diymy Chapter 31: Success on the first try
Chapter 31: Success on the first try
The weather was fine on the day construction began.
Wang Zhihuan got up early to get busy. The glutinous rice, which had been soaked overnight, had absorbed enough water and was plump and white. He then scooped it out and drained it.
Place the cedar wood steamer on the stove, spread the glutinous rice evenly, cover it with the lid, and simmer it over a low flame in the stove.
Ah Huang squatted at the kitchen door, staring at the fire without moving; Hui Hui jumped down from the windowsill, rubbing against his ankle and circling around, meowing softly, full of curiosity.
"Don't rush, wait a little longer," Wang Zhihuan coaxed softly, gently pushing the kitten away.
White steam rises from the steamer, filling the courtyard with the pure aroma of freshly steamed grain. It has none of the sour, musty smell of commercially available distilleries; only the clean, simple fragrance of the grain itself.
The glutinous rice was steamed to perfection, and Wang Zhi carefully poured it into a large earthenware basin to cool it down, making the aroma of the rice even stronger.
Once the temperature has cooled to a suitable level, sprinkle on the yeast powder and gently mix with both hands.
The most important thing in mixing the starter is to strike the right balance. If it's too heavy, it will crush the rice grains; if it's too light, the starter powder won't mix evenly, and both will affect fermentation.
Wang Zhihuan's technique was skillful, and his control was just right; it was all instinct he had acquired through the system.
After mixing the yeast, transfer the glutinous rice into a large earthenware jar, gently press it down, hollow out a round indentation in the center, cover it with a clean white cloth, and move it to a cool, well-ventilated place in the backyard to let it saccharify and ferment.
The rest is up to time to decide.
Seven days later, Wang Zhi lifted the white cloth, and a rich and pure aroma of wine wafted out.
The clear liquid seeped out of the dimples, the rice grains floated softly, and the aroma of the wine was pure and free of any off-flavors, indicating that the fermentation was complete.
On the very day of distillation, the Cheng brothers arrived uninvited, as if they had timed it perfectly or were drawn there by the aroma of the liquor.
Cheng Chumo carried braised meat, and Cheng Chuliang carried a steaming lotus leaf bag. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they saw the distillation equipment set up on the stove.
The copper pot sat securely on the stove, the bamboo tubes were neatly connected, passing through a wooden bucket of cold water, and a clean porcelain jar was placed below the tube opening; everything was arranged properly.
Cheng Chumo put the braised food down on the stone table, leaned closer to examine it, and looked at it with great interest: "Ordinary wineries use big vats and pots, but such exquisite utensils are rare. It looks a bit like a Taoist alchemy."
"It's just brewing a few jugs of good wine to enjoy with guests in my spare time."
"Is this external bamboo tube used to solidify the wine?"
"The aroma of the liquor rises when heated, travels through a bamboo tube through cold water, and condenses upon cooling, becoming a clear and refreshing liquor."
"Can it truly produce an exceptionally fine wine?"
"You'll know once you try it."
Wang Zhi slowly poured the fermented mash into the copper pot, covered it tightly with the lid, and sealed the seams with a damp cloth to prevent air leakage.
After carefully checking the connection of the bamboo tubes and confirming that it was secure, he sat down in front of the stove to control the heat.
Cheng Chumo quietly observed his methodical, calm, and composed demeanor, secretly admiring him: This man never boasts, yet he is thorough in his thinking and acts with steadiness.
The fire in the stove was neither too big nor too small, and the fermented mash in the pot slowly heated up, with a rich aroma of alcohol gradually rising and gathering.
Ah Huang remained by the stove, his eyes fixed on Wang Zhihuan; Huihui squatted on the windowsill, its long tail swaying gently, waiting quietly.
After an incense stick had burned, the first drop of wine fell from the bamboo tube into the porcelain bowl, making a crisp and melodious sound.
The Cheng brothers simultaneously bent down and peered intently at the pipe opening.
The wine was as clear as water, initially dripping slowly, gradually forming a thin stream that flowed continuously into the bowl.
The crisp, mellow aroma of the wine spreads out, unlike the blandness of rice wine or the cloying sweetness of fruit wine; it is clear, lingering, and refreshing.
The two kittens choked on the strong smell of alcohol and sneezed repeatedly. Flower shook its head and jumped away, while Gray covered its nose and shrank back. Only Ah Huang didn't seem to care, snorted, and buried its head to continue lying down.
Cheng Chuliang took a deep breath of the aroma, his face full of amazement: "This aroma is amazing! I've drunk countless famous wines, but I've never smelled such a mellow and intense fragrance. It's incomparable to even the tribute wine!"
