Even though I don't drink alcohol, the metaphor of brewing is quite captivating as it underscores the messages conveyed in the stories. The drama’s introduction beautifully illustrates this brewing process.

1. Malting & Mashing. The malting phase parallels our early years, which lay the groundwork for who we become. Our environment nurtures, educates, and shapes us. The mashing stage represents our formative years, a time filled with a mix of sweet and bitter experiences.

Chae Yong Ju comes from a humble background; she’s been trained to be both physically tough and mentally resilient to survive, yet she often overlooks her own emotions. Yun Min Ju, on the other hand, is a neurodivergent individual sensitive to physical, emotional, and social cues. He is empathetic and creative but struggles to gain his father’s acceptance. Bang A Reum grew up surrounded by material wealth but lacked emotional support. O Chan Hwi enjoys a loving family, but the burden of his duty as a soldier has exposed him to life's darker sides, particularly the harsh realities that come with taking innocent lives.

2. The boiling stage can be likened to the trials we encounter in life. We face these challenges and, ultimately, emerge stronger. Each main character gains strength by acknowledging their past and embracing their true selves. This is where transformation happens—akin to fermentation—where we evolve, change, and mature, much like yeast converting wort into beer.

Chae Yong Ju realizes the importance of accepting and embracing her personal needs and emotions, a lesson she learns from Yun Min Ju, who is attuned to feelings. In turn, Yun Min Ju discovers that he can be accepted, loved, and cherished by others, particularly through his connections with his staff at the brewery. When he falls for Yong Ju, he learns the value of opening up and sharing his feelings with those he loves. Similarly, Bang A Reum also learns to be open with her parents and reveals her true self to O Chan Hwi. In response, O Chan Hwi dares to be genuine in front of Bang A Reum and eventually confronts his family, though this resolution isn’t explicitly shown in the drama.

3. Conditioning Process. Like a finely aged beer, we refine our character and hone our unique qualities over time.

As for the genre, the drama can be compared to a beer with taste notes that blend fruity, malty, earthy, and hoppy flavors. This combination reflects the relationships between the characters, encompassing thoughtfulness, sweetness, happiness, and contentment. The emotional journey is engaging, evoking both laughter and tears, while also providing a sense of comfort and serenity.
Overall, the story balances creativity with some typical romantic cliches, yet these elements do not detract from its value or impact.


Music: Oh the music makes me feel the love in the air. That's all I can say about the OST hehe oh but finally, we've got to hear Kim Sejong again. :-)

Rewatch Value: Yes.