A cork-insulated cooler having a constant friction hinge assembly is described. The cooler is comprised of an outer basin having an open top, a plurality of cork panels lining the outer basin, a transparent inner basin having an open top which is constructed and arranged to hold and maintain the plurality of cork panels against the outer basin, a lid hingedly connected to the inner and outer basin, such that the lid can be positioned anywhere between a completely closed position to a completely open position and anywhere in between with the lid supporting itself in the chosen position.