“And the star?”
“That represents Jacob Elijah.”
“So what’s that?” Harriet asked and pointed at the sketch where Goose had drawn the strange fabric. She squinted at the paper and saw he had labeled it. “Does that say burlap?”
“Burlap,” Goose confirmed with a nod.
“Why?
“In the past, I understand that farmers bundled their corn using burlap,” he explained and took the sketch from her. “They stored the corn that way before making their whiskey.”
She blinked, befuddled by the design.
Goose took his pen and pointed to the burlap.
“The past.” He moved his pen to rest on the sketch of the burlap wrap around the bottle’s neck. “The present,” he continued, and the pen tapped each of the four tiny ovals.
“And the future,” she finished for him, her finger landing on the star.
“There’s more.” He pulled out another piece of paper containing the sketch of a simple label. “This would be tied onto the bottle with a red ribbon,” he explained. “It’s a small metal card or thick paper tag.”
The words matched the symbolism of the label design.
Honor the past
Enjoy in the present
Forever is the future
“You really are quite clever, you know that?” Harriet put a hand on his cheek and kissed him.
“I’m not that clever. Not like Hannah. That woman is a marketing genius. She got that press release out, struck while the iron was hot, so to speak. Keeps stoking interest in this idea, in the Old Garnet brand. She also suggested that we give at least the first numbered barrel to Jacob Elijah.”
“That really would make him a bourbon baby,” Harriet joked.
“No, not to give him the bourbon. Designate one barrel of Elijah’s Choice as his and auction it off. The money would go to his college fund. Insisted on doing it for Rachel and Brady.”
“That is genius,” Harriet concurred.
Goose went on to reveal that Lila had proposed a barrel be given for auction to the local animal rescue organization since she’d heard from Pepper Montrose that the group was so short of funds that they were considering ceasing operations.
“There’s one more sketch here that might interest you.” He pulled one last sheet from the bottom of a stack and handed it to her.
It was a drawing of a ring, and he had labeled it at the top.
Harriet’s engagement ring
The center stone was an oval-cut diamond, flanked by three baguette-cut garnets on each side and set into the band.
“I started sketching the bottle design earlier in the week but kept coming up cold. So I stopped and made this sketch,” he said. “Once I got that done, the bottle design came easily.”
“This is really going to be my ring?” she asked in a whisper, her eyes fixed on the image.
“If you want it to be. I mean, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to—”
“Hush! I love it! It’s perfect!” She threw her arms around him and kissed him.
Goose told her that there was a jeweler in Lexington that Kyle and Hannah had recommended, and he suggested that they drive up the next day. But she told him she couldn’t go.
“I have an interview tomorrow,” she said. “I’ve applied to be the new school board attorney. They’ve gotten tired of hiring outside counsel from Lexington and want someone local. And I’ve gotten tired of private practice, that’s for sure.”
“Sounds like a perfect match,” he said and wished her luck. “So we’ll have to wait until the weekend to get to Lexington, I guess.”
They stood, and Goose gathered his sketches and put them in a folder before checking the time. “Thank goodness. Almost closing time.”
“As a new owner, you’re awfully anxious to get out of here,” she said, moving toward the door.
“I am anxious. I’m more than ready.”
She switched off the light and waited for him to come to her. They stood before the door in the dimness of an early winter’s twilight that was quickly dwindling.
“Ready for forever?” she asked.
Goose threw his folder on a nearby countertop and took her in his arms. “Well, yeah,” he admitted. “But I had a more specific thing in mind when I meant I was ready.” He looked down.
At her boots.
Harriet laughed. “Good thing these are new boots.”
“Why is that?”
“It seems you want to wear them out.”
“That,” he said and took Harriet by the hand, opened the door, and pulled her from the room, “is exactly what I have in mind for tonight and forever.”
Bits about Bourbon
Town Branch
Town Branch Distillery is on the edge of downtown Lexington and is a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™. In FILTERED THROUGH BLUE, Hannah went to the parking lot of this distillery during the time she lived in Lexington just to get a whiff of the mash. Bourbon isn’t the only produce at Town Branch; they make beer too. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, “the Beer of Bourbon Country,” as they call it, is made here (the corporate parent is Alltech). Beware: this beer, aged in bourbon barrels, packs a punch.
Easter Eggs
The Book Title
The book’s title is, of course, drawn from the “opposites” idea of the bourbon flavor wheel. Most flavor wheels have cedar and cinnamon as opposites; the Woodford Reserve flavor wheel does not have them as exact opposites (which is actually more appropriate to Harriet and Goose’s story).
It was in the Woodford Reserve tasting room (and standing almost exactly where I took this picture) where I got the idea for the title of this book. I saw the wheel on the wall of the room and was fascinated with the number of flavors represented. When I saw cedar and cinnamon, I immediately loved the idea and the distinct, alliterative quality of the title.
