In "Detective Conan," members of the Black Organization are all codenamed after various types of alcohol, adding a touch of mystery to the entire storyline. These alcohol names not only correspond to the character traits of the characters, but also hint at their identities and the importance of their roles in the entire plot. Let's unravel these alcohol names together and learn about wine tasting while following Conan's adventure!
The Naming Methodology of Conan's Black Organization
Based on what Gosho Aoyama mentioned, members with code names hold equal stature within the organization. All such code names are personally assigned by the BOSS. However, for specific reasons, the BOSS does not have a code name. Members with these designations have significant positions in the organization, while those without them are considered lower-ranking members.
Male members' names are often derived from distilled spirits, like Gin or Vodka. In contrast, female members are named after fermented drinks, such as Vermouth and Sherry. These names are thoughtfully chosen based on the character's personality and traits, a unique naming convention in the series.
- Fermented drinks, like beer and wine, are primarily made from water, yeast, grains (e.g., barley or rice), or fruits (like grapes or apples). Through fermentation, yeast consumes sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. These drinks typically have a lower alcohol content, ranging between 4% to 20%.
- Distilled spirits, including whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum, are produced through a distillation process. It starts with fermentation, resulting in a "mash." This mash is then heated, allowing alcohol to evaporate (since it has a lower boiling point than water) and subsequently condensed to collect the alcoholic vapors. Distilled spirits usually have a higher alcohol content, often above 40%.
Alcohol Code Names in Detective Conan's Black Organization? – Regular Characters
Gin
Character Insight:
Gin is a central figure in "Detective Conan" as a member of the Black Organization. He administered the experimental poison to Shinichi Kudo. Although not the boss, he has been present since the series' inception, making him one of the most recognizable characters. His standing within the organization is notable.
About the Spirit:
Gin is a "distilled liquor flavored with botanicals."
One of the four major spirits.
It is a "grain spirit" made from barley, rye, potatoes, and other grains, flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals.
Being "characterized primarily by the aroma of juniper berries" also defines gin.
It originated in the Netherlands, but the current mainstream is in the UK.
Recommended way to drink:
Gin serves as the base spirit for many cocktails, with the Gin Tonic likely being the most popular. Simply mix gin with tonic water to craft the cocktail. Tonic water can be found at liquor stores and larger pharmacies.
Iconic brands include "Beefeaters", "Tanqueray", "Gordon's", and "Bombay Sapphire". For beginners, the British "Beefeaters" is recommended as a first choice.
Vodka
Character Insight:
Vodka, often seen with Gin, is recognizable by his black hat and sunglasses. Like Gin, he's been present from the start and is known for his loyalty to the organization. He might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he boasts an impressive memory.
About the Spirit:
Vodka is a "distilled liquor filtered through birch charcoal."
One of the four major spirits.
Its ingredients include barley, rye, potatoes, and various other grains. Due to filtration through birch charcoal, it is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, serving as the base spirit for many cocktails or ready-to-drink beverages, like orange mixes.
It originated in Russia. Up until recent years, both Russia and Poland claimed to be the origin of vodka, but after a court ruling, it was confirmed that vodka originated in Russia.
Recommended way to drink:
Vodka is often used as the base for cocktails.
Mixed with tomato juice, it becomes a "Bloody Mary"; with orange juice, a "Screwdriver"; and with grapefruit juice, a "Greyhound" (when salt is added to the rim, it's called a "Salty Dog"). Many cocktails can be easily crafted.
The representative brand is "Smirnoff", reasonably priced with a very refreshing taste.
Sherry
Character Insight:
Real name, Shiho Miyano, she was a researcher for the organization, responsible for drug development. To escape, she consumed the APTX4869 drug, which transformed Shinichi Kudo into a child, and now works alongside Conan under the identity Ai Haibara.
About the Spirit:
Sherry is a "fortified wine produced in the southwestern region of Andalusia in Spain."
