Sequence Logic
Born Again
Back from the Victorian Age where he got lost in a good book, returns American craftsman Jesse Born to his workshop in upstate New York. You may recall his Victorian Book puzzle box, a beautiful and mysteriously ornate work full of secrets and surprises. Emerging from that ancient era he has produced something rather logical – the “Sequence Logic” box. A beautiful, polished box crafted from gorgeous exotic hardwoods including Katalox (Mexican Ebony), Tulip Poplar, Cherry, Maple and Bird’s Eye Maple, the Sequence Logic box is full of wonderful details both outside and in. Most striking are the colorful banded dovetailed bars on the front, which are quickly determined to slide back and forth. These seem to interact with the two sets of vertical bars which appear to be locking things in place. Things start to happen as the various bars are moved, but it’s not so simple – as the name suggests, there’s a specific sequence to this logic which is required.
Sequence Logic Box by Jesse Born
It’s all complex and confusing enough that once you have cracked this code and revealed the beautiful interior of the box, set it aside for some time and returned, you may struggle again to determine the sequence. Even better, once the box is opened, there is a lovely mechanism inside which allows you to reset the bars however you would like to create a completely different sequence. It’s a really nice touch and adds an additional element of enjoyment and layer of complexity to this incredible piece. Jesse spends a long time designing his boxes and often goes through numerous prototypes before he is satisfied. For the Sequence Logic box he created no fewer than six prototypes, for example, before settling on the final mechanism and design. All that effort and attention to detail clearly show.
Beautiful details and exotic woods with a polished finish
To toast this fine box I’ll stick to the sequence and offer something equally special. The “Exit Strategy” comes via Natasha David of New York’s Nightcap, who took her inspiration from the classic Manhattan but left it far behind. At Nightcap, Co-owners David Kaplan, Alex Day (both from Death and Co.) and David focus on simple, elegant drinks which would be great for a last call – even if the night is still young. The Exit Strategy embraces this idea right down to the name.
Exit Strategy by Natasha David
Originally based around the unique American craft brandy Germain-Robin, I substituted another incredible American craft brandy from Nappa Valley Distillery. The “Grand California” is an infusion of their wonderful Sauvignon grape brandy with locally sourced orange peels, which is then aged to perfection in oak barrels. The mixture of Amaro Nonino, with flavors of thyme, menthol and orange, and Amaro Meletti, with its delightful saffron, caramel and burnt orange flavors, create something truly spectacular with this brandy. I added a few drops of Beehive Bitters’ incredible spiced orange bitters to seal the deal. The drink is sophisticated, sweet and sultry, perfect for a little late night logic. This is one exit strategy that will keep you coming, just so you have an excuse for going. It might not help you find the exit to the Sequence Logic box, but you won’t mind. Cheers!
The logical way to plan your exit
Exit Strategy by Natasha David
1 ½ oz Amaro Nonino
¾ oz Germain-Robin Craft Method Brandy (I used Grand Californian from Nappa Valley Distillery)
¼ oz Meletti Amaro
6 drops salt solution (I substituted Beehive Bitters Spiced Orange)
orange twist garnish
Stir ingredients together with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with an orange twist and start working on the exit strategy - for the liquid in your glass.
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