Harriet’s name
Harriet’s first name is in honor of Harriet Vane, the fictional creation of Dorothy L. Sayers, the author of the Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries.
The Singing Bridge
The Singing Bridge, mentioned in the segment when Harriet and Goose go to Frankfort, is a local landmark and makes a unique whirring noise as you drive over it.
William Goebel
William Goebel holds the dubious honor of being the only governor in US history to be assassinated. As mentioned by Harriet, there is a plaque on the grounds of the Old State Capitol in Kentucky where he fell after being shot.
The History Mobile/Justice John Marshall Harlan
The Kentucky Historical Society has a History Mobile which it takes to schools and fairs around the state. I often see it parked in front of the History Center in downtown Frankfort. The pictures of the History Mobile on the Pinterest board for this book were taken by me at the 2015 Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.
Justice John Marshall Harlan sat on the US Supreme Court. A native Kentuckian who attended my alma mater, Centre College, he came to Frankfort to practice law. During the Civil War, as a member of the local militia, he helped defend Frankfort from a Confederate attack. He is known to history as The Great Dissenter, and most famously for his dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).
Cinnamon Garnet
First, the bad news.
I don’t have a recipe for Cinnamon Garnet. I’ve toyed with making a version of this ice cream, but usually the bourbon overwhelms the cinnamon. So Goose’s family recipe will have to remain a secret to the world until I hit upon the right ingredient combination.
Now, the good news.
I have a great recipe for vanilla bourbon ice cream! Taste tested on my own family! (they still live and heartily approved) This recipe produces a nice, light treat; no cooking of eggs involved (so not as creamy but easier and quick to make). Goes well on top of apple and pecan pie.
I used a Rival ice cream maker; this is a recipe for four (4) quarts:
4 cups whipping cream
4 cups half & half
&
nbsp; 2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Combine ingredients in ice cream can and operate according to manufacturer’s directions.
Linsey Steele
Linsey’s last name comes from Steele Road in Woodford County, Kentucky (the county where I live). Steele Road runs through prime Bluegrass, and is one of the roads to Woodford Reserve Distillery.
Jacob Elijah Craft
If you read SECRET SAUCE, the short story which connects SECRET BLEND and FILTERED THROUGH BLUE, I hope you saw the connection.
Why Jacob? From Jacob Beam, the first member of the Beam bourbon dynasty.
Why Elijah? From Elijah Craig, the man who purportedly “invented” bourbon in Kentucky. The name is also in honor of Elijah Pepper, the man who established the Pepper Distillery, which is now known as Woodford Reserve.
Also, the bottle design for Elijah’s Choice as described in the Epilogue is the same shape as a bottle of Woodford Reserve. That bottle was inspired by the shape of the stone-filled window in the distillery. You can see it if you go there; it’s behind the spirit safe, and the Woodford Reserve logo hangs on the same wall. The outline is faint but there. You can see a picture of what I’m talking about on the Pinterest board for this book.
The burlap on the bottle of Elijah’s Choice comes from the Ridgemont Reserve bottle, a product of Barton in Bardstown. I learned about the meaning of the burlap during the tasting after a tour (they have free tours!). I asked why the burlap was there, and the guide said it was a nod to how corn used to be stored.
Parker and George
Parker Davenport’s name is in honor of the recently retired master distiller at Heaven Hill, Parker Beam. Yes, one of those Beams.
George Davenport’s name is in honor of George Garvin Brown, a founder of Brown Forman, the parent company of Woodford Reserve.
Free bourbon ball with every fill-up!
I don’t know of such a place in Kentucky that offers this benefit, but I got the basic idea from a well-loved bakery/gas station in Woodford County, DoughDaddy’s, which offers a free donut or pastry with every fill up. DoughDaddy’s is at the intersection of the Bluegrass Parkway and US 60 in eastern Woodford County, in case you want to visit.
A nonbourbon recipe!
But it has plenty of corn in it, so that should count for something. This is the dish Harriet takes to Hannah and Kyle’s Thanksgiving dinner. This is the easiest corn pudding recipe ever. As in embarrassingly easy to make.
Grease or spray 9x13 pan; Oven at 350F
1 8 oz. package Jiffy Corn Muffin/Bread Mix
2 eggs
8 oz. (one stick) melted margarine or butter
8 oz. (one cup) sour cream
1 can creamed corn
1 can whole kernel corn (undrained)
Mix all ingredients together. Pour into pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes, depending on your oven. When toothpick can be removed without anything on it, dish is done.
About the Author
Jennifer Bramseth is the pen name of a practicing attorney in Kentucky. She lives within minutes of several legendary bourbon distilleries and her house is next to a major horse farm. She enjoys her Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey with water and ice.
