This is the Bar10der See what they did there? It's a Swiss Army knife-style fold-out tool containing 10 of the most-used bartending tools. This was sent to us from Firebox.
Billed as the 'ultimate at-home bartending tool' rather than for professional use - we're getting that caveat out there early - it's a sturdy contraption made of stainless steel with a rubberised handle. It doesn't quite fit in your pocket as a result of the dual use muddler/reamer at one end and the jigger at the other, but otherwise the 4-inch blade, channel knife, zester, stirrer, strainer and corkscrew fold in and out easily enough (the bottle opener makes 10). The idea being this tool provides the home enthusiast with everything needed (except a shaker) to concoct mixed drinks at home; the Victorinox of the bar?
That said, there are certain intrinsic problems. For example, you have to be careful when using the muddler that you don't catch the hinge and cause the tool to fold in on itself - sure to cause your Mojito to make friends with the floor. The strainer is also limited in its usefulness, looking more like a perforated golf club than a traditional julep. The nature of the design also makes it likely that it would be quick to get sticky in the crevices of the tool. The paper cocktail recipe booklet probably won't last long.
Priced at £30 (plus delivery), this clearly works out cheaper than buying a full bar-kit, but if you're making drinks for your friends all-night-long it would quickly get irritating to be constantly folding the tools you need in and out. Perhaps best reserved for picnics?