Cheng Chumo didn't speak, only staring at the wine, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly, his eyes full of anticipation.
The bowl was quickly filled to half full. Wang Zhi picked it up and examined it closely: the wine was clear and free of impurities, the bubbles were fine and clustered without dispersing, and the aroma was pure and lingering. It was indeed a top-quality wine.
He handed the bowl to Cheng Chumo: "Try the first brew."
Cheng Chumo took it with both hands, brought it close and took a deep sniff. The strong smell of alcohol hit him, and he took a small sip. His expression was instantly filled with shock.
"How is it?" Cheng Chuliang asked eagerly.
Cheng Chumo savored the taste for a moment, then solemnly exclaimed, "The strong liquor is crisp and refreshing as it goes down, warming the chest and abdomen, with a sweet and lingering aftertaste, full of layers of flavor. Those so-called tribute wines from Chang'an are not worth mentioning in front of this wine."
After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in the bowl in one gulp.
After a moment of silence, he put down his wine bowl and exclaimed, "Only today have I truly witnessed what good wine is. Before, when I drank that tribute wine, you said it was bland, and I thought you were just being picky. Now that I've tasted it myself, I realize that those famous wines are nothing more than tasteless rice water."
Cheng Chuliang, who was standing to the side, could no longer contain himself. He filled a bowl, tilted his head back, and gulped down most of it. Cheng Chumo wanted to stop him, but it was too late.
The strong liquor was so potent that Cheng Chuliang choked instantly, his face turning red, bending over coughing incessantly, tears streaming down his face, and his throat burning hot.
But after recovering, he still stared at the wine bowl and said earnestly, "Even if I choked, it was worth it! To be able to drink such good wine, it's definitely not a loss!"
"With your alcohol tolerance, you shouldn't drink too much." Cheng Chumo snatched the wine bowl from his hand.
Wang Zhihuan poured himself a bowl, took a small sip, and felt the warmth flow down his throat into his stomach, slowly spreading to his limbs, feeling warm and comfortable.
On a warm afternoon in the ninth year of the Zhenguan era, the courtyard was breezy and shaded by jujube trees. Cats and dogs kept each other company, and close friends sat facing each other, holding homemade distilled liquor in their hands. The days were peaceful and leisurely.
Cheng Chumo walked to the distillation pot and looked at it for a moment, then took the empty wine sac off the horse's back: "Please fill a sac for me and bring it back to the manor for my father to taste."
"Would you like the old general to have his opinion?"
"Exactly." Cheng Chumo nodded. "My father has been a lifelong wine lover and rarely gives praise. Last time, when we had the tribute wine, he only said it was alright. I want to see if he can still be so indifferent after drinking your fine wine."
Wang Zhihuan smiled and agreed, filled the wine jar, and then sealed another small jar of the original liquor.
"You can have a little wine on your journey, but this jar is for the old general. This wine is extremely strong, so please remind him to only drink a little and not to overindulge."
"I know my limits." Cheng Chumo accepted the wine bag and jar, and said sincerely, "If you ever encounter any difficulties in Chang'an in the future, just ask, and my brother and I will do our best to help you."
Wang Zhihuan calmly nodded in agreement.
Cheng Chuliang diligently cleared away the dishes, straightened the stone bench, and dusted it off. The two men led their horses and set off, the sound of hooves gradually fading into the distance.
Cheng Chuliang, sprawled on horseback, turned back and shouted, "Brother Wang! If there's any more beef that's fallen to its death, I'll bring it to you as a snack with my drinks!"
Wang Zhi stood at the courtyard gate, watching their retreating figures and shaking his head with a wry smile.
Back in the yard, Ah Huang wagged his tail and came over, while several kittens gathered around his feet. The faint aroma of wine lingered in the yard, mixed with the gentle breeze carrying the scent of jujube leaves, creating a particularly peaceful atmosphere.
At that moment, a system notification sounded in my mind:
[System Prompt]: The host has replicated the ancient distillation and brewing techniques to create a strong liquor unprecedented in the Tang Dynasty. The skill has improved the host's mental state, and merit points have been increased by 400.
Wang Zhihuan sat back down under the jujube tree and finished the remaining wine. He got up, washed and dried the copper pot, and did not waste the distilled wine mash. He dried it and mixed it into the chicken feed, along with earthworms, which helped the poultry grow better.
After everything was tidied up, night deepened, and the barking of dogs outside the wall and the croaking of frogs in the fields mingled into a tranquil country nocturne. The moonlight was gentle, the aroma of wine lingered, and the farmhouse courtyard was filled with the ordinary sounds of cooking, peaceful and heartwarming.