinthe, designated driver short straw was drawn by Nicole... So it was in fact her steady hand that rescued us that night (there was a funnel knocking about but unsure where that went along the way).
A quick sweep and browse around the food tent ensured we didn't have to stop off at a rammed restaurant. And finally a wee sit down on the straw bales (do not ever call these hay bales when there's a horsey woman around you will get corrected) to watch the line dancing saw the end to an awesome evening.
If you're ever in Belfast do stop by to see the sights, apparently there's a whole lotta culture here to be soaked up.
Cheers,
David (#00000)
Now that you've stopped the judging and I have my EDI in check (Every Day Items... I learn something new every day from my USA customers). I thought why not learn some more and check in to see what the most popular pouches are - go on give it a guess before taking a look below :D
To add drama I've decided to go in reverse order...
In 3rd Position: The Scottish Heritage
Can't say fairer than that, our awesome heritage pouch maker is based out in the sticks of the Scottish hills. Every one is hand crafted, using British leather which means each pouch is unique. Can't go wrong with having some Scottish whisky to pair it with eh :D
In 2nd Position: The Harris Tweed Brown
The traditional Harris Tweed is sourced from our supplier in the Isle of Skye, known for keeping the hands warm (and the insides even warmer) the Harris Tweed Brown is a great choice for taking a hike in the hills.
And the greatly anticipated 1st Position is:
Wahey, sourced from the same supplier as the Harris Tweed Brown, the Harris Tweed Black is more versatile (I don't feel like I need to get the wellies on and buy a land rover... although I am sure there will be a point in my life where this is essential) and can be brought to any occasion without drawing too much attention.
I know you've been dying to find out which I decided on today... well who can argue with you lot. The Harris Tweed black it is.
Cheers,
David (#00000)
Echlinville Distillery is based down the Ards Peninsula in a wee village called Rubane, and were celebrating the launch of their new ShortCross Gin.
We were among some of the first to be shown where the spirits are produced, and heard the story of how Echlinville distillery was born from Managing Director, Shane Braniff. Absolute legend. It looks like he's renovating a local hotel so people can visit and stay. Looks awesome.
I was really pleased to be beside a fella' called Gerry White. He is one of Shane's business partner and the brains behind the 'Jawbox' Gin brand. I actually love their branding (and appreciate the design work of the guys at Drinksology in Belfast too). They plied us with the stuff on the night and I've since bought bottles. Shame I can't buy them from Amazon though!
I have to say, the supper was awesome. Anytime I'm fed duck, I'm a happy man. Everything was infused with one of the gins produced there. Nicole was driving so I of course ended up doubling down on everything. I really wish I had of stored them in my SWIG instead. It all went down waay to quickly on the night!
If you get the chance to visit, definitely call by and take a look. Don't worry if you aren't a gin lover, their "Feckin" whisky is also a great shout.
Cheers,
David (#00000)
Despite my mum being absolutely mortified, I was havin' a great time. (She was also mortified at my wee sister who put no bother acting into the show!)
The profile came thanks to Invest NI's Propel Program (Shoutout to Diane R) and was all filmed in a day over at Portview Trade Centre. Nolan was great craic and put up with all the rakers beepin' at his as they drove past (and the ones stoppin' for selfies).
Anyway. Cheers for checking in. I know we're a bit of a secret to Northern Ireland (hiding away on the Newtownards Road), so here are 5 reasons you might like to get to know SWIG...
>I do all my own engraving. So if your lastminute.com and need an amazin' gift- I can hook you up same day (or next if you can't get to Belfast).
>I ship my Naked Flask to over 40 countries... but I'm gutted to only get the occasional wedding order from over here.
>They come gift wrapped so theres no need to run out to Clintons.
>SWIG Wedding Hip Flasks are damn solid.
>I'll usually run a discount for anyone in NI who calls for a Natter (020 3239 5864)
He was after a SWIG, but it had to be purple. No problem! I had a couple of shades in stock (my old summer range was REALLY varied with whatever was available from my leatherworker that week). I set about packaging up one of my light purples in a SWIG numbered well below 500!