Fortified wine refers to wine with added alcohol content and sugar, also known as spirit-enhanced wine.
The alcohol content ranges from 15~22%. It varies from sweet to dry types.
Recommended way to drink:
It's recommended to be consumed slightly chilled.
For beginners, the sweet type is suggested. For the dry type, one might need some getting used to.
Being a fortified wine, it is stronger than regular wine.
Rum
Character Insight:
He is the No.2 in the Black Organization, second only to the Boss. In the 100th volume's 1066th episode released in 2021, his real identity was revealed as Kenji Wakita. He works as a sushi chef at Mikazuki Yoba Sushi next to the Mouri Detective Agency. His motto is "Time is money."
About the Spirit:
Rum is a "distilled liquor made from sugarcane."
One of the four major spirits.
Its distinctive sweetness is its main feature.
There are many theories regarding the origin of rum, but the most popular one is that it was made in the islands of the Caribbean in the 17th century. Many might associate pirates with this drink.
Recommended way to drink:
Rum can be categorized as "white rum", "gold rum", and "dark rum".
White rum is recommended for cocktails, while gold and dark rum are best consumed neat or on the rocks.
Popular cocktails with rum include the "Mojito", but making one at home might be time-consuming. A simpler option would be "Rum and Coke".
Recommended brands are: White Rum - "Bacardi Superior", Gold Rum - "Captain Morgan Spiced Rum", Dark Rum - "Zacapa 23".
Vermouth
Character Insight:
Vermouth is a skilled female executive known for her disguises. Within the Black Organization, she is aware of the real identities of Conan and Haibara. Not only is her beauty striking, but her quote "a secret makes a woman woman..." adds to her allure.
About the Spirit:
Vermouth, or "Bell Mode" in its Japanese transliteration, is a "seasoned wine made with a white wine base, flavored with herbs such as wormwood and various spices."
"Seasoned wines" refer to wines flavored with herbs, spices, fruits, juices, etc., and Vermouth is the most famous among them.
The varieties range from the robust dry Vermouth to the sweeter types.
Recommended way to drink:
In Europe, Vermouth is typically enjoyed as an aperitif, best when chilled.
It's also a popular cocktail ingredient. The "Martini", hailed as the king of cocktails, is made by shaking gin and dry Vermouth, garnished with an olive. Given the need for a shaker and olives, making it at home might be a bit of a chore, hence enjoying it at a bar is suggested.
For dry Vermouth, "Noilly Prat Dry" is recommended, and for sweet Vermouth, "Cinzano Rosso" is suggested.
Chianti
Character Insight:
She is an exceptional sniper with a butterfly tattoo on her left eye and heavy eyeshadow, often partnered with Korn. Her distinguishing features include brown short hair and an eye tattoo. She has an impulsive nature but is deeply caring towards her partners.
About the Spirit:
Chianti, synonymous with Italian wine, refers to the red wine produced in the central region of Siena in Tuscany, Italy.
It mainly utilizes the Sangiovese grape variety. Due to its excellent balance of acidity and fruity aroma, it's widely adored.
Recommended way to drink:
It can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, depending on personal preference. There are also cocktails made with Chianti as a base due to its balanced flavor.
A recommended brand is "Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico". Despite its affordability, it offers cherry and plum aromas with a lasting aftertaste.
Korn
Character Insight:
He is an elite sniper, partnering with Chianti. He is a man of few words and rarely shows emotion.
About the Spirit:
Korn is a German distilled liquor made from grains like wheat. It is unflavored and characterized by its neutral taste and aroma. It's almost non-existent in the Japanese market.
Recommended way to drink:
Best enjoyed on the rocks or as a base for cocktails, similar to vodka.
A renowned brand is "Oldesloer Korn," characterized by its smooth taste derived from wheat.
Alcohol Code Names in Detective Conan's Black Organization? – Regular Undercovers
Bourbon
Character Insight:
"Tooru Amuro" works as a private detective at Café "Poirot." Within the Black Organization, he is known as "Bourbon" and is also a police officer known as "Rei Furuya." His real name is Rei Furuya. Highlighted in the movie "The Darkest Nightmare," his appearance has garnered a substantial female fanbase.
