Wilbur Makes Sloe Gin

**WillburForce** · 10-07-2011 01:14 PM

I make this Sloe Gin every year and give out as Xmas presents. Thought I'd share how to do it.

Basic recipe is: 400g Sloes, 150g White Sugar, 500ml Gin.

Step 1 - find a sloe bush. They're basically really sour little plums. You could buy them from Ebay if you wanted. Think they even ship to USofA

Step 2 - take your cleaned sloes, sugar and London Dry Gin. Then prick each sloe and add 400gish to an empty bottle. Add 150g sugar.

Step 4 - Top up with gin.

Step 5: Repeat until you have loads...

Step 5: For 1st week give a little shake everyday. Then store in a dark place. Then leave for at least 2 months. After that drain through muslin into clean bottles, keeping the gin soaked sloes.

You have homemade sloe gin. Drink neat or with ice, lime and tonic.

And with the left over gin soaked sloes.....put into a large container, add a bit of sugar, then top up with cider. Leave for a month or so. You now have some Loony Juice.

(ps that ain't my finished (last pic) sloe gin. I haven't finished mine yet this year - but my labels are better than that anyway!)

**BennyLaRue** · 10-07-2011 01:19 PM

Sounds cool. Loony Juice...are you topping with non-alchoholic cider? The sloes must still retain some of the gin, right?

**WillburForce** · 10-07-2011 01:22 PM

Nah, straight up cider. Stronger the better. Yep the sloes then release some sloe gin into the cider. Loony Juice!

Other option is to pop out the little stone and cover the sloes in chocolate. You then have gin soaked sloe chocolate things which also make cool pressies. I prefer the loony juice though...

**DropTheBanana** · 10-07-2011 04:55 PM

Would this work with other clear liquors?

It's a baller ass idea, since we usually do baskets for distant family. But I don't think I know anyone that likes gin.

**WillburForce** · 10-07-2011 05:04 PM

yeah, vodka is fine.

Plum/Sloe brandy is awesome.

I made it with grappa (Italian clear brandy) before and it was nice.

But sloe gin is very diff to normal gin. Just cause you don't like you gin, don't mean you won't like sloe gin...

**Nekrogovner** · 10-07-2011 06:37 PM

Sounds awesome, yet simple. Def gotta try it. Have u tried some other fruit instead of sloes? Cherry, blackberry... ?

**givememyleg** · 10-07-2011 06:47 PM

this is a cool idea for xmas presents and such since my family is a bunch of alcoholics. hate gin so i'd prob use vodka or something.

loony juice?

**BennyLaRue** · 10-07-2011 07:54 PM

When you make this, do you sing the song Slow Ride?

**oskar** · 10-07-2011 08:11 PM

I don't know much about making pruno, but I my grandfather used to make his own supply, and I vaguely remember it being a pretty tedious process that involved a bunch of testing to make sure the the end product won't make you go blind or anything dumb like that. Maybe what you're doing is idiot proof, but I would recommend some caution.

**BennyLaRue** · 10-07-2011 08:15 PM

He's using factory manufactured gin and just adding stuff to it so I'd say the risk is non-existent.

**rong** · 10-07-2011 09:15 PM

Just found some local growing sloes, xmas pressies are now officially taken care of.

**Nekrogovner** · 10-07-2011 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by oskar

I don't know much about making pruno, but I my grandfather used to make his own supply, and I vaguely remember it being a pretty tedious process that involved a bunch of testing to make sure the the end product won't make you go blind or anything dumb like that. Maybe what you're doing is idiot proof, but I would recommend some caution.

Its pretty much standard recipe. No methanol produced in process ever.

**a500lbgorilla** · 10-08-2011 03:22 AM

What is sloe gin? And why is this the first time I've ever seen the word 'sloe'?

**Nekrogovner** · 10-08-2011 12:15 PM

Sloe = blackthorn

**WillburForce** · 10-08-2011 01:13 PM

Fruit of the blackthorn. Its a type of wild plum. Its grows all over the UK.

Defo not dangerous in the slightest. The Loony Juice may ferment a tiny bit, but the worse that'll happen is the lid will blow off and spill it everywhere.