He urgently advised me to not do something as ridiculous... as he would only accept a very specific shade. An almost violet purple. One we only had left in our lovely glass cabinet.
I shoo'ed him off. Hinting that I may help him if he comes back in 4 days at the end of the exhibition when I wouldn't need my beautiful display anymore.
I think I saw a tear form, but he maintained his dignity and wished me farewell.
4 days later, guess who returns? He proudly showed me his phone to backup his eagerness... It was one image of him in a full set of Purple Shooting Gear! The exact same shade of purple. Everything- the hat, coat, gloves and shoes... It looked so damn good. and he was so damn proud!
So in honour of this gentleman, I have commissioned the exact same shade for a trial run of 35. Get 'em while they are hot and enjoy. (PS it is 33 now as me and Nicole refuse to share).
Let me know what you think!
Cheers,
David
(#00000)
And so 11 SWIG Union Jack Flasks accompanied Zoe, her crew, coaches to the Rio Olympic games 2016. The hip flasks must've brought them luck, with the team securing Silver on 13th August (Day 8).
A massive congrats to Zoe and the crew, I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching the race - they were so close to gold :O
Have you guys been watching the Olympics? Anyone taken their SWIG hip flask along?
Cheers,
David
(#00000)
Anyway, I digress! What's been happening behind closed doors at Newtownards Road? Well, I've been flat out fulfilling wedding orders, chatting to USA customers about makes them tick and doing some investigative work on a new product (everyone say ooooooo) - more on that one in a couple of weeks.
Update: I'm 13% through my 25% USA milestone set with the Propel Programme through Invest NI so it's looking positive, but I'm not one to rest on my laurels. Loads more to do, some of the feedback has been awesome and completely correct :D (hint: free shipping worldwide for orders over £100)
With all that work there had to be some sort of play, so Nicole took me on a mystery tour which ended up at a Drumbo Park to watch the greyhounds. What a good night, and a random punt in the 6th race made it even better :D (she might talk me into getting a dog yet...although our cat mightn't be as impressed).
That's about it for now, I'm away off for a SWIG and a lie down (phew).
David
(#00000)
]]>Now that I'm based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, I have to travel EVERYWHERE by air... which is fine, there's too many positives of living here to make me complain (too much). But man that 6am departure flight nearly killed my comrades for the trip and I. (Yes you can get a SWIG hip flask through airport security... just not full... that's what duty free is for)
First stop of the day after landing and catching the Gatwick Express was pancakes at the Breakfast Club (by this stage it felt like 2pm in the afternoon). Check them out below - warning if you're hungry cover your eyes and skip to the next part.
Stomach full and slightly more awake I got checked into the hotel, and with my SWIG hip flask filled I went off to meet Stan (#08877). If you haven't heard about Stan before now, you have to read more about him here - what a legend.
Next stop was 58 Gin, now these guys have got some set up! It was absolutely fantastic hearing from Mark how 58 Gin was born -what can I say, I'm a Gin man now, find out more here.
After hearing about what goes in the perfect hip flask, and a little worse for wear (would've been rude not to sample some gin right?) I was dying to find some more inspiration for SWIG... so what does any normal tourist in London do? That's right, off to Harrods I went (momentarily distracted by cakes, technology, and clothes along the way) I found the "hip flask selection". Maybe I was looking in the wrong place, but 2 hip flasks in all of Harrods was all that was on offer. Perhaps I should be contacting Mr Harrod about SWIG?!
And so, exhausted after a couple of days I ventured back home, hip flask in hand. If you have any SWIG adventures you want to share, drop me an email to david.galbraith@swigflasks.com.
Cheers,
David
(#00000)
PS: Take a look at the 58 Gin flask I sent over a couple of weeks ago - man that engraving is something else.
