Ep. 8: Chairman Kurushima tasks Ryu with judging the Japan Cocktail Award finals.
Chairman Kurushima asks Ryu to observe the Japan Cocktail Award finals and share his observations. The contestants must prepare and present a unique cocktail which displays creative innovation. Kyouko Kawakami, Yuri Kinjou and Kelvin Chen, who did not return to the United States with his father, enter the competition. Yuri makes a "Chimugukuru" which refers to her childhood in Okinawa, Kyouko is initially very nervous but successfully presents her cocktail "Headwind", and Kelvin presents "Lion City" that represents his origin in Singapore although he accidentally drops the cocktail shaker while pouring and presents only one glass. Kelvin admits that he was driven by the need to be praised and accepted by others but realizes that he should just focus on being the best bartender he can be. Following the competition, Kurushima invites Kyouko to work the bar at Cardinal Hotel and Kelvin returns to Singapore, to run the bar in his father's hotel.
Episodes
- Ep. 4 · A Bar's Secret Ingredient - The Face of a Martini
- Ep. 5 · Ryu visits Yamazaki distillery with friends while Kelvin reflects on past regrets
- Ep. 6 · Yukari announces her engagement while Hayase befriends a mysterious woman at Edenhall.
- Ep. 7 · Miwa and Yukari seek guidance from Ryu while Kelvin aims to impress his father with the Singapore Sling.
- Ep. 8 · Chairman Kurushima tasks Ryu with judging the Japan Cocktail Award finals.
- Ep. 9 · Ryu reunites with former mentor Kitakata at a bar while confronting his past trauma.
- Ep. 10 · Miwa worries about Ryu's grief while Hayase faces a promotion to America and hesitation due to Rumi's return.
- Ep. 11 · Bar Kaze: A heartfelt recipe honoring Goro Kase and resolving a family secret
- Ep. 12 · Kurosawa Junichiro writes at Hotel Cardinal while Ryu sets a condition for Taizo