Other good recipes are Blackberry Vodka or Cherry Brandy.

My cupboard is full of the shizzle I "forage". Got loads of weird booze, jams, chutneys etc...

**rong** · 10-08-2011 08:46 PM

I think I've found me a new hobby. For the blackberry vodka do you follow the same process? Are there any dos and donts in general? Can you pretty much use any spirit and any berry?

**Monty3038** · 10-08-2011 10:11 PM

I make my sloe gin the same way I make my vodka... by buying it. Neat idea though... the local wineries have packages where you can make your own wines... been thinking about doing that.

**WillburForce** · 10-09-2011 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by DanAronG

I think I've found me a new hobby. For the blackberry vodka do you follow the same process? Are there any dos and donts in general? Can you pretty much use any spirit and any berry?

Blackberrys you use a bit less sugar. Have a google and you'll find lots of recipes. Check out • Index page - got lots of recipes (not just sloes) and tips etc.

The main tip is not to over sugar. You can always add more sugar later - you can taste the stuff after say a month and you'll get an idea of what it'll be like.

I'm addicted to making this stuff. I've got a big chilli plant which I made chilli vodka with. And If I'm out cycling I'm forever looking at the hedgerows for fruit/ berry to pick to turn into some form of booze. Just coming to the end of the season - so hurry!

**rong** · 10-09-2011 09:17 AM

Everywhere I look says don't pick Sloes until end Oct/early Nov or first frost.

But you recon it's ok to pick 'em now?

**WillburForce** · 10-09-2011 02:12 PM

fine to pick them now - the weird summer means all fruits were early this year. Defo pick them now, they'll be past it in a week or so. Most down south are already shrivelled.

**rong** · 10-09-2011 06:59 PM

I'm off to forage tomorrow, I've made an afternoon out of it, invited the inlaws and taking the kids. So I get brownie points for the family day out, have quadrupled my labour (ignoring the kids) and end up with some interesting booze for the inevitable Xmas cocktail nights. Lucky I found a site online referring to sloes growing by the river Fal, would never have got away with that if they were on the side of the road.

**WillburForce** · 10-10-2011 10:32 AM

Cool!

Be careful when picking the sloes. It's called blackthorn for a reason.

Post up some picks when you're done.

**rong** · 10-10-2011 07:16 PM

Found loads of sloes. Made up two bottles using a vodka & gin mix. Gonna make a few more over the next few days. Photos will follow.

**Monty3038** · 10-10-2011 07:18 PM

Totally off topic but you mentioned the season... love ice wine, from the Niagara region... was up there and taking a tour of how they produce it... pretty cool picking the grapes when frozen... awfully sweet stuff.

**rong** · 10-10-2011 08:52 PM

The sloes, this is about half of what I picked

A funky looking bottle previously full of India's finest monk rum.

Somne cheap ass gin

2 bottles filled to between 1/3 and 1/2 way with sloes

Add some sugar

Add some booze - For these two I used a 50/50 mix of gin and vodka

And shake

**WillburForce** · 10-11-2011 08:49 AM

Looking good.

**WillburForce** · 10-11-2011 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Totally off topic but you mentioned the season... love ice wine, from the Niagara region... was up there and taking a tour of how they produce it... pretty cool picking the grapes when frozen... awfully sweet stuff.

I've had German Icewien before - I've read about Canada making the stuff, but its seriously expensive to buy over here.

Be nice with a lump of stinky blue cheese I recon.

**rong** · 12-04-2011 09:28 AM

BUMP!!!!!!!!

Tried my sloe gin last night, as did a small audience. The response was unanimous.

Tastes amazing. You could easily sip it straight or mix it with tonic/soda or similar.

Well chuffed with that.

Thank you Wilbur.

**rong** · 12-04-2011 09:29 AM

Any ideas how you can find out the alcohol level?

**WillburForce** · 12-04-2011 04:52 PM

I tried mine the other night. Good stuff!!!

I think you can buy a cheap alcohol tester (try ebay) - though I just estimate mine at around 25/30%.

PS - don't forget to use those left over sloes (once you bottle it) to make some loony juice!

