Scotch and Whiskey by Tom Elderfield and Hansen Chien

Effect

Scotch and Whiskey is a visually striking magic trick where two keys—one silver and one brass—appear to switch places, vanish, and reappear at the magician's fingertips. The effect is clean and direct: the keys can be shown on a keyring, placed into a spectator's hands, and then one key disappears while the other remains. The vanished key can then be found in an impossible location, such as under a glass or inside the magician's pocket. The routine often includes color changes, transpositions, and vanishes, making it highly versatile for different performances.

Full Details

Scotch and Whiskey is a gimmicked key system designed by Tom Elderfield and produced by Hanson Chien Productions. The trick includes:

• A gimmicked silver key (which allows for vanishes and transformations)
• A regular brass key (fully examinable)
• A turtle shell (for clean vanishes)
• A keyring (for easy carry and reset)
• A reset tool (to prepare the gimmick between performances)

The method is based on the classic Scotch and Soda coin principle but adapted for keys, making it more practical for everyday carry (EDC). The gimmick is well-crafted, with textured details to conceal its secret side, and the keys are thin enough to pass casual inspection.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Professional magicians looking for a versatile, reset-friendly trick for walk-around or close-up performances.
• Social performers who want an organic, impromptu effect using everyday objects.
• Coin magicians familiar with Scotch and Soda, as the handling will feel intuitive.
• Mentalists or bar magicians who can incorporate the keys into storytelling (e.g., "These are the keys to my secrets").

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick is easy to learn but benefits from practice to ensure smooth handling. The reset takes only a few seconds, and the gimmick is designed for quick preparation. However, performers should be mindful of angles, as the gimmick has a limited "sweet spot" for visibility.

• Beginner-friendly: The basic vanish and reappearance require minimal sleight of hand.
• Intermediate potential: Advanced routines (like transpositions or color changes) may need more rehearsal.
• Durability note: The turtle shell requires careful handling to avoid damage.

What Magicians Say

• RealMagicReview (Steve Faulkner): "Clean, clean, clean. It's easy, brilliantly made, and perfect for social media or real-world performances."
• AlexisReviews: "The craftsmanship is outstanding. The keys are examinable, and the reset is quick, though the gimmick needs protection."
• MonsterMagicShop (Alex Kirk): "A fantastic EDC trick, but the reset tool isn’t built into the key, which is slightly inconvenient."
• RoosReviews: "More versatile than Hide-a-Key, but the turtle shell is less durable. The locking mechanism allows for examination, which is a huge plus."
• Magic-TV (Craig Petty): "One of the best key tricks out there. The multi-phase routine possibilities make it a standout."

Scotch and Whiskey is praised for its practicality, strong visual impact, and adaptability to different performance styles. If you value clean, examinable magic with minimal reset time, this trick is a strong contender.