And the alcohol for tonight is....?

[StanMan]

I find it interesting that cloudy cider is suddenly very 'in vogue'. I really like it, although it reminds me of the 'scrumpy' we used to drink many years ago in a certain pub in Llandaff, Cardiff, that was near the river Taff - it was general opinion that it wasn't cloudy cider at all but just something of dubious quality and pedigree that was pumped directly from the river...

 

[Kevin Farnell]

I find it interesting that cloudy cider is suddenly very 'in vogue'. I really like it, although it reminds me of the 'scrumpy' we used to drink many years ago in a certain pub in Llandaff, Cardiff, that was near the river Taff - it was general opinion that it wasn't cloudy cider at all but just something of dubious quality and pedigree that was pumped directly from the river...

I remember, many years ago, we would take our caravan down to Devon and Cornwall for our summer holidays. One year, we bought some local cider (scrumpy is probably a better description) from the farmer that ran the camp sire (he'd obviously made it himself). It was cloudy and we bought several gallon containers (I'm sure there was the odd dead fly in a couple of the containers). The stuff was strong enough to blow your socks off.

Kevin

 

[JENNYJET]

I cannot find a better cider than Scrumpy, no bubbles, just apples fermented naturally. Sorts out the bowels for sure!!

 

[StanMan]

That might be just a bit too much information, Jenny!🙂

 

[TheLocalYokel]

I remember, many years ago, we would take our caravan down to Devon and Cornwall for our summer holidays. One year, we bought some local cider (scrumpy is probably a better description) from the farmer that ran the camp sire (he'd obviously made it himself). It was cloudy and we bought several gallon containers (I'm sure there was the odd dead fly in a couple of the containers). The stuff was strong enough to blow your socks off.

Kevin

I grew up in rural Somerset in the years following WW2. Many of the farmers made their own scrumpy and all sorts of rumours persisted as to what might form part of the fermentation process. I won't repeat any of the rumours here, although dead flies might have been the least worrisome of deceased creatures.

Most of the small orchards that were a feature of many of the small farms then are no more.

One of the farms in the area of Somerset where I grew up is Myrtle Farm and at the beginning of the previous century farmer William Thatcher would produce cider on a small scale for his workers and no doubt for his friend too. That early initiative has blossomed into Thatchers, a company that is still family-owned and still centred on a greatly expanded Myrtle Farm site with cider now produced on a grand scale, although you won't find any questionable ingredients in their products. What you will find around the Thatchers site are very large orchards that have taken the place of the 'cottage industry' small orchards of yesteryear.

Cider-drinking should form part of my heritage, and I certainly enjoy quaffing the juice of the apple from time to time, but I'm more drawn to other whistle-wetters, particularly wine and some spirits. I'm not a big drinker.

 

[JENNYJET]

I demolished three bottles last night, Tuesday, and no effect beyond frequently visiting the little room. I thought MALBEC had something about it?

 

[Ray Finkle]

I demolished three bottles last night, Tuesday, and no effect beyond frequently visiting the little room. I thought MALBEC had something about it?

Remind me never to play any sort of drinking game with you Madam JJ 🙂

I do like a Malbec, it's definitely my favourite red.

Bit boring tonight with a couple of bottles of Semillon Chardonnay. A little Penderyn will finish the evening off though.

 

[JENNYJET]

MALBEC increased in price thanks to our lovely Chancellor of the Exchequer. So it is a subject of rationing from now on. I have a bottle of Port wine and a bottle of Highland Harvest Malt whisky ready for Christmas although I do not submit to such a social terror.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Funnily enough Mrs F and I were talking only yesterday about getting a bottle or two of Port wine for Christmas. We had a cracking bottle from M&S last year so may well go for the same again.

 

[JENNYJET]

Best get it pronto if the borders are blocked by the French. Supplies may run dry since as Portugal is EU.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Funnily enough Mrs F and I were talking only yesterday about getting a bottle or two of Port wine for Christmas. We had a cracking bottle from M&S last year so may well go for the same again.

I love a glass or two of Port, especially if accompanied by a good cheeseboard. Have you ever tried white Port? I first had it some years ago at the BBC Good Food show at the NEC. Serve it chilled as an aperitif (like you would a Sherry). It's delicious.

Kevin

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Best get it pronto if the borders are blocked by the French. Supplies may run dry since as Portugal is EU.

Portugal is our oldest ally (something to do with us both having a bit of a spat with the Spanish), so I don't think they will want to lose sales of Port to one of their biggest markets. It';s easy to get from Portugal to the UK by sea or air, thus avoiding France. I've seen reported that some countries have already started to send ships that way round to negate the possibility of blocks by the French (who are acting like spoilt brats).

Kevin

 

[Ray Finkle]

I love a glass or two of Port, especially if accompanied by a good cheeseboard. Have you ever tried white Port? I first had it some years ago at the BBC Good Food show at the NEC. Serve it chilled as an aperitif (like you would a Sherry). It's delicious.

Kevin

I can't say that I have ever tried white Port but it's certainly something that I'll look out for.


Whilst on the subject (and conscious that I may be going way off topic) if anyone is looking for a city break destination then I cannot recommend Porto highly enough, we absolutely loved the place. If time and finances allow then I'd definitely look at combining it with a cruise along the Douro.

 

[JENNYJET]

I was concerned about the truckers routes to Calais unless they use Santander or other Iberian ports I am unaware of.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Two bottles of M&S Port purchased last week, one for now and one to save for Christmas. I think we'll be nipping back for another one before then as it's just too nice 🙂

 

[JENNYJET]

It truly is a gorgeous drink and I shall open my bottle that was put aside for later this year. Sir Raymond has broken my resistance.

 

[JENNYJET]

I regret I have demolished my Christmas bottle but not a problem as I do not celebrate Christmas, not my religion, it I respect the event as it is.

I have another bottle of Port put away somewhere, I forget where...It is mine!!

 

[Scottie Dog]

I regret I have demolished my Christmas bottle but not a problem as I do not celebrate Christmas, not my religion, it I respect the event as it is.

I have another bottle of Port put away somewhere, I forget where...It is mine!!

And what, pray may I ask, does Peggy have to celebrate with??

 

[JENNYJET]

Peggy gets a share of some of my treats, not chocolate of course.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Peggy gets a share of some of my treats, not chocolate of course.

Also, avoid giving Peggy grapes (and by association, raisins, currants and sultanas), which are toxic to Dogs. Chocolate which Humans eat, contains Theobromine (a bitter alkaloid from the cacao plant and again, toxic to Dogs), but is not present in 'Doggy Chocolate' and therefore safe for them.

Kevin