Wolves at the Door

Ready for a spooky tale of harrowing horror, just in time for Halloween? Well, I suppose this tale won’t terrify, but it is from a collection of one of the original horror stories – Grimm’s Fairytales.  If you’ve actually read any of the originals, you’ll agree – most of these “children’s” stories are quite grotesque and some are downright horrifying. 

The Wolf from Grimm by Osamu Kasho

For their “Story” themed exhibition, Osamu Kasho of the Karakuri Creation Group tapped into these tales and made a box called “The Wolf from Grimm”.  Kasho tends to create whimsical boxes with soft curves and almost cartoon like features.  I love his playful style and craftsmanship.  This one is no exception, rendering the Big Bad Wolf from the fairytale in contrasting walnut and maple, laying on his back fast asleep.  Admittedly, I imagined that this was the wolf from the Little Red Riding Hood story, of which I am more familiar.  Kasho mentions in his description of the box that the wolf has a big belly, and wonders what could be inside.  Indeed, there is something rattling around in there.  I thought I might find Granny, freshly devoured, inside the wolf’s cavernous stomach.  But there is another tale which stars the wolf as well, “The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids”, in which he devours a family of young goats by tricking them in a few clever ways.  We find the evidence of his treachery inside the belly of Kasho’s wolf.  So the next time someone knocks at your door, perhaps wearing a disguise, beware – especially if he or she says, “Trick or Treat!”  He might just want to eat you!

One too many, Mr. Wolf?  Of what, is the question ...

For Halloween and to continue the Big Bad Wolf theme I made a late night cocktail perfect for sipping on a crisp autumn All Hallow’s eve.  Created by innovative New York mixologist Jason Walsh, the “Grannies Nightcap” is a boozy bourbon surprise.  It starts out as a traditional Manhattan, with rye and sweet vermouth, but adds layers of flavor and depth with the addition of the intensely bitter Fernet Branca, which is balanced with the honey sweet scotch liqueur Drambuie.  I can see Granny in the forest now, taking perfectly good care of herself by offering the wolf this potent nightcap, then watching him pass out by her fireside.  Trick or Treat, everyone.  Cheers!

Granny's Nightcap by Jason Walsh

Grannies Nightcap by Jason Walsh

1 oz Rittenhouse Rye

1 ½ oz Sweet Vermouth (such as Noilly Pratt, but not Carpano)

½ oz Fernet Branca

½ oz Drambuie

Stir with ice and strain into a favorite glass.  Express lemon peel oil over the drink and garnish with a terrifying grin.

Trick or Treat!

For more from Osamu Kasho see: