This type of sake is quite remarkable in Japan. Its overall taste is mild yet balanced—so addictive that it tempts people to take a sip at any moment of the day. Its sweet notes are especially romantic and heartwarming, leaving an unforgettable impression.
"Well then, I won't be polite!"
With that, the eager Rindō Kobayashi began to sip the sake delicately. As the clear Japanese sake flowed down her throat, she detected a hint of sweetness and a gentle, well-balanced flavor. The drink boasted a rich, fruity aroma, and even after swallowing, its smooth aftertaste lingered—filling her with a renewed sense of energy.
"Wow! This… this sake…" her expression revealed genuine surprise.
⸻
Night in Japan naturally conjures images of bars and taverns—a kind of magic in the air. Whether you're a tired office worker, a busy high school student, or a housewife, there's always a welcoming spot in a tavern. A bottle of wine, a plate of appetizers, a delicious dish—here, one can enjoy both pleasure and satisfaction in a warm dining atmosphere.
Rindō Kobayashi, a regular at the tavern since its opening day, sat before Zane. In fact, she was a second-year student at the Totsuki Culinary Academy and had even recently secured the second seat among the Ten Elites—ranked only after Shinomiya. Such accolades made her one of the most prominent figures at the academy.
During these peaceful nights, Rindō visited the tavern to support Zane. Every time, her first request was always a bottle of wine. She would then drink alone while savoring a few dishes that she found both delicious and refreshing.
"Owner, this wine… it feels somewhat different from before!"
"Although the initial taste is familiar, it gradually turns slightly bitter afterward. This unique flavor seems hard to pair with dishes, making it more suited for standalone enjoyment."
After taking a sip, she set down her glass, exhaled a fragrant sigh, and then blinked curiously at Zane before asking, "The alcohol content of this sake is 15%, and the rice polishing ratio is 50%—both quite different from the sake I used to brew. In other words, this sake offers a more complex flavor profile. With each sip, its aroma and taste continue to evolve, so you really have to savor it slowly."
Hearing her thoughtful observation, Zane—busy with his ingredients—nodded in quiet acknowledgment.
In fact, it had been over a month since the tavern opened. Over time, Zane noticed that many Japanese patrons loved to drink, and all-you-can-drink sessions were common, especially among office workers. Given the strict workplace hierarchies, it was typical for seniors to encourage juniors to keep drinking in the lively atmosphere of the tavern. Thus, as closing time neared, Zane often faced the challenge of waking his intoxicated customers and ushering them out.
Feeling exasperated, he recently improved all his homemade drinks—slightly reducing the alcohol content without compromising their taste or flavor. Rindō had already noticed that her sake was less intense yet purer in taste. Ever since her first visit, she had found the sophisticated Zane to be mysterious and extraordinary—even though she, as the rising star securing the second seat among the Ten Elites, still regarded him as a cut above the rest. Every time she visited and tasted his exquisite dishes, she learned something new and was deeply impressed. Perhaps that was why she loved this tavern so much.
⸻
Time passed quickly. After a long period of slow roasting over fruitwood smoke, the beef on the smoker rack had rendered most of its fat into the meat. The aroma of beef mingled with charcoal smoke, filling the air and even making Rindō, who was nearby, salivate with anticipation.
Then, a few drops of lemon juice were drizzled over the beef, instantly releasing an enticing aroma. The warm air, heavy with smoky and meaty scents, seemed to float around, making the smoked beef irresistibly appealing. Rindō couldn't help but swallow nervously as her eyes fixated on the nearly finished dish.
With a graceful sprinkle of salt, the final touch was applied. The smoked beef was now complete. Impatiently, upon seeing the freshly prepared dish, Rindō picked up her chopsticks, grabbed a small piece of beef, and began to eat.
The moment it entered her mouth, she discovered that the smoked meat was incredibly tender—far from the toughness one might expect. With its distinctive smoky flavor and a hint of wood fragrance, the taste was truly unique.
"Mmm~ So that's it!"
She continued, almost in a whisper of excitement, "This smoked beef is first neatly trimmed. Then it's coated with a special blend of over ten spices for smoking. Two of these—one being allspice and the other, perhaps, Sichuan pepper—are especially effective in removing the gamey taste and enhancing the flavor. The key is slow smoking for an hour, during which the meat is occasionally brushed with a seasoning sauce to lock in moisture and flavor. Even a small slice, with its rich meaty taste blended with that original smoky essence, is unforgettable."
After swallowing, Rindō exclaimed in excitement as she savored every nuance of the flavors. Undoubtedly, this final dish of smoked beef was a delightful revelation.