njc110381 Posted August 23, 2014 Report Share Posted August 23, 2014 Well it looks like this could be my first year of my long term plan coming together. A few years ago I planted a mixed hedge on the verge outside my house. Wanting a native setup that was resistant to hedge divers, I went for hawthorn, but popped a few blackthorn in for good measure. And this year I've got my first sloes. I just went out to check them and they're soft. Could it be the early onset of a good amount of hot weather that has got them ripening this early? I'd usually leave them longer but I've had a little idea that will be very well received, and it has to be done now. Have any of you started yet? I spotted in a search of the forum that some folk are picking by mid September, so I'm only pushing things by three weeks or so and these feel nicely ready. I've just thrown together my first bottle with some sloes that I've frozen first to frost them - a DIY birthday present for a mate. I've left it layered in the bottle so she can give it the first shake later and then open it at Christmas. It's a bit of a cruel present, but I think she'll love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted August 23, 2014 Report Share Posted August 23, 2014 Looks like I have a crop this year though I tend to leave them till they are very ripe not just about ripe. Mine have colour though they must swell and start to split (normally you see frost before you pick sloes here). I also do wild plum and damson vodka also brandy with the same and a bit of star anis. Don't like as much sugar and I add it in stages Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted August 23, 2014 Report Share Posted August 23, 2014 I'd say its a touch early - like the sloes hard and black - try a first brew and see how it turns out - save some on the bushes for later ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted August 23, 2014 Report Share Posted August 23, 2014 Too early for me also, although I am picking loads of plums and damsons for the same purpose. Damsons are ok to get in demijohn neck, but plums have to be halved first, which is a pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man o kent Posted August 23, 2014 Report Share Posted August 23, 2014 Bit early yet, but you don't have to wait for a frost, just pick them later on and put them in the freezer. Defrost and they are ready to go. Always make a bottle or two every year, but you are right, it's gona be an early one this year, and a good crop. I can forsee a few more bottles going in the cupboard this autumn! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted August 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2014 I think I've got enough left in the hedge to make up about a litre or so. They'll be staying on the plants until later. The stuff I made today is already taking up a bit of colour though - I was quite surprised how quickly it started to change but then my mate was shaking the **** out of it all evening. I think she was happy with her gift! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellow Bear Posted September 14, 2014 Report Share Posted September 14, 2014 Too early for me also, although I am picking loads of plums and damsons for the same purpose. Damsons are ok to get in demijohn neck, but plums have to be halved first, which is a pain. We have found a way round this - we use 2 or 3 litre Kilner type jars - fruit just drops in. When you take it out you can use it for pies etc. Pie made from "gin damsons" with custard in the cold weather "Num num" - can't wait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanj Posted September 14, 2014 Report Share Posted September 14, 2014 just filtered and decanted a batch from last year mmmmmmmmmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted September 14, 2014 Report Share Posted September 14, 2014 They are pretty nearly ready on the farm. Found a few bushes last week. Going to pick next week probably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mat Posted September 14, 2014 Report Share Posted September 14, 2014 Looks like it is going to be a good crop on my usual spots. However i will not be making any this year as i have 3 litres or so in the cupboard and the rate i drink it, it'll take me the next 10 years to get rid of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty38 Posted September 15, 2014 Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 Looks like it is going to be a good crop on my usual spots. However i will not be making any this year as i have 3 litres or so in the cupboard and the rate i drink it, it'll take me the next 10 years to get rid of it! Blimey, it'd evaporate quicker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougall Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 first deep frost or 1st october my Nan used to say!?she did'nt know much to be honest,but boy could she cook/make a wicked sloe gin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outlander Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 Best off waiting for a while, although i spotted a tree full of damsons on my dog walk this afternoon I think I might give that a go this year . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highbird70 Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 May I have the recipe please? We have found a way round this - we use 2 or 3 litre Kilner type jars - fruit just drops in. When you take it out you can use it for pies etc. Pie made from "gin damsons" with custard in the cold weather "Num num" - can't wait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlistairB Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 All my hedgerow booze is now done and getting it's daily stir - the sloes were falling off the branches when i went to pick them a couple of weeks ago. It felt to early, but then everything seemed to come in too early (even harvest round here), but it was a case of get in and get some or go without! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniel Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 Got to locate some as I like sloe vodka Got to locate some as I like sloe vodka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeds chimp Posted September 17, 2014 Report Share Posted September 17, 2014 got 2 litres of sloe gin on the go and 2.5 litres of sloe vodka and a cheeky litre of bramble vodka now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrycatcat1 Posted September 17, 2014 Report Share Posted September 17, 2014 Best way to see if sloes are ready is to chew a few first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellow Bear Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 May I have the recipe please? Easy really - once the fruit (damsons or plums in the case of plum whisky or any of the "sweet" fruits) is strained from the mix treat it like fresh fruit when making a pie or crumble except reduce the sugar in the bake as the fruit will have absorbed some in the brew - can't say by how much as everybody uses different sugar levels in both brewing and cooking to their taste Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highbird70 Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Easy really - once the fruit (damsons or plums in the case of plum whisky or any of the "sweet" fruits) is strained from the mix treat it like fresh fruit when making a pie or crumble except reduce the sugar in the bake as the fruit will have absorbed some in the brew - can't say by how much as everybody uses different sugar levels in both brewing and cooking to their taste Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Not really a good crop of sloes around here for some reason this year. I know we had some good blossom but can't remember if we had a frost shortly after to explain the scarcity. Have located some, but not a lot. Bumper crop of damsons though and have been again picking some this morning. Now have three demijohns on the go and am starting on a fourth. Looks like we're going to be busy with the cider again this year also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deny essex Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 (edited) A Christmas deal. Having got the taste of home made sloe gin my wife now wants some more for this Christmas. A kind member on PW sent me a bottle a cpl of years back and in fair exchange I sent him some Decoydippas, ( I am still trying to walk straight) So if anybody wants to swap a bottle of sloe gin for a couple of new Decoydippas (AKA deny's dippas) I would welcome a pm. I don't need the gin till near christmas but with christmas in mind you can have the dippas immediately on an honour trade ATB Deny Edited September 22, 2014 by deny essex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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