Chapter 314: Angel’s Liquor? Devil’s Liquor?
“Now then… having shown you the distillery, shall we move on to the tasting?”
After touring the distillery, Rest was guided to another building. As he took a seat at the table, following Celestine’s invitation, a villager approached with a tray carrying bottles and glasses.
“This is distilled liquor produced using our facilities. We’ve experimented with various types of brewed liquor as the base to create several varieties.”
“I don’t know much about liquor, but is it really that different?”
“Surprisingly so.”
Celestine asserted without hesitation.
“Simply changing the type of liquor alters the flavor and richness entirely. It seems that the art of distillation is quite profound.”
“Is that so…?”
“Yes. I can’t let my father drink this for a while. He might abandon his other work and become completely absorbed in distilling.”
“Even the Chancellor has his human side, huh…”
Rest had unconsciously held the image of a rigid workaholic, but it was surprisingly normal for him to have a passion for liquor. Celestine’s enthusiasm for distillation might indeed stem from her father’s influence.
“Now, please try each one, one by one.”
“Oh?”
Several glasses were filled with different liquors. The sharp scent of alcohol filled the room, pricking at Rest’s nose.
“This one… it looks like a strong liquor.”
Though Rest had little experience with alcohol, he had at least tasted wine since his reincarnation. By the way, there were no age restrictions on drinking in this country. He picked up the amber-colored liquid on his right and slowly brought it to his lips.
“Ugh…!”
“That one is made using barley. It has a smoky and rich flavor profile. You might notice a subtle nutty undertone.”
“S-so…?”
He couldn’t grasp it at all. Just one sip felt like a heavy blow to his head, leaving him no room to articulate the taste or aroma. Barley-based distilled liquors include whiskey and vodka, which were quite common in his previous world. Of course, just because they were popular didn’t mean Rest had ever tried them.
“Next, this one is made from grapes.”
“Oh wow…”
This one had a slightly reddish hue compared to the previous one. The aroma was fruity and seemed easy to drink, but once it touched his lips, the punch of alcohol hit him cleanly. Distilled liquors made from fruits are known as brandy, and they can be made from not just grapes, but also apples and cherries.
“If you warm it slightly with the heat of your hand before drinking, it enhances the flavor. Please do give it a try.”
“…uh, okay.”
“Liquors like ale are better chilled for a smooth finish, but this one is best enjoyed at room temperature.”
Celestine also tilted her glass, elegantly sipping her drink. She downed the alcohol with graceful movements, her cheeks lightly flushed as she let out a sigh.
(C-Celestine, could she possibly be a heavy drinker…?)
He had heard that her father enjoyed liquor, but perhaps the daughter shared the same affinity. While Rest felt dizzy after just a sip or two, Celestine remained composed, her cheeks blooming like roses. By the way, whiskey and brandy typically have an alcohol content of around forty percent. These prototypes were slightly lower, but still nearly three times higher than wine.
“Finally, we have this one.”
“This one… it’s lighter in color than the others. It’s almost transparent.”
Despite feeling intoxicated, Rest accepted the last glass. Without much thought, he brought it to his lips, his dulled mind barely processing the action.
“~~~~~~~!”
And then… it felt like fire was about to erupt from his mouth.
“Raaaaaaah!?”
“Ah, I knew it would be difficult to drink. My apologies.”
“W-what is this…!?”
While gulping down the water Celestine offered, Rest shouted in confusion. What on earth had he just consumed? It felt like his throat was on fire.
“This is distilled liquor made from the sweet potato liquor that the villagers have been drinking. I experimented with repeated distillation, and while most attempts failed, miraculously, this one turned out.”
Celestine took a sip of the incredibly high-proof liquor, slightly furrowing her brow.
“Drinking it straight is reckless. You can’t handle it without diluting it with water.”
“D-don’t serve me something like that…!”
Produced in Poland, the liquor made from grains or potatoes that has been distilled multiple times to reach an alcohol content of ninety-six percent is known as “spirits.” The liquor Rest had just tasted was alarmingly close to that. With most of its components being ethanol, drinking it straight could very well burn his throat.
“It takes a lot of time and effort, and stable production is impossible. Plus, it’s highly flammable, posing a fire hazard… This can’t be sold.”
“Ugh…”
While Rest sank into a haze of alcohol, Celestine shook her head with a troubled expression.
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I am posting the continuation of the episode in the limited update notebook. If you’re interested, please give it a read!