**rong** · 12-04-2011 05:15 PM

No looney juice for me.

I'm gonna use the sloes for xmas dinner sauce. Similar to the traditional cranberry sauce, but gin soaked sloes instead.

**kingnat** · 12-04-2011 09:49 PM

You must listen to this while making sloe gin. Joe Bonamassa - Sloe Gin @ North Sea Jazz 2007 - YouTube

**WillburForce** · 12-06-2011 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by DanAronG

No looney juice for me.

I'm gonna use the sloes for xmas dinner sauce. Similar to the traditional cranberry sauce, but gin soaked sloes instead.

Coolio. I'm putting a splash in the gravy. Also gonna try and make some sloe gin granita for the desserts (plum tart tatin) on Boxing day.

Sloe gin Xmas.

@Kingnat
Joe B is such an awesome guitarist. He the man.

**WillburForce** · 10-17-2012 11:27 PM

BUMPY BUMP!

Picked my sloes today. Bit of bad year for sloes, but I got enough for me!!!

**kmind** · 10-18-2012 01:04 AM

Great bump I may try this. Looks good.

10-07-2011 01:14 PM #1
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	Wilbur Makes Sloe Gin I make this Sloe Gin every year and give out as Xmas presents. Thought I'd share how to do it. Basic recipe is: 400g Sloes, 150g White Sugar, 500ml Gin. Step 1 - find a sloe bush. They're basically really sour little plums. You could buy them from Ebay if you wanted. Think they even ship to USofA Step 2 - take your cleaned sloes, sugar and London Dry Gin. Then prick each sloe and add 400gish to an empty bottle. Add 150g sugar. Step 4 - Top up with gin. Step 5: Repeat until you have loads... Step 5: For 1st week give a little shake everyday. Then store in a dark place. Then leave for at least 2 months. After that drain through muslin into clean bottles, keeping the gin soaked sloes. You have homemade sloe gin. Drink neat or with ice, lime and tonic. And with the left over gin soaked sloes.....put into a large container, add a bit of sugar, then top up with cider. Leave for a month or so. You now have some Loony Juice. (ps that ain't my finished (last pic) sloe gin. I haven't finished mine yet this year - but my labels are better than that anyway!)
	Normski
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10-07-2011 01:19 PM #2
BennyLaRue View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Sep 2007 Posts 5,490	Sounds cool. Loony Juice...are you topping with non-alchoholic cider? The sloes must still retain some of the gin, right?

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10-07-2011 01:22 PM #3
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	Nah, straight up cider. Stronger the better. Yep the sloes then release some sloe gin into the cider. Loony Juice! Other option is to pop out the little stone and cover the sloes in chocolate. You then have gin soaked sloe chocolate things which also make cool pressies. I prefer the loony juice though...
	Normski
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10-07-2011 04:55 PM #4
DropTheBanana View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Jun 2010 Posts 763 Location Humping the American Dream	Would this work with other clear liquors? It's a baller ass idea, since we usually do baskets for distant family. But I don't think I know anyone that likes gin.
	I like balls.
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10-07-2011 05:04 PM #5
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	yeah, vodka is fine. Plum/Sloe brandy is awesome. I made it with grappa (Italian clear brandy) before and it was nice. But sloe gin is very diff to normal gin. Just cause you don't like you gin, don't mean you won't like sloe gin...
	Normski
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Wilbur Makes Sloe Gin

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10-07-2011 06:37 PM #6
Nekrogovner View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Oct 2010 Posts 509	Sounds awesome, yet simple. Def gotta try it. Have u tried some other fruit instead of sloes? Cherry, blackberry... ?

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10-07-2011 06:47 PM #7
givememyleg View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 13,798 Location ISHPERMING MISHIGEN	this is a cool idea for xmas presents and such since my family is a bunch of alcoholics. hate gin so i'd prob use vodka or something. loony juice?
	ante up with your ass cuz you ain't got a penny
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10-07-2011 07:54 PM #8
BennyLaRue View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Sep 2007 Posts 5,490	When you make this, do you sing the song Slow Ride?

