Inverness Intrigue
"Whisky distiller Adanna crafts Scotland's finest spirits—but the thick Mozambican spirits buyer who visits for tastings develops a thirst that goes beyond single malt."
The tasting room overlooked Loch Ness.
Graça sampled every expression, her thick body warming with each dram.
"You're very talented," she observed.
"It's just whisky."
"Not just." Her eyes held Adanna's. "Your passion. It shows."
"You're flirting."
"I'm being honest. There's a difference."
Honesty led to the private cask room.
Ancient barrels. Amber light. Two women with a shared appreciation for craft.
"I want to taste everything," Graça said.
"Everything?"
"Everything you're willing to share."
Among the sleeping whisky, they created their own blend.
Graça's thick body pressed against oak. The smell of spirits mixing with something warmer.
"This is unprofessional," Adanna gasped.
"This is perfect."
The order was enormous.
But Graça's visits continued beyond business.
"Quality control," she claimed.
Adanna didn't argue.
Inverness had seen centuries of Highland secrets.
This one aged as well as the finest single malt.
Smooth. Complex. Worth savoring.