87: Ironthorn Whiskey

"It smells so good!"

"Is this Distilled Liquor? What a rich aroma!"

["Remember this site's domain name, chasing Taiwanese novels is super reliable"]

"Slurp, slurp~ No, if I keep smelling it, I won't be able to resist."

In the temporary brewing room of the brewing artisans, the rich aroma of liquor permeated every corner of the air.

The brewing artisans were all engrossed in the enchanting scent, momentarily unaware of the three extra people behind them.

Seeing this, Lister coughed twice, and only then did the brewing artisans snap out of their daze.

Turning to see Lister, everyone quickly bowed respectfully in greeting. Then Malo excitedly said, "Lord, the Distilled Liquor you asked the brewing artisans to make has been brewed."

"We used a large amount of rye and a small amount of barley and fruit as raw materials. Because they were needed for brewing other liquors, they had already been fermented in white incense wood barrels in advance, saving the long fermentation time."

At this point, he praised with fervent expression, "Without the distillation tools you designed, the brewing artisans would never have been able to brew such fine liquor."

"The Distilled Liquor brewed now has a unique smoky, peaty aroma, with hints of white incense wood and fruit. This rich aroma is probably no less impressive than the liquor in the Royal Palace."

"Chief Engineer Malo is right. With the help of the distillation tools, although it takes some time, it's not difficult to brew and can definitely be mass-produced," a bearded brewing artisan exclaimed.

Another young brewing artisan excitedly asked, "Lord, since this Distilled Liquor can be mass-produced, will we also have a chance to drink it?"

"Of course." Lister nodded heavily, a smile on his face, and said, "The raw materials for Distilled Liquor are no different from other liquors; it's just a different production method, so the cost hasn't increased much."

"Therefore, I announce that from now on, in addition to raising the price of liquor sold to other territories, all Distilled Liquor sold within the Ironthorn Territory will be sold at cost price."

"However, hoarding and reselling for profit is strictly prohibited. This must be rigorously enforced, and I will have people specifically responsible for supervision."

"Since I allowed Distilled Liquor to 'be born,' every citizen must be able to afford it. This will never change."

"Lord, your greatness truly inspires my admiration!"

"To be a citizen of the Lord is the greatest honor of our lives!!!"

"Long live the Lord!!!"

...Praises mixed with excitement, agitation, and fervor echoed through the room.

The high emotions even infected Lister and the other two.

Especially Liberi, who was already terribly eager.

Noticing this, Lister smiled and said, "Sir McBain, please taste it."

With that, he gestured for Malo to ladle out a cup of Distilled Liquor and hand it to Liberi.

Looking at the precious brew in the cup, a tempting blend of gold and amber, Liberi took a slight sniff. The rich aroma instantly pierced his nostrils, rushing straight to his head.

Immediately after, an intoxicating and enchanting sensation filled his entire brain.

Amidst the admiring gulps of Malo and the other artisans, and Spartacus, Liberi eagerly took a small sip, acting with extreme caution, fearing a single drop might spill.

The moment it entered his mouth, a hint of bitterness mingled with fruity sweetness and a fiery sensation quickly spread.

Then, the rich aroma of smoke and white incense wood wafted and lingered in his nostrils and taste buds, instantly giving Liberi the feeling of being by a bonfire at night, surrounded by fragrant white incense wood.

"Gulp, gulp~"

As the sound of the liquor going down his throat echoed, a mellow, smooth sensation exploded in Liberi's throat.

Immediately after, a strong fiery sensation came from his stomach, making his body instantly warm up.

It was a while before the lingering aftertaste brought him back to his senses.

"Good liquor!" exclaimed the socially anxious Liberi, surprisingly loudly.

The next second, he looked at Lister with immense joy and said, "Lord, your Distilled Liquor is definitely the best I've ever tasted. This flavor cannot be matched even by the royal tribute liquor."

"Distilled Liquor should just be a general name, right?"

"Thank you for your praise, Sir McBain." After expressing his gratitude, Lister nodded and chuckled, "You are right, Distilled Liquor is indeed a general term. Distilled Liquor made from different raw materials will have its own unique name."

"I have named this barrel of Distilled Liquor ironthorn whiskey. Whiskey means 'water of life.'"

"water of life, the water of life of Ironthorn Territory..."

Liberi murmured softly, then his eyes lit up and he said, "What a great name! It's exactly how I felt when I drank it just now; it truly made me feel like I had a new lease on life."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Lister uttered another statement that shocked everyone: "Sir McBain, the ironthorn whiskey you are drinking now is still in its initial, ordinary state."

"If it is sealed and aged for a period, its taste will become even better."

"Of course, it's not that the longer the better; different raw materials produce ironthorn whiskey with its own optimal aging time."

"Only then will the ironthorn whiskey reach its most delicious state."

Upon hearing this, Liberi and the others all exclaimed in surprise, especially the brewing artisans, who never expected ironthorn whiskey to have so many different preparation methods.

While admiring Lister's erudition, they were also eager to try more different brewing methods.

Looking at everyone's expressions, Lister smiled knowingly. In his previous life, when he learned that liquor could have so many intricacies, he couldn't help but be surprised either.

He always held reverence for the wisdom of his ancestors.

Coming back to his senses, he instructed, "Malo, help me divide half of this barrel of ironthorn whiskey and bottle it. The rest will be a reward for all the artisans."

"Spartacus, you can also go and taste it."

"Thank you for your Lord's grace!"

Upon hearing this, Malo, the other artisans, and Spartacus expressed their gratitude. After watching and smelling for so long, they had long been craving it beyond endurance.

Watching everyone eagerly begin to taste it, Lister chuckled and turned to Liberi, saying, "Sir McBain, I'm very happy to see you today."

"The other half of the ironthorn whiskey is a small gift from me to you. With it accompanying you on your journey to the Western Territory, I'm sure you won't feel lonely."

"This, how can I accept this?" Liberi, having calmed down, reverted to his previous socially anxious mode, his voice trembling slightly.

He had merely passed by, yet he had unexpectedly received such precious fine wine for free. Although he didn't care about what outsiders said, he still felt very embarrassed.

Just as Lister was about to speak, Liberi quickly interjected, "Lord, you want me to instruct you in swordsmanship, don't you?"