Now that we are at the height of summer, I just had to share this with you guys. Neil did say the Jack Daniels and Bushmills kept them warm on their journey :D
Have you and your SWIG Hip Flask been somewhere awesome? Care to share? Email me at: david.galbraith@swigflasks.com.
Cheers,
David
(#00000)
]]>It's not, "how am I going to look after my flask", but believe me when the morning after the night before dawns and you locate; phone, keys, wallet, flask (phew), you will be thinking how am I going to clean this?
So I've devised a few simple steps to follow to make sure you have years of fun with your SWIG and of course years for future generations to enjoy...
The Rules
1) Rinse the inside of the SWIG hip flask with clean water before filing
2) Always empty you SWIG hip flask after use and rinse it out before refilling
3) Avoid storing spirits in your SWIG hip flask for over 3 days
4) Avoid drinks with an acid content (such as fruit juice or cordial)
Cleaning Instructions
For cleaning your SWIG hip flask, some of these products will help you out...White vinegar (unscented) OR bicarbonate of soda to clean the flask (mix with hot water for the soda) and use rice (without water) to scour the inside/sides.
Until next time, happy SWIG-ing.
Cheers,
David
(#00000)
]]>
Keep an eye out for the next newsletter, and our next SWIG society competition. Got a story to share? Give me an email: david.galbraith@swigflasks.com.
Cheers,
David
(#00000)
Robbie had bought his mum an Orange Executive SWIG Hip Flask (#07615) and told me when ordering how she was off on a trip to Canada.
Of course, I challenged her to bring her SWIG hip flask on the plane (yes it's possible to bring it through security... as long as its not full *sigh*). So I couldn't wait to see the pictures attached...
It's fair to say I was hooked on seeing where she ventured next - I needed to see more, and of course Robbie obliged (check out some of my favourites below).
Have you and your SWIG Hip Flask been somewhere awesome? Care to share? Email me at: david.galbraith@swigflasks.com.
Cheers,
David
(#00000)
]]>The SWIG Society is bowling me over with the amount of pictures I'm getting these days, and the places SWIG hip flasks are getting to see are just insane.
Although sometimes the pictures closer to home are the best ones, check out #02723 and #02724 (both of which have been filled with some awesome Sloe Gin)
(Pictured @ Gorran Haven)
I have to say camping is one of the best occasions to bring a SWIG, and this Executive Blue looks right at home.
(Pictured at Brockenhurst)
Curious as to who is behind the numbers? Check out this blast from the past - celebrating new years in style! Cheers guys.
Got a SWIG Society story to share? I'd love to hear about them, drop me an email; david.galbraith@swigflasks.com
Cheers,
David
(#00000)
]]>
I recently sent out a newsletter to my SWIG hip flask Society members asking their Best SWIG hip flask moment... and of course they rose to the challenge!
Here is just one of my favourites...
Want to read more about Josh's adventures?
Have you got a great SWIG hip flask moment? Why don't you share it with me: david.galbraith@swigflasks.com
Until next time, cheers!
David
(#00000)
]]>I recently sent out my monthly SWIG newsletter to my society members asking for their Best SWIG hip flask moment... and of course they rose to the challenge!
Here is just one of my favourites...
Have you got a great SWIG hip flask moment? Why don't you share it with me: david.galbraith@swigflasks.com
Until next time, cheers!
David
(#00000)
]]>I was reading through my emails early last week, and stumbled upon a customer looking to collect a SWIG Hip Flask in person... Now I have just moved the fulfilment of SWIG Hip Flasks to Belfast (currently surrounded by boxes right up to my ears as we speak) and was thinking how on earth will I get this SWIG Hip Flask to it's rightful owner.
Well we got a talking and I offered the "David Special Delivery Service" (Whereby I deliver it to you in person... can't say fairer than that right?!)
Turns out he is looking a SWIG hip flask to accompany him on his next cruise...now the word "cruise" jumped out at me a mile off! 1) where is SWIG going to sail to 2) what amazing pictures are going to arrive in my inbox 3) maybe I should sort myself out a cruise!