About the Spirit:
Bourbon is a type of whiskey originating from Bourbon County, Kentucky, USA. It's primarily made from corn, with a minimum content of 51%, and aged in charred new oak barrels. While categorized as a "whiskey," in terms of popularity and market size, it stands toe-to-toe with other liquors.
Recommended way to drink:
Best served chilled.
If you're not accustomed to high-proof liquors, you can also dilute it with soda water to make a "highball" cocktail.
Leading brands include the world's top-selling "Jim Beam" and the adorably sealed "Maker's Mark" with its distinctive red wax.
Kir
Character Insight:
Real identity is a CIA undercover in the Black Organization, originally named Bentendo Eumi, alias Mizunashi Rena. On the surface, she's a renowned TV anchor/reporter (now resigned). She risks her life to join the Black Organization in a bid to unveil their secrets.
About the Spirit:
Kir is a French cocktail, made with white wine and crème de cassis. It was originally created by the first post-war mayor of Dijon, Félix Kir, hence the name. Initially introduced as a welcome drink, this crimson-hued cocktail gradually became a French classic.
With its rich, sweet taste contrasting its bright red appearance, it perfectly mirrors the image of the character Kir in the series. The blend of two drinks also aligns with her multi-faceted role as a reporter, spy, and agent.
Recommended way to drink:
The traditional recipe for Kir involves a ratio of 1 part crème de cassis to 9 parts chilled white wine. If you prefer a richer taste, you can substitute the white wine with champagne to make Kir Royale.
Rye
Character Insight:
Originally named "Akai Shuichi", he's an FBI undercover agent. Apart from his identity in the Black Organization as "Bourbon", he also appears as a graduate student named "Okiya Subaru". Known as the "Silver Bullet" by the Organization, he has remarkable deductive skills, intelligence gathering capabilities, and sniper abilities.
About the Spirit:
Rye refers to a type of whiskey known as "malt whiskey."
The primary ingredient is rye, hence it's termed "rye whiskey."
The primary production country is the USA.
It's characterized by a mild bitterness and a spicy scent.
This is a more niche variety, having a smaller market presence and fewer types available.
Recommended way to drink:
We recommend drinking it chilled.
If you find high-proof liquors too strong, dilute it with soda water for a "highball" cocktail.
A representative brand is "Wild Turkey Rye". While Wild Turkey is renowned for its bourbon, its rye whiskey is also commendable. With its distinctive spicy flavor and a hint of sweetness, it's suitable for beginners.
Scotch
Character Insight:
Morofushi Hiromitsu of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Public Safety Division is a detective and a public security police officer, using the codename "Scotch" within the Black Organization. Discovered as an outsider spy for the organization, he took his own life to prevent any intel leak, leading to a conflict between Sera Masumi and Akai Shuichi.
About the Spirit:
"Scotch Whiskey" primarily originates from Scotland. It's arguably the most recognized among the five major whiskey varieties (Scotch, Irish, American, Japanese, Canadian) and is considered the birthplace of whiskey.
Recommended way to drink:
Enjoy it chilled. If you're not into high-proof drinks, add soda water to make a "highball".
A notable brand is "Glenlivet", offering a light-tasting whiskey with fruity notes. It's affordable, making it suitable for those trying whiskey for the first time.
Alcohol Code Names in Detective Conan's Black Organization? – Movie/Early Temporary Characters
Irish
Character Insight:
In the movie "The Dark Pursuer," a muscular man is a member of the Black Organization with the codename "Irish." He's highly intelligent, even discovering Conan's real identity. In the end, to protect Conan, he sacrifices himself by taking a sniper shot ordered by Gin.
About the Spirit:
"Irish Whiskey" is a whiskey produced in Ireland and is recognized alongside Scotch Whiskey as one of the origins of whiskey.
