After reading quite a bit of this manga, I went to my bartender with my newly acquired knowledge and we engaged in a full blown conversation about cocktails and the hardships of becoming a bartender. What I really like about this manga is the realism it ensues. It's an educational manga to say the least, you'll be surprised by how much you will learn about alcohol. It's a handy asset to have for social interactions.
The story is about a genius bartender, Sasakura Ryuu, known for his "Glass of God". He is an honorable young man who does not want money nor fame but to achieve perfection in the art of bartending. Throughout the story he works at different bars and at every place he is praised by the owner, his fellow co-workers, and the customers due to his kindness and his excellent skills as a bartender. He is a very likable character, always doing what is right, who is not afraid to admit his own mistakes.
The customers that visit his bar are usually feeling under the weather, something in their life has taken a turn for the worse. He serves them a drink along with a story like how the drink came to be, relating to the customers current situation he is able to give them hope. Sometimes, it back fires and he finds himself in a spot where he has offended the customer; but he does not hesitate to step up and deal with the problem head on.
Other than Sasakura Ryuu there aren't any other characters that leave a strong impression or have any major importance in this manga. Miwa Kurushima, for example, is the first customer introduced in the manga. She takes interest in Sasakura Ryuu and starts to visit his bar often. However, she has no real purpose, she just feels like another customer. They are good friends and help each other out in their time of need, but it didn't convince me enough that she plays a significant role.
Another issue I have with this manga is repetition. The manga follows this general line of events: a customer comes to his bar, Ryuu helps them with their problem along with a drink, rinse and repeat. I know it contradicts what I said, but by no means does it make this manga boring just a bit repetitive. There are other events that partake throughout the story but it feels more like fillers than anything.
This manga is an unpolished gem. It has the right idea with the art style and the overall setting, but it fails to keep things interesting. I find myself not being able to read more than 1 chapter at a time. Nonetheless, it is a manga that tries something different and as far as I'm concerned it works. An informative manga with a touch of slice-of-life. If you like alcohol or is interested in bartending definitely check this one out.
