Fruits hidden by monkeys in tree hollows can sometimes ferment and turn into sake with a bit of luck.
While it's known for its brutally harsh flavor, some find this acquired taste irresistible.
Isshin: Ah, Sekiro! You know me well. Why, if this isn't monkey booze! Hahh! So this is what it's like to breathe fire! Do you know what other name this sake goes by? Wolf: I don't. Isshin: You don't? They call it Shura's Wine. Shura's Wine. That's right! You know your stuff. Don't tell me you've been treating someone else to this. I killed one once, long ago... Shura... Or something very much like it. Wolf: What is Shura, exactly? Isshin: Those who go on killing will eventually become Shura. They don't even remember why... Simply enraptured... They kill solely for the joy it brings them. I see it in your eyes, too. The shadow of Shura. Wolf: ......... Isshin: Give me cause, and I will kill you. It would do you well to remember that. Wolf: I see...
After Breaking Iron Code
Wolf: I have something for you.
Isshin: Ah, Sekiro! You know me well. Why, if this isn't monkey booze! Hahh! So this is what it's like to breathe fire! Do you know what other name this sake goes by? Wolf: I don't. Isshin: You don't? They call it Shura's Wine. Shura's Wine. That's right! You know your stuff. Don't tell me you've been treating someone else to this. I killed one once, long ago... Shura... Or something very much like it. Wolf: What is Shura, exactly? Isshin: Those who go on killing will eventually become Shura. They don't even remember why... Simply enraptured... They kill solely for the joy it brings them. I saw it in your eyes, too. The shadow of Shura. Wolf: ......... Isshin: Or at least, I thought I did. Wolf: ......... Isshin: However, it appears I was mistaken. If Shura were to appear, I would have cut it down myself. (laughs)
Drinking
Wolf: Here.
Emma: Oh, this is... This is Monkey Booze. Wolf: Something wrong? Emma: Well, let me try it. Augh! It... It burns so bad... Let's see... Yes, monkeys... I seem to have a strong connection with monkeys. Wolf: You do? Emma: Yes. I was rescued by a monkey after all. Wolf: ......... Emma: You don't believe me, do you? ......... When I was young, I stood alone in the aftermath of a battlefield. I was alone, and staring dumbfounded. I could do nothing... neither cry nor even get angry. Complete shock... And then there was a monkey... eating a rice ball. A monkey... maybe an ape... Maybe... either way, he made it look so delicious. I remember being angry at that. But then, then he gave me the rice ball. It tasted so good... Wolf: What a kind monkey. Emma: Yes. He was a very kind monkey.
Drinking
Wolf: I brought something for you.
Sculptor: ... Monkey Booze, is it? Haaa! It burns the throat, same as ever. This really brings back memories. Wolf: Did you drink this often? Sculptor: I trained in the techniques of the shinobi in the valley where the monkeys dwelled... Wolf: ... By yourself? Sculptor: ... No. There were two of us. We were rogue shinobi... There was no proper master for the likes of us. That's why we went to the valley. To run, to jump, to clash swords... where one slip would mean your doom. That was how we trained.
... We came to move exactly as monkeys did after a time. I'd drink this Monkey Booze whenever I tired of training. And I’d listen to the howl of my partner’s whistling finger while I drank. Wolf: Howl...? Sculptor: It was from his unique ring... Whistling through that ring... Would fill the valley with a somber melody.
Strangely enough, I enjoyed that sound. I listened to it so often.
