//------------------------------//
// Flavour Enhancement 
// Story: What's On Tap? 
// by Chrome Masquerade 
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Brewmeister (he never would say whether that was his original name or not), more commonly known as Hard Tap by his... off-species customers was walking through the cellar of the eponymous "Hard Tap's", a local combination of a brewery and a Bar/Grill. With him was one of the junior provisioners (called Newblood by most, so he just took it as his official name). The time had come to sample the newest batches, to test their readiness.

Ever since Chrysalis was overthrown and the Changelings of the Sapphire Hive evolved, things were much more... peaceful. Love was easier to come by and Ponies were more welcoming to them. Many 'lings decided to travel, some decided to live with what were long term food sources themselves, and when an apology was given, the Ponies were generally forgiving.

So then, someling had a bright idea for what to do with what remained of their supplies of Love: make it into a drink. And sell it.

It might or might not have been a joke at first. Noling could really say. But it was worth a try, they'd decided.

One thing led to another, and here they were, making Butt-loads(1) of it, in many different varieties. This had resulted in a variety of beverages that could also be readily consumed by members of other species. Many Ponies seemed to like the taste of Love (which was usually sweet, occasionally with bitter notes) or Joy (a touch airy, but goes down smoothly) if they tried it. An occasional Gryphon came by to get a taste of Anger, (which was generally bitter and spicy - sometimes VERY spicy- with a smoky aftertaste that lingered for a while) or Fear (which varied, depending on the intensity and the kind of Fear).

Speaking of which, going back to what they were doing here anyway...

They had come upon one cask that looked to be bound more tightly than the others. Newblood sighed. "We deemed this one a hard fail. We call it Bull's Rage." Getting a small amount of it, he hoofed it to Brewmeister to test. This wasn't one of his mixes, but he was curious.

Upon sipping it, he winced as he was immediately hit with a hot and sharp taste, which you might say felt like being smacked in the face with a Habanero pepper. If that makes sense.

Either way, that would NEVER sell.

"I can see why." Brewmeister said, scrunching his muzzle. "I won't lie: It's hurt."

"Alas so." Newblood said, with a sigh. "We still don't know what to do with the rest of it."

"Let's just move along, then." Brewmeister said, to move things along.

The next cask was glowing with a blue-green colour. "This one we call "Mother's Touch 21.""

"Why 21?" Brewmeister queried.

"Well, it made you ask." Newblood said, filling a sample cup. "Supposedly, Elytra gets five bits whenever someone asks that. That's how he asked to be paid, when this releases."

Brewmeister smiled at ths motth pouring. "See, Newblood, this is why I asked you to do this with me. Most of the others are inconsistent with their pouring; Either i get barely enough for a swallow or too much to be counted as a mouthful. You, however, have a consistent pour. Never too much; never too little."

Newblood blushed at the praise, but said nothing more as Brewmeister took a sip of the blue concoction. The taste was sweet; vaguely spearmint-y, with notes of cotton candy. It reminded him of times spent with family, of childhood innocence... 

As close as a Changeling would be able to get to all of that, anyway.

The next moment, it changed to a richer blueberry flavour with notes of rosemary(2). the taste of sharing food with family, particularly dessert. The taste faded fairly quickly thereafter. It went down smoothly, though.

Brewmeister whistled. "I think we have a good one, here. Needs to ferment a bit longer, but definitely a winner."

Moving on again, the next one glowed with a yellow hue. This one he knew. "Summer's Touch, right? This one is... a mix of Joy and Excitement, if I remember correctly." Newblood nodded, passing his boss a sample.

Whereas the last was a minty flavour at the beginning, this one was a warm, deep, honey-like one. Time spent playing in the sun, throwing a party,  generally having a good time. This was, indeed, what one might call the taste of a summer vacation.

The aftertaste was kind of bitter, however, and it lingered for a while. Like it didn't want to leave.

Brewmeister said, "Well, this one's a winner too, I think." smacking his lips a few times. This one would definitely sell well with the occasional Kirin that came in now and again, for sure.

Moving on, the next was another mix that one of his more experienced juniors had cooked up. The cask was also bound tightly, but looking at it, he got the feeling that if it wasn't it would float away.

"Rainbow's Glow. Seven different flavours: Eros love, Laughter, Confidence, Hope, Serenity, Passion, and a touch of Wisdom. Don't ask me how that works."

"Let's find out." Taking a sip of the proffered sample, Brewmeister was hit by the most intense array of flavours yet.

Immediately of note was a sort of hot strawberry, time shared with a romantic partner.
Next came an orangey flavour, bringing memories of when he went to see a comedian do stand-up once.
Then simultaneously came three flavours, along with the feeling of the satisfaction of a hard day's work (possibly pineapple) and finally being able to relax, (green apple) and hope for the future (blue raspberry).
Latly was a one-two punch, this time of doing what you love the most, with the satisfaction of having learned something new (pommegranate and plum).

As the flavours left his tongue, Brewmeister realized that his perspective was a lot lower than it was. Newblood was tapping his shoulder. "Hey! Boss! Are you okay?!" 

After a moment, Brewmeister realized he'd been brought to hiis knees. This might even need to be watered down.

Nowblood helped him back up. "Is this one a pass?"

Brewmeister then replied happily, "With flying colours!" he winced as he realized the unintentional pun. "But do NOT tell whoever made this thatIi said that. That said, this is a tad strong to be served as is. Might need to dillute it a bit. Tell the brewer of this batch to cut it with... Nostalgia, maybe."

Newblood nodded. "Shall we move on?"

Brewmeister nodded. "We shall.

They went further down the cellar's length, new flavours just waiting to be tested, then served to the masses. With any luck, business would be booming for them, soon enough. Maybe members of other hives would come to try some of the new flavors. Either way, only tie would tell.