Best of Scotland

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Smooth is a term that can be applied to Scottish cashmere as well as single malt Scotch, and owner Charles Ahrens may offer you a glass of the latter as you peruse his store's selection of sweaters, blankets, and scarves. (A non-retail balcony with a view of Central Park allows shoppers to kick back before and after purchases.) The 100% Scottish cashmere hails from Hawick, a place Ahrens refers to as "the Detroit of cashmere," but there's nothing working-class about the inventory here. The shop's capes have accessorized such international dignitaries as Bernadette Chirac, and its sweaters have warmed up pro athletes like Bob Griese. In the L-shaped main floor’s three full-length mirrors, you’ll see impeccably arranged socks, mufflers, and twin sets reflect into infinity. (The color choices cap at 150.) Most items come in solids. Everyone knows that business is word-of-mouth. So what's Ahrens' message? He isn't shy about barking, "If it's not Scottish, it's crap." — Shira Levine