Chapter 8: Chapter 8 High Stakes Ventures
"Has it come out yet?" Graf's bloodshot eyes gleamed with terror. He had bet the farm on this and a hell of a lot more than just some kind of casual lark.
Most porters at the station did not make nearly as much money, if it could be called wages, around eleven or twelve dollars a month. However, with the speed at which Graf worked, if the porters dwindled in quantity, he could make even more.
When Julian mentioned the idea of taking low proof alcohol and distilling it into something more powerful, Graf "invested" his entire life savings—forty-one dollars, to be exact to serve as their seed money. If they succeeded, Graf would be taking 40% of profits (as per the agreement). Julian was fine with that; in fact, he said yes to 50%, but Graf reduced the share himself. Julian, despite his relative lack of experience in business, knew not to question the money.
So, they gathered all the supplies that were required really quickly, thanks to Graf's investment. A small iron pot, a bolt and chain in the lid, along with a pipe to house it as they cooked down their low proof booze. The outlet end of the pipe led into one bucket, and this bucket had a glass dish attached that would be filled with pure water as it condensed. The setup ultimately cost about $4.50, but they needed to hire a local blacksmith for an additional fee to install the iron pipe and seal all the joints, which drove final costs up from initial estimates.
Their true expense was born out of buying crates of off grain alcohol and sugar, glass bottles, and paying for a place to work. Despite what was known, they couldn't avoid spending the bulk of their money on a thermometer and a syringe.
Julian and Graf locked themselves in this rented room, taking two days off work to begin the distillation. Heavy curtains had been tacked over the windows and across the doors in a feeble gesture to muffle just how rancid that little room smelled.
Julian put stones on top of the lid to keep it from moving as he boiled up all that moonshine in the iron pot. He tested the pipe cautiously with his hands and felt it heat up. Finally, after an agonizing wait, a single drop of fluid cascaded from the tube and met its doom in the clear pool. With eager, trembling hands, Graf dipped his fingers into the liquid and tasted it hesitantly.
His throat dry, Julian watched intently. This experiment had consumed the last two days of their lives, and all rested on its success. If they flopped, not only would Graf lose all his life savings, but Julian who had little idea about the industry would feel guilt ridden for luring his friend into a high stakes game.
Graf closed his eyes for a moment. Julian waited in anticipation; he wasn't sure of the success as most of the information he had came from that dream of another himself from a different timeline, possibly even a different world.
"It's good!" Graf set the glass basin down, then turned to Julian and said with excitement. The sense of relief and excitement was palpable. Before meeting Julian, Graf had no idea that any form of cut rate alcohol could be transformed into high proof liquor. His perspective had been completely altered.
The two finally sighed in relife and together they shared a look of victory before collapsing in laughter.
Just as they began to imagine the future lives of wealthy businessmen, there was a loud thud from upstairs, followed by an angry voice shouting, "Are you going to keep everyone up? You jobless idiots will never escape this shithole, let us who have work in the morning have some sleep!"
Her complaints fell on deaf ears as the two looked again at the glass basin, it held only a little amber fluid, its acrid odor permeating the chamber. This was not just hooch, though—this was liquid gold.
Julian's heart was beating out of his chest with excitement. Breaking the rules, but instead of fear, he felt exhilaration. They would rake in a fortune if they didn't get caught.
"How long do you have to keep distilling it?" Graf asked finally, looking at the liquid, which had begun to drip more slowly now.
Julian responded, "I suppose it's time to see the fruits of our labor," before bringing out flasks for their solvent, just in case. Even with all their effort, they had only two full bottles of alcohol and another that was about two thirds full. However, something felt off.
Three bottles of not very high alcohol and nearly three flasks with a potency of 60 degrees. Graf took a swig from one of the bottles and spat it back out.
"Why is it so bitter? It's not even that strong!" Graf exclaimed.
When Julian examined the iron pot, he saw a thick black burnt substance at the bottom. He scooped a little, tasted it, and realized the problem. Initially, they had managed to distill high proof alcohol, but over time, both the sugar and other impurities evaporated with the water, leaving behind an altered taste.
They soon corrected it, cleaning up the burnt mess and resuming the distillation. Tinkering with the recipe, they managed to smooth out the bitter edge and ended up with a lovely, almost flawless batch—one that Graf pronounced perfect.
"I think we're finally worth something!" Graf declared, his enthusiasm overflowing. A burn accompanied the high proof alcohol as it slipped down his throat,
But Julian wasn't so sure. "First step: we have to look at the market, see what's out there, how much it costs, and then make our product better. We'd be able to charge a premium, build a reputation based on quality, and make it uniquely flavored."
Graf scratched his head, already a bit drunk. "Do you think that will help make us more money?"
Julian nodded eagerly. "A lot more."
But their excitement was short lived. They were out of money.
Graf proposed they sell their freshly distilled alcohol and use the proceeds to purchase tasters of other high proof spirits. But Julian hesitated. It seemed foolish to dive into the illegal alcohol trade with no real plan. They weren't ready to take on all the risks.
So, they went back to work at the station, agreeing that next payday, toward the end of the month, their venture would proceed.
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