Recommended way to drink:
Best served chilled.
If you find high alcohol content hard to handle, you can dilute it with soda, making a "highball."
Tequila
Character Insight:
Tequila is an early character, responsible for computer-related deals within the organization. Standing over 2 meters tall, he is recognizable by his large black hat, beard, and double chin. He died early in a blast, but since his body was never found, some believe he might still be alive.
About the Spirit:
Tequila is "a distilled liquor from the blue agave plant originating from Mexico."
One of the four major spirits.
Strictly defined and produced within certain regions of Mexico, it's related to Mezcal.
Tequila is aged in barrels and based on its aging can be categorized into "Blanco (White) Tequila," "Reposado (Golden) Tequila," and "Añejo (Old) Tequila."
Recommended way to drink:
Blanco Tequila is ideal for cocktails, while Reposado and Añejo are best served cold or neat.
A popular method involves biting a slice of lime, sipping tequila, then licking salt. For Blanco, "Sauza Blue" is recommended, for Reposado, "Patron Reposado," and for Añejo, "Don Julio Anejo."
Pisco
Character Insight:
Pisco is also the chairman of a major car manufacturer, Kenzo Masuyama. An old-timer in the Black Organization, at 71, he demonstrated his capabilities over the years, even identifying Ai Haibara's true identity. However, he failed in his plans and was shot by Gin under the boss's orders.
About the Spirit:
Pisco is "a grape-distilled spirit produced in Peru."
Essentially a fruit brandy
It is clear and crisp in taste, aged in steel or glass containers.
Recommended way to drink:
Best enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
Mixing Pisco with ginger ale and a dash of lime juice makes a delightful "Chilcano" cocktail.
The brand "Tabernero" is recommended.
Apple Brandy
Character Insight:
An antagonist from the early series, a member of the Black Organization. He's tall, medium build, usually seen wearing sunglasses, a cap, and earmuffs. He has feelings for Vermouth. In a fierce battle, unable to escape, he chooses to end his own life.
About the Spirit:
Apple brandy is distilled from apples, with Calvados from France being the most renowned, made using apples from the Normandy region, distilled twice, and aged in oak barrels.
Recommended way to drink:
The flavor is strong and is best enjoyed neat or in cocktails. When drinking neat, a slight chill enhances the taste.
Brand Recommendation:
Laird's is a prominent American Apple Brandy producer with a rich history.
庫拉索（Curacao)
Character Insight:
Curacao appears in the movie "Pitch-Black Nightmare." She's a field agent of the Black Organization and a close aide to the No.2 figure, Rum. Known for her exceptional memory and physical abilities, she decided to flee the organization but sacrificed herself to stop a runaway ferris wheel.
About the Spirit:
Curacao is "a liqueur flavored with orange peel, often added to spirits or brandy."
It can come in various colors, such as white, orange, blue, green, or red.
Recommended way to drink:
Typically used as a base for cocktails. Famous cocktails using White Curacao include "White Lady,"
"Balalaika" with vodka, and "Sidecar" with brandy.
Stout
Character Insight:
Stout appears in the movie "Pitch-Black Nightmare." He's a British spy who infiltrated the Black Organization. His cover was blown, leading to his assassination by Connan.
About the Spirit:
Stout is a type of beer originating from Ireland.
It's a rich-tasting top-fermented beer known for its complex bitterness.
with notes resembling coffee and roasted malt, and its creamy foam
Recommended way to drink:
The flagship brand for Stout is "Guinness."
Aquavit
Character Insight:
Featured in the movie "Pure Black Nightmare."
He is a Canadian spy infiltrating the Black Organization. Unfortunately, he was exposed by Chianti and was shot to death.
About the Spirit
Aquavit is a distilled spirit made primarily from potatoes, mainly produced in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Germany.
It is a clear spirit that usually doesn't undergo aging.
It is flavored with herbs and has a taste similar to gin.
