The Joy of Hex
Hexual Relations (aka Monkey Business)
In 1972, Dr. Alex Comfort published The Joy of Sex, his famous “Gourmet Guide to Love Making”, with chapters sectioned like a cook book (“appetizers”, “main course”) and illustrations of one of the actual artists and his wife. Fast forward to 2020 and we find one of the more enjoyable developments to emerge from that miserable year, paying homage to this playful piece of history. It’s something we can all take some Comfort in, as it turns out.
The Joy of Hex by Two Brass Monkeys
From the mischievous minds at play in the Two Brass Monkeys workshop in merry old England comes their most raucous achievement yet, a set of twelve hexagonal burrs stick puzzles that are sure to make you blush. Steve Nicholls and Ali Morris partnered with Derek Bosch from the US to analyze all possible solid twelve piece burrs containing no solid key piece, based on Coffin’s original Hexsticks concept. From the thousands of potential designs, they created three showcase puzzles in their signature brass. The “Missionary” is their “gateway” hex puzzle, for those who have “never had hex before”; “Bish, Bash, Bosch” is a complex coordinated motion design perfect for those who enjoy naked Twister; and “Group Hex” is a design using 8 different types of notched pieces that will test your boundaries. They have also cleverly selected the pieces for these three individual puzzles to compliment a master burr set, which allows for 97,000 different assemblies! That’s a lot of hex. They thoughtfully produced a lovely book to go with the master burr set, “The Joy of Hex”. It includes 30 of their favorite hexual positions as a guide to which twelve pieces to select for maximum variety and enjoyment. It’s a wonderful bonus to tempt hex addicts into purchasing the whole master set. Think of it as master bait.
This one goes to eleven
Nonetheless, I am not much of a burr solver, and typically steer clear of this type of puzzle. The few burrs I have accomplished have had the classic 6 pieces, or possibly 9 at most. Despite the obvious hex appeal exuding from the Brass Monkey’s new creations, the thought of 12 pieces was too daunting and I steered clear. I suppose I was practicing safe hex. Which is truly a shame, as I might have never known about Position 11, a glorious arrangement of interlocking limbs that was literally made for me. It turns out that a few positions in the Joy of Hex manual are named after notorious personalities in the puzzle world, also known as prior friends of the Two Monkeys. I certainly learned a lot of useful information about everyone’s no longer private hexual practices, much of which I have found to be truly inspiring. The manual even contains, like in the original book, an illustration of one of the actual artists, which is sure to be the next multimillion dollar NFT. This particular version of the set has become a personal favorite now, not least due to the generosity and humor of a friend. The guide book explains that Position 11 is best approached with a classy alcoholic beverage, which is simply a brilliant idea.
Another hexual orientation
I know Steve really wanted to use the term “cock tale” rather than “classy alcoholic beverage” (he mentions this), but perhaps he is not aware of the true origins of the word. It is derived from the old practice of feaguing a race horse:
To feague a horse; to put ginger up a horse’s fundament, and formerly, as it is said, a live eel, to make him lively and carry his tail well; - Francis Grose, A Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, 1811
Bartenders of the day would often spice up a drink with a bit of ginger as well, a practice known as adding a little “cock-tail”. I mention all this of course in the spirit of research, as perhaps there is one additional hex position in need of creation. I know Ali and Steve are always up for a bit of horse play.
Someone had to do it
The obvious choice of beverage to get in the mood for this puzzle might seem to involve a trip to the beach, and the Monkeys do mention this in the manual. But clearly that combination of vodka with peach schnapps, orange and cranberry juice is the stuff of spring breaks and lost memories. I once created a modern “craft” update to the old party classic, keeping the peach, orange and cranberry flavors but using fresh ingredients and liqueurs, and highlighting the Mai Tai like elements of the drink. It’s really good and would be a perfect aphrodisiac for “Position 11”.
The Joy of Hex
But I wanted to toast the entire creation with something everyone could enjoy, no matter what type of hex you are into. I still used the template for Position 11, though, in a way. That design has five distinct pieces, of which four are present in equal parts, and the fifth in a double dose. Assuming that each piece represents 1/12 of the whole volume, the recipe came together as designed, using the classic Boulevardier as the anchor, one of my favorite drinks. I’ve split the base with bourbon and rum, and added a touch of sweet port on the finish. Boozy, spicy and sweet – it’s damn good hex. Cheers!
One hexy pair
The Joy of Hex
1 oz Bourbon
½ oz aged rum
½ oz Campari
½ oz Bonal
½ oz tawny port (Sandeman 20 yr)
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with an erotic slice of citrus … if you dare.
(Ready to go again? Bonus cocktail!)
Under Mai Umbrella (A Sex on the Beach Redux)
1 oz Plantation OFTD
¾ oz Campari
½ oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curacao
¾ oz Leopold Bros New England Cranberry liqueur
½ ripe peach
Muddle peach and shake ingredients vigorously with ice. Double strain over glass with fresh crushed ice. Garnish with something a-peeling (strategically placed umbrella optional).
Its only fun until the sand gets in your pieces
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