Luckily for me, my future SWIG Society member sent me some cruise info (written by himself!) and a brochure... along with some cool photos shown below...
I'm off to price up some cruises... and of course pack my SWIG Hip Flask.
Cheers!
David
(#00000)
]]>I’ve been flying the Union Jack SWIG® Flask for a couple of months now. But my friends across the pond have been begging me for their own Stars N Stripes SWIG® Flask.
And I hate to say no! So the Stars N Stripes story began, with the pouch landing on my doorstep just a couple of weeks ago and I began to wonder how I would christen it...
Luckily for me I had a few visitors come over to Belfast to try and test it in the flesh! Now I believe a picture says a thousand words… and these guys loved it!
This Stars N Stripes pouch really went above and beyond my expectations, and subsequently found a home with these guys in Portland, Oregon.
If you're not a USA citizen, not to worry! I have other SWIGs where this one came from, check out the Executive SWIG hip flask range now.
Cheers,
David
#00000
I love how creative my SWIG Hip Flask customers are, and you guys just keep surprising me.
I’ve had a couple of messages recently asking about custom tartans and tweeds for their SWIG Hip Flasks (I can only assume to make sure they are super cool and of course a little toasty on a cold day!)
Everything from wondering what to do with a little left over Kilt material....
To daring to believe its even possible
One of my favourites so far was getting this follow up picture through on Facebook…
So... if you’re in doubt to take the plunge into super duper tartan/tweed customisation, I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
The best thing...? No extra charge! Just give me a shout beforehand.
Cheers, David #00000
]]>I like to think of myself as someone who would run to a damsel in distress’ cry for help…but I never thought a SWIG would rush to the aid of one of my SWIG society members (well not in this situation!)
What can I say #02974 I’m so pleased SWIG hip flask could help you out, although I do hope the next time its filled with something better than water!
Cheers!
David
#00000
Stereotypically not something you would hear from a 20 something, Northern Irish male…
OK you got me - I’m a throw on a shirt and a pair of chinos kind of guy… but my SWIG hip flask is something I take more than 2 minutes to dress! So the question now becomes what “outfit” (or pouch) am I going to select for the occasion?
It might sound mad, but you wouldn’t wear jeans and a Hawaiian shirt to a funeral – it’s the same concept with SWIG. I would de-robe my SWIG from its bright orange pouch for a funeral, but if I was rocking my way across Europe – the louder the better!
Here’s some of my favourite SWIG hip flask “outfit changes” for the events you will experience in your life.
1) A Sporting Event
Wind, rain, hail or shine, there is a SWIG hip flask pouch for every sporting adventure. I especially love this blue executive with the snow, and I’m sure it’s not reflective of the fiery contents!
2) A Night on the Town
Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd, a bit of pink never hurt anyone. (disclaimer: we were assured was manly contents in this one)
3) A Networking Event
I have to admit, the yellow executive is one of my favourite pouches in the collection. It brings sunshine to any rainy, or nerve wracking day.
4) A Backpacking Adventure
A SWIG hip flask is best shared, and you guys have knocked me out with some of the pictures I’ve received. Check out that view man!
5) A Wedding
Having an outdoorsy wedding? This executive green SWIG hip flask just adds to the subtle theme (the suit doesn't do any harm either)
6) A Christening
An occasion to be celebrated, but I feel the executive brown SWIG hip flask is about right for this, you don’t want to detract from the main event.
7) A Holiday
This snap was captured on one of the last days of our holiday last year, the executive blue SWIG hip flask just added to the magic of Islands of Adventure.
So… next time you’re leaving the house... Remember
What will my SWIG wear tonight?
These are just a few that have popped up in the last year or so, but my awesome society members are sending me snaps from their SWIG moments on a daily basis. If you haven’t shared yours yet, sign up here and drop me an email!
Stuck for outfit changes? Find our pouch range here.
Cheers!
David (#00000)
]]>