Recommended way to drink:
Most people drink it straight in shot glasses. It's preferable to chill it in the fridge before drinking.This way, the texture is richer and the alcohol sensation is subdued, making it smoother.
The recommended brand is Skane, one of the most renowned from the Nordic countries. It has a smooth taste with a hint of herbal aroma.
Riesling
Character Insight:
Featured in the movie "Pure Black Nightmare."
She is a German female spy infiltrating the Black Organization. She was exposed by Gin and Vodka and was shot to death.
About the Spirit
Riesling is a type of wine
It's also a variety of white grape from Germany, from which the wine is made. It is characterized by its sharp acidity and exquisite aroma.
Recommended way to drink:
It can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, depending on personal preference.
For a sweet Riesling, "Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spätlese" is recommended, and for a dry Riesling, "The Lodge Hill Riesling" is a value-for-money German Riesling.
Pinga
Character Insight:
Appeared in "Shadow of the Black Iron Fish," Pinga wanted to be close to Rum in the Black Organization but was framed by Gin and met her demise.
About the Spirit
Pinga, also known as Cachaça, is a distilled spirit from Brazil made from sugarcane. It's similar to rum but differs in production and flavor. Cachaça is the primary ingredient in Brazil's national cocktail, the famous Caipirinha.
Recommended way to drink:
Cachaça can be enjoyed on its own or mixed in cocktails, with the most famous being the Caipirinha, which is made from Cachaça, sugar, and lime.
Leblon and Ypióca are globally recognized Brazilian Cachaça brands known for their rich flavor and excellent taste.
Detective Conan's Black Organization – Frequently Asked Questions
Are characters in the movies an exception?
Stout and Curacao deviate from the rule where males are named after distilled spirits and females are named after wines related to grapes.
Stout is a type of beer, which is a brewed drink. Curacao is a liqueur flavored with orange peel.
Both appear exclusively in the movie "Pure Black Nightmare." Given the significance of the main character Curacao, it's understandable even if it didn't follow the naming convention. As for Stout, it seems contradictory to the author's original intent, so we have excluded the movie version characters and rearranged accordingly.
Are the Four Spirits crucial within the Organization?
Among the myriad distilled spirits, certain liquors stand out due to their popularity, market size, and history. These are commonly referred to as the “Four Great Spirits”: gin, vodka, tequila, and rum, along with the globally popular whiskey. In "Detective Conan," whiskey isn't the name of a character but is split into names like Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, and Irish, highlighting the significance of this type of liquor.
From the onset of "Detective Conan," both gin and vodka have been present and continue to play pivotal roles.
The organization's second-in-command adopts the name "Rum," which is thrilling for those passionate about spirits.
This leaves “Tequila” as the only one seemingly undervalued. "Mr. Aoyama might value the Four Great Spirits... Tequila could still be alive!" is a hope shared among many Conan enthusiasts. However, he wasn't a particularly charismatic character, so the likelihood of his reappearance seems slim.
Are Whiskey and Cocktails traitors?
Next, let's delve into the unexpectedly high number of undercover agents within the Black Organization.
One can't help but wonder about their vetting and selection process...
Black Organization Codenames (Traitors)
・Bourbon (Amuro Tooru/Furuya Rei: Public Security Police)
・Rye (Akai Shuichi/Okiya Subaru: FBI)
・Scotch (Morofushi Taka’aki: Public Security Police)
・Kir (Hondo Eisuke/Mizunashi Rena: CIA)
There appears to be a clear pattern now. Male traitors have whiskey-related names. Female traitors have names of cocktails not related to wines.
At this point, one might ponder if this is a rule set by Mr. Aoyama, or if it holds significance within the story. If it's the latter, the character assigning these codenames could foresee the traitors, setting up an exhilarating plotline! However, when considering characters from the movie adaptations, this rule quickly collapses, making its realization quite challenging.
Reference:
【酒専門ブログが解説】コナンに出てくるお酒（コードネーム）を解説！
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