Goodreads
Find my Pinterest board for this book—see the series logo, logos for Over a Barrel, Old Garnet, and lots more
For more information
@jennbramseth
jenniferbramseth
greetings.jenniferbramseth.com
[email protected]
Playlist
Cedar And Cinnamon
Shine by Breaking Grass (from Just as Strong, 2014) (this song makes me cry every time I hear it)
Beautiful Night by Paul McCartney (from Flaming Pie, 1997)
Give it All We Got Tonight by George Straight (from Album, 2013)
You Don’t Run Across My Mind by Irene Kelley (from Pennsylvania Coal, 2014)
Dooley by The Dillards
Inside Out by Phil Collins (from No Jacket Required, 1985)
playlist on my website
Copyright © 2015 Jennifer Bramseth
All rights reserved
No part of the book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotation in a book review.
Created with Vellum
Distilled Heat
The Bourbon Springs Series, Book 6
For everyone at
Old Friends
at Dream Chase Farm
Georgetown, Kentucky
and especially to the memory of Gulch, 1984-2016
Distil or Distill
* * *
To draw out, extract, rectify, purify; to draw out the essential elements
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Victory Editing
Thank you again, Mary Jo
Cover design by Kim Killion
1
Pepper sat on the edge of her bed, newspaper in her left hand, lottery ticket in her right.
She didn’t know why she kept checking. She’d already done that countless times. The numbers hadn’t changed. But knowing her luck, she secretly feared they actually would.
Pepper had finally glanced at her ticket after one of the other teachers at school burst into the teachers’ lounge a few days earlier, claiming there was a news report that a winning ticket had been sold at Carlon’s service station. Naturally that bit of information had sent all of Bourbon Springs into an uproar. And then the news emerged that the ticket in question was the only winning ticket for that particular lottery drawing.
In her hand, Pepper was holding a small, thin, square piece of paper worth, according to the news reports, $55 million. And that was the lump-sum, after-taxes amount. When she’d bought the thing, the jackpot was much lower. Only a mere $30 million.
It was mind-boggling, ridiculous, and exhilarating.
Her whole life was about to dramatically and irrevocably change.
Maybe that’s why she’d kept checking those numbers.
Complete disbelief.
Since her teens, everything had been a struggle. Her dad’s disbarment and imprisonment, her parents’ divorce, moving from house to house due to near poverty, and a deep sense of disgrace (although she’d done nothing wrong) had made life very hard.
No shortcuts. No easy choices. No lucky breaks. No Prince Charming to ride in and save her.
That definitely hadn’t happened.
What little slice of happiness she’d managed to swipe from that stupid thing called the banquet of life turned out to be a big pile of rancid regret.
The guy she’d thought was her prince really was a toad. He’d certainly started off as a prince. They had been fellow teachers at the same elementary school. But he became something worse than a toad; he turned into a drug-addicted monster. And even though he’d cleaned up his act and they had tried to reconcile, he couldn’t stay sober. When he died of an overdose a few months after his last falling-off-the-wagon episode, she’d been sad but not surprised. And, she was ashamed to admit, relieved. At least she couldn’t make that mistake again.
So how could something so fortuitous like a lottery win finally happen to bad-luck Pepper Montrose?
Or was it a good thing?
Of course it was, she told herself.
No more money problems. That was the top thing she could mark off her worry list.
She would at last have a place to call home. No more moves, no more nasty landlords, no more eviction worries.
Her mother could finally get the care she so desperately needed.
And Pepper could get a break from the soul-crushing burden of being a caregiver for someone she loved, watching as her mother slipped away forever into the f
og of Alzheimer’s.
Pepper could quit her job and spend more time—what little they had left—with her mother. That surely was a godsend.
And she could bail out the Craig County Animal Rescue Crew. She could fund a new facility, and they could hire more staff.
A new facility…
The wheels in her mind started to spin.
It was the first time since she’d realized she’d won the lottery that Pepper felt truly excited about it.
She was thinking not so much of herself but what she could do with her new fortune to help others.
That was where the true joy would be found.
A big part of her was still scared—terrified, actually—of so much money. So much change at once.
And while comfort and security would be most welcome (and unfamiliar) companions, there would still be a price to be paid for such benefits.
She knew people would see her differently, treat her differently, would want things from her. A loss of anonymity was part of the deal as well.
But hopefully the people who really mattered to Pepper—her friends, like Lila, Harriet, and even Jon—would see her the same way.
And when she thought of Jon Buckler, she knew it was finally time to call him. There wasn’t anyone else she wanted to help her through the craziness to come.
Because Elizabeth Joy Montrose—the small-town-schoolteacher-turned-lottery-winner the world beyond little Bourbon Springs, Kentucky, would soon know as Pepper—was in desperate need of a lawyer.
Bourbon Springs Box Set: Volume II, Books 4-6 (Bourbon Springs Box Sets Book 2) Page 61