“Hugo, I don’t much care for your law, but, by golly, this bourbon is good.”
Harry Truman’s reported remark to Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black captures a man who could disagree fiercely and still appreciate his host’s whiskey. The occasion followed the Supreme Court’s 1952 decision rejecting Truman’s seizure of the nation’s steel mills. Black, who wrote the majority opinion, invited the president and his fellow justices to a gathering at his home. Truman’s disappointment apparently survived the invitation, but his appreciation for good bourbon remained intact.
With Kentucky roots on both sides of his family, the straight-talking Missourian had a lasting affection for the state’s signature spirit. Old Grand-Dad was among his favorites, and accounts of his morning routine include a modest measure of bourbon and a brisk constitutional—a decidedly presidential interpretation of getting the day started. These familiar habits offer a glimpse of the person behind the office: a man whose daily pleasures remained remarkably ordinary despite his extraordinary responsibilities.
The encounter with Black also suggests something worth remembering about hospitality. An invitation needn’t depend on agreement. Sometimes, sitting down together is enough to keep a disagreement from becoming the whole relationship. The ruling stood, the president retained his opinion, and the evening still offered something both men could enjoy.
“A difference of opinion needn’t stand in the way of a well-poured bourbon.”
Such a man deserves a glass with some substance. HISTORY COMPANY’s Truman-inspired crystal tumbler recalls glasses reportedly received by the White House in 1951. The present-day version weighs a full pound, with vertical cuts that catch the light, tactile panels that sit comfortably in the hand, and a thick base that gives the glass reassuring heft. Its lead-free crystal brings clarity and brilliance to the amber bourbon within.
It’s easy to imagine that substantial silhouette suiting Truman: dignified, sturdy, and ready for business. Set a pair on a table, pull up another chair, and there’s the beginning of an evening worth lingering over. The conversation might wander through history, politics, or nothing more consequential than which bottle to open next.
Explore HISTORY COMPANY’s Barware Essentials for vintage-inspired glassware with stories worth sharing. Whether chosen for a bourbon enthusiast, a history lover, or your own evening ritual, the Truman-inspired tumbler offers a satisfying combination of character, craftsmanship, and conversation. Pour a little, make yourself comfortable, and leave room at the table for someone with a different opinion.
