On Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:55:52 +0100, Gopher wrote:

I realise this requires a
subjective opinion and know it's a bit OT but any improvement on
previous efforts will, I know, be welcomed by the family at Xmas.

There's your problem: this year's Sloe Gin shouldn't be sampled until /
next/ xmas. Pound of sloes, frosted (cheat and use the freezer!) and
pricked, pound of sugar, bottle of gin. Turn weekly for six months.