Sloe berries in Naas

coolpaddy

Howdy All,

I'm looking to make sloe gin to have ready for Christmas but have no idea where to find sloe berries. Does anyone know if they grow wild around the Naas area at all? Apparently they are ready to be picked at this time of year.

Cheers.

Rosahane

I think that you may be too late, most of the berrys are overripe or fallen at this stage. I made mine over a month ago:D

It's usually worth walking along the canal banks or visiting any park or unused "development" land in your area. You might also try around the Curragh. Alternatively approach any farmers you know, or have land where you have spotted bushes and ask politely, they are usually more than happy to oblige especially if you return the favour with a bottle of the brew at Christmas;)

Gregsor

I am nearly sure there is a quantity of bushes on the road beside me although i haven't walked it in 3 weeks they were abundant back then.
I am 10 minutes from Milltown if thats any use to you,probably not but do share the recipe

coolpaddy

Thanks for your help lads. I think I may be a little too late this year. My friend went out at the weekend to pick some and most of them are gone. The birds and the weather beat me to it. There's always next year.

As for the recipe, here's one my friend gave me. And trust me the results are worth waiting for.

A pound of sloes (prick them with a needle first)
A pound of sugar
700ml bottle of gin (Any cheap brand will do. No need to spend much on it.)
3 cloves

Place the ingredients into a large air tight jar or bottle. Give it a good shake everyday for a couple of weeks. Then once a week for 2 months. It should be ready to drink by Christmas but you can leave the berries in it for up to a year or so. Apparently the longer the better.

Gregsor

Well hopefully good news for you CoolPaddy


I'm not queued into my berries so are they a winner?

coolpaddy

They're the exact ones. Now getting picking and brewing!

Gregsor

If you want some Paddy i can get them tomorrow and i will be in Naas town @6pm tomorrow evening if you wanted to take them,just going to waste there on the road,loads of them and it's on the walking route anyway;).

coolpaddy

Gregsor wrote: »

If you want some Paddy i can get them tomorrow and i will be in Naas town @6pm tomorrow evening if you wanted to take them,just going to waste there on the road,loads of them and it's on the walking route anyway;).

Thanks a million for the kind offer. My friend sorted me out in the end. I should have enough to keep me going through the winter

Kopkid99

Anyone know of any route or area around Naas that has sloe berries this year. Old thread I know but worth a shot.

banananama

Any luck finding some berries?