Dad’s Two Cents
Puzzle Prescriptions: Apothecary Part II
An apothecary should never be out of spirits. - Richard Brinsley Sheridan
I quite agree with the sentiment in this quote, and have therefore paired a unique cocktail with each of the fine findings inside this chest. Next, we discover in our hands a rather unassuming looking box from a highly sought after puzzle maker from Oklahoma, Mark McCallum. Mark is known for his precise assembly puzzles and his recreations of classics, using fine exotic woods. Inside the drawer, which opens after a little trick is discovered, one is not disappointed and finds a lovely multifaceted polyhedron known as the “Thick and Thin Garnet”. This is an elegant assembly puzzle made from six identical, irregular pieces. Housed inside there is another, smaller garnet waiting. The drawer is, in fact, two puzzles in one. The box which holds the garnet is called “Dad’s Two Cents” and contains its own secret, with a rather unique feature not seen on any other puzzle box that I have encountered. You’ll have to use your wits, and perhaps your garnet, to understand the meaning of the name, and discover a critical component of the metapuzzle. It’s a shame that Mark McCallum doesn’t design more puzzle boxes, because this one is a “gem”.
Thick and Thin Garnet with Dad's Two Cents by Mark McCallum
I’ve mined the cocktail history books to unearth another garnet for this garnet. The Garnet cocktail is found all the way back in the 2012 Mr. Boston’s Official Bartender’s Guide. Not exactly ancient, but kind of perfect nonetheless. The drink, which combines gin with orange liqueur, pomegranate and grapefruit, is light, refreshing, sweet, and shiny - just the thing for the start of something extraordinary. Cheers!
The Garnet from Mr. Boston’s Guide 2012
1 ½ oz Gin
¾ oz orange liqueur
¾ oz pomegranate juice
¾ oz grapefruit juice
Shake ingredients together over ice and strain into a favorite glass. Flame an orange peel over the drink and garnish with a cocktail ring. Enjoy while providing your companions with your two cents.
A couple of real gems