Queen of Hearts

LCPP - Part IX

One, two! One, two! And through and through

The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!

- Lewis Carroll

It’s the time of year that makes the heartstrings vibrate again. Never one to miss a chance for highlight a particularly lovely puzzle or potion, I always have something special to offer my fellow puzzling paramours each year. This year is no exception, except in that it’s exceptional. It just so happens that the next puzzle from the Lewis Carroll Puzzle Project series is perfect for Valentine’s Day - what a coincidence! Greek puzzle artist Mike Toulouzas creates some of the most interesting, beautiful and devious puzzles in the world. He has produced many types, including complex interlocking take apart / put together designs, fiendish packing puzzles, and occasionally, a stunning puzzle box too. While he is technically a hobbyist wood worker, his skills are far superior to most mere mortals and he has won many international awards for his creations. His contribution to the Lewis Carroll Puzzle Project jumps out from the rest in a few memorable ways.

“When I received the letter from Peter Hajek for my potential collaboration in something big like this … I was thrilled! Plus! I was lucky enough to be from the ones to be asked from the very very beginning of the puzzle project so I had the opportunity of being asked which character I would like to represent. I do not know why, but immediately the Queen of Hearts came to my mind. It was as if I did not choose her, but rather as if she chose me!” The box itself is visually compelling on its own, but knowing the story and character behind it lets you see it in a new light. The striking red paduak heart on top is also unmistakable. The Queen is a rather imperious and demands attention, but don’t be afraid.

From the book Alice in Wonderland:

When the procession came opposite to Alice, they all stopped and looked at her, and the Queen said severely “Who is this?” She said it to the Knave of Hearts, who only bowed and smiled in reply.

“Idiot!” said the Queen, tossing her head impatiently; and, turning to Alice, she went on, “What’s your name, child?”

“My name is Alice, so please your Majesty,” said Alice very politely; but she added, to herself, “Why, they’re only a pack of cards, after all. I needn’t be afraid of them!”

Whether by fate or fortune, Mike chose wisely. His best creations come to be in just this way, through a natural process of inspiration that moves him in a certain direction. He likes to “follow his heart” when designing a new puzzle, which took on even greater metaphorical meaning for this particular puzzle box. He envisioned a few details that would define the piece, like “dots” in his mind: “1) Curves because she is a Lady, and a Queen (The curves resemble to bent cards as well …) 2) The dressing … would … be checker because she is a Queen but … may be … stripy … 3) The Heart declares the second part of the name 4) She also wears a [crown] and … because she wanted to be in the centre of attention … she would do anything.... pop, turn ,flip … and in the end to find her favourite phrase "Off with her head”! … 5) and to complete the verification.. the sceptre for a queen!” Mike connected all of those dots to create a truly wonderful and unique puzzle box with quite a few dynamic and unusual steps. Mike had one more trick up his sleeve as well: “I have noticed that nobody (so far) has found what Alice answered to the queen when she said "Off with her head." I think this was my intention from the beginning as a nice surprise to be found by luck.

The Queen of Hearts cocktail was one of the easier variations to create. I knew from the start what I would use to represent this vibrant and bold character – the bitter aperitif Campari. I don’t think there is a more appropriate spirit to capture the essence of the Queen. Its bright red color announces its presence in any cocktail, and its citrusy bold bitterness dominates the palate.

Replacing the Caperitif from the original Jabberwock cocktail with Campari results in a gin, Campari and sherry cocktail, a template that looks oh so familiar. Indeed, this is the Negroni variation of the Jabberwock, replacing the sweet vermouth found in a Negroni with a sweeter sherry such as Oloroso. Of course it works tremendously well – the Negroni is an incredibly good drink, after all. I finished off the Queen with some bright and tart hibiscus bitters for good measure. Too many of these, and it’s off with your head! Cheers.

Queen of Hearts

1 oz gin

1 oz Campari

1 oz Oloroso sherry

2 dashes Bittermen’s Burlesque bitters

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with a citrus scepter.

See the whole series:

Lewis Carroll Puzzle Project

LCPP - Part IX

Down the Rabbit Hole

The Hatter’s Box