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10-07-2011 08:11 PM #9
oskar View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Apr 2008 Posts 3,311 Location in ur accounts... confiscating ur funz	I don't know much about making pruno, but I my grandfather used to make his own supply, and I vaguely remember it being a pretty tedious process that involved a bunch of testing to make sure the the end product won't make you go blind or anything dumb like that. Maybe what you're doing is idiot proof, but I would recommend some caution.
	The strengh of a hero is defined by the weakness of his villains.
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10-07-2011 08:15 PM #10
BennyLaRue View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Sep 2007 Posts 5,490	He's using factory manufactured gin and just adding stuff to it so I'd say the risk is non-existent.

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10-07-2011 09:15 PM #11
rong View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2008 Posts 5,534 Location behind you with an axe	Just found some local growing sloes, xmas pressies are now officially taken care of.
	With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know.
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10-07-2011 10:13 PM #12
Nekrogovner View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Oct 2010 Posts 509	Originally Posted by oskar I don't know much about making pruno, but I my grandfather used to make his own supply, and I vaguely remember it being a pretty tedious process that involved a bunch of testing to make sure the the end product won't make you go blind or anything dumb like that. Maybe what you're doing is idiot proof, but I would recommend some caution. Its pretty much standard recipe. No methanol produced in process ever.

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10-08-2011 03:22 AM #13
a500lbgorilla View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message JESUS TAKE THE KEYBOARD Join Date Sep 2004 Posts 23,228 Location This room is a good place to be	What is sloe gin? And why is this the first time I've ever seen the word 'sloe'?

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10-08-2011 12:15 PM #14
Nekrogovner View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Oct 2010 Posts 509	Sloe = blackthorn

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10-08-2011 01:13 PM #15
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	Fruit of the blackthorn. Its a type of wild plum. Its grows all over the UK. Defo not dangerous in the slightest. The Loony Juice may ferment a tiny bit, but the worse that'll happen is the lid will blow off and spill it everywhere. Other good recipes are Blackberry Vodka or Cherry Brandy. My cupboard is full of the shizzle I "forage". Got loads of weird booze, jams, chutneys etc...
	Normski
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10-08-2011 08:46 PM #16
rong View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2008 Posts 5,534 Location behind you with an axe	I think I've found me a new hobby. For the blackberry vodka do you follow the same process? Are there any dos and donts in general? Can you pretty much use any spirit and any berry?

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10-08-2011 10:11 PM #17
Monty3038 View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Jan 2008 Posts 1,483 Location Ohio	I make my sloe gin the same way I make my vodka... by buying it. Neat idea though... the local wineries have packages where you can make your own wines... been thinking about doing that.

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10-09-2011 08:35 AM #18
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	Originally Posted by DanAronG I think I've found me a new hobby. For the blackberry vodka do you follow the same process? Are there any dos and donts in general? Can you pretty much use any spirit and any berry? Blackberrys you use a bit less sugar. Have a google and you'll find lots of recipes. Check out • Index page - got lots of recipes (not just sloes) and tips etc. The main tip is not to over sugar. You can always add more sugar later - you can taste the stuff after say a month and you'll get an idea of what it'll be like. I'm addicted to making this stuff. I've got a big chilli plant which I made chilli vodka with. And If I'm out cycling I'm forever looking at the hedgerows for fruit/ berry to pick to turn into some form of booze. Just coming to the end of the season - so hurry!
	Normski
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10-09-2011 09:17 AM #19
rong View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2008 Posts 5,534 Location behind you with an axe	Everywhere I look says don't pick Sloes until end Oct/early Nov or first frost. But you recon it's ok to pick 'em now?
	With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know.
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10-09-2011 02:12 PM #20
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	fine to pick them now - the weird summer means all fruits were early this year. Defo pick them now, they'll be past it in a week or so. Most down south are already shrivelled.
	Normski
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10-09-2011 06:59 PM #21
rong View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2008 Posts 5,534 Location behind you with an axe	I'm off to forage tomorrow, I've made an afternoon out of it, invited the inlaws and taking the kids. So I get brownie points for the family day out, have quadrupled my labour (ignoring the kids) and end up with some interesting booze for the inevitable Xmas cocktail nights. Lucky I found a site online referring to sloes growing by the river Fal, would never have got away with that if they were on the side of the road.
	With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know.
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10-10-2011 10:32 AM #22
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	Cool! Be careful when picking the sloes. It's called blackthorn for a reason. Post up some picks when you're done.
	Normski
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10-10-2011 07:16 PM #23
rong View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2008 Posts 5,534 Location behind you with an axe	Found loads of sloes. Made up two bottles using a vodka & gin mix. Gonna make a few more over the next few days. Photos will follow.
	With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know.
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10-10-2011 07:18 PM #24
Monty3038 View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Jan 2008 Posts 1,483 Location Ohio	Totally off topic but you mentioned the season... love ice wine, from the Niagara region... was up there and taking a tour of how they produce it... pretty cool picking the grapes when frozen... awfully sweet stuff.

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10-10-2011 08:52 PM #25
rong View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2008 Posts 5,534 Location behind you with an axe	The sloes, this is about half of what I picked A funky looking bottle previously full of India's finest monk rum. Somne cheap ass gin 2 bottles filled to between 1/3 and 1/2 way with sloes Add some sugar Add some booze - For these two I used a 50/50 mix of gin and vodka And shake
	With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know.
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10-11-2011 08:49 AM #26
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	Looking good.
	Normski
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10-11-2011 08:51 AM #27
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	Originally Posted by Monty3038 Totally off topic but you mentioned the season... love ice wine, from the Niagara region... was up there and taking a tour of how they produce it... pretty cool picking the grapes when frozen... awfully sweet stuff. I've had German Icewien before - I've read about Canada making the stuff, but its seriously expensive to buy over here. Be nice with a lump of stinky blue cheese I recon.
	Normski
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12-04-2011 09:28 AM #28
rong View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2008 Posts 5,534 Location behind you with an axe	BUMP!!!!!!!! Tried my sloe gin last night, as did a small audience. The response was unanimous. Tastes amazing. You could easily sip it straight or mix it with tonic/soda or similar. Well chuffed with that. Thank you Wilbur.
	With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know.
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12-04-2011 09:29 AM #29
rong View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2008 Posts 5,534 Location behind you with an axe	Any ideas how you can find out the alcohol level?
	With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know.
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12-04-2011 04:52 PM #30
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	I tried mine the other night. Good stuff!!! I think you can buy a cheap alcohol tester (try ebay) - though I just estimate mine at around 25/30%. PS - don't forget to use those left over sloes (once you bottle it) to make some loony juice!
	Normski
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12-04-2011 05:15 PM #31
rong View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Nov 2008 Posts 5,534 Location behind you with an axe	No looney juice for me. I'm gonna use the sloes for xmas dinner sauce. Similar to the traditional cranberry sauce, but gin soaked sloes instead.
	With a bit of luck, his life was ruined forever. Always thinking that just behind some narrow door in all of his favorite bars, men in red woolen shirts are getting incredible kicks from things he'll never know.
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12-04-2011 09:49 PM #32
kingnat View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Jun 2005 Posts 2,818	You must listen to this while making sloe gin. Joe Bonamassa - Sloe Gin @ North Sea Jazz 2007 - YouTube
	So you click their picture and then you get their money?
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12-06-2011 08:16 AM #33
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	Originally Posted by DanAronG No looney juice for me. I'm gonna use the sloes for xmas dinner sauce. Similar to the traditional cranberry sauce, but gin soaked sloes instead. Coolio. I'm putting a splash in the gravy. Also gonna try and make some sloe gin granita for the desserts (plum tart tatin) on Boxing day. Sloe gin Xmas. @Kingnat Joe B is such an awesome guitarist. He the man.
	Normski
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10-17-2012 11:27 PM #34
WillburForce View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date May 2006 Posts 2,643 Location SW London	BUMPY BUMP! Picked my sloes today. Bit of bad year for sloes, but I got enough for me!!!
	Normski
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10-18-2012 01:04 AM #35
kmind View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Join Date Oct 2006 Posts 5,620 Location Not Giving In	Great bump I may try this. Looks good.

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