Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 76205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
I thought Brianna and I would taste different whiskies, not be shoved into Edinburgh’s version of Pirates of the Caribbean.
I need an attitude adjustment, but apparently that part of the experience happens later.
Despite myself, however, I find the tour interesting. We “travel” through the various stages of whisky production, including mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation, though the “scenic views” of the Scottish countryside pale in comparison to the real thing. Not that I’ve seen much of the countryside, nor will I, as we leave for Glasgow tomorrow. I guess I’ll see it through the train window.
The ride takes about twenty minutes.
“I hope you enjoyed that immersive experience,” George says.
“Yes, it was fabulous!” Brianna gushes. “When do we taste?”
Ah, yes… Brianna is my girl.
George laughs. “You like whisky, then?”
“I like bourbon,” she says. “I don’t know a lot about Scotch, but I’ve had it a few times back home.”
“Where are you from?”
“The US.”
“I know that, lassie. Where in the States?”
“Oh. Sorry. Colorado. The western slope.”
“I see. I doubt you’ve had much good whisky. Or Scotch, as you yanks say. You’re in for a treat.”
Brianna takes George’s comment in stride, but clearly he doesn’t know who he’s talking to. Bree and her family drink only the best liquor.
We enter a room filled with an extensive collection of whiskies from different regions of Scotland.
“Here are the diverse range of whisky brands and styles, each representing the distinct characteristics of its region,” George says. “There’s single malt and single grain whisky. Malt whiskies are complex and smoky, while grain tends to be lighter and sweeter. In the States, you’ve probably tasted single malt whisky.”
“Maybe,” Brianna says. “Jesse?”
“I don’t have a clue,” I say dryly.
“We’ll taste one of each,” George says. He leads us to a bar where several bottles stand. “Have a seat.”
Once we’re seated, George pours each of us a glass of amber liquid. “This is a single malt from the Highlands of Scotland. Swirl it around in your glass and capture the aroma.”
Brianna swirls like an expert. I feel foolish. Still, I swirl and sniff. Hmm… Not bad. It smells almost…floral. Weird.
“Now taste it,” George says. “Let it sit on your tongue for a moment before you swallow. It should feel velvety in your mouth.”
Brianna takes a sip and holds it. I do the same but swallow right away. Ugh. Not impressed. Though I enjoyed the scent, the flavor is kind of like dirt.
“Well?” George asks.
“Delicious,” Brianna says. “Mossy and peaty. With a slight… I don’t know. A flower of some sort.”
“Orange blossom?” George asks.
“Yes! That’s it.” She takes another sip, finishing her sample.
“And you, sir,” George says to me. “How did you find the whisky?”
“I’m not a fan.” I set my glass down.
“Perhaps you’ll like the single grain better.”
“Brianna’s the whisky drinker here,” I say. “I’m more of a beer man.”
“Then I hope you’ll be able to sample the wide range of Scottish ales. Some of the finest.”
“Why didn’t you arrange a beer experience?” Brianna asks.
“Because I knew you’d enjoy this more.”
She smiles at me, and in that moment, the peaty Scotch is the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted, other than Brianna’s pussy, of course.
I make it through the rest of the tasting with my tongue intact. Good thing, as I’ll be putting it to use later. Once we leave, I turn to Brianna.
“I have another surprise for you,” I say.
“Oh?”
“Yes. We leave tomorrow for Glasgow, as you know, but not until noon. Tonight we’ll be dining together at the Dome.”
“The Dome?”
“Yeah. I know how you Steels love to eat, so I asked the concierge where to take you for an elegant dinner that has a mix of Scottish and other cuisine.”
“But Maddie…”
“I offered to let her tag along, but she insisted you and I go alone.”
“She did?”
“Yeah.” I squeeze Brianna around her waist. “I think she’s accepting the two of us. She’ll come around.”
“I hope so. I hate that this bothers her so much.”
“I do too, baby. We’ll both take care of her.”
According to the concierge at the Waldorf, the Dome restaurant in Edinburgh is known for its grand and opulent ambience, and it features luxurious decor that exudes elegance and sophistication. His words, not mine.
Brianna and I arrive at the historic building. Brianna’s eyes go wide at the entrance’s classic columns and grand doorway.
“Thinking of your sister again?” I ask.
“Yeah. For sure. She’d love all this architecture. She should really be here.”
“She’ll come someday.” We walk into the restaurant and are greeted by the host.
But Brianna’s eyes are still circles. The atrium is adorned with intricately designed columns, marble floors, and an eye-catching central dome with a stained-glass ceiling. Hence the name of the restaurant, I guess.
The host leads us to our table, and above us hangs a crystal chandelier. This is pure elegance…and I feel totally out of place.