After work, my grandfather, Lin Cross, would relax with a Scotch on the rocks. It was a ritual he enjoyed. I remember the color, the smell, the click-click-click of decanting, the ice cubes clinking in the glass. This was years before I ever tried one.
I remember sometime in the month or two after I turned 21, Gramp saying “Would you like to try a Scotch?” I remember being less than eager and him prevailing with, “It’s a gentleman’s drink, you should try it.” He poured. I remember studying the glass, the color-rich amber-brown. I remember smelling it and Gramp saying, “It’s strong. You won’t like it at first, but after four or five tries over a period of time it will grow on you. You’ll come to like it; it’s an acquired taste.” I took a sip; it burned and tasted like gasoline. I couldn’t believe that he willingly indulged.
Over the next several months, though, when I visited I’d try one again, and much to my surprise, it grew on me. Something changed; I could feel the shifting taste perception. I came to appreciate its richness, its subtlety, and nuances of flavor.
Though I have a Scotch on the rocks only occasionally now, a good glass of Scotch takes me back to that evening on my Grandfather’s porch in Cumberland Foreside, Maine. A good glass of Scotch always gives me an opportunity to sit with my Grandfather again. R.H.P.
This is a special piece of jewelry. The shape of the gem citrine and the pendant remind me of Scotland’s John Haig & Company famous 15-year Dimple Pinch Scotch Whiskey bottle. The little diamond is an ice cube, of course, floating above. It’s adorable. Natural honey-amber-gold whiskey-colored citrine. Gems are set in 14K white & yellow gold. The chain is 14K yellow gold and 18” long.
