The August Break '16: 5 years ago

Day 18/31 of the August Break photography project. Today's prompt is '5 years ago'
Every year in late August, when the first leaves are tipped with gold and brown, and the rowans berries are showing scarlet against the green, I start making bramble brandy  (or plum brandy, red currant gin, or some other variation, but most often bramble brandy), for Christmas.
Though I never consciously choose to make it in the same week in August, I noticed today when I took the Kilner jars from the dresser cupboard, that the hand written sticky labels, though faded after going through the dishwasher, show dates within a few days of each other, going back some years. I couldn't actually find one dated 2011, however  I am confident that I was making bramble brandy this week 5 years ago. 
There is a pleasant sense of preparedness which is uniquely associated with making jams, chutneys, cordials and, I can happily report, bramble brandy. It is also very easy to make, and will provide you with beautiful gifts to give to family and friends at Christmas, as well as a gorgeous drink to enjoy as a Christmas treat to yourself.
I wrote about last year's home made brandy here, giving the recipe and method in full, so if you are already dreaming of cosy winter evenings sipping something delicious from a short glass, click on the link. One other note: I use cheap brandy for this (ditto cheap gin if I am making a gin based liqueur), the type that comes in plastic bottles, and at current prices is around £9 for a 70cl bottle. Don't be afraid, by Christmas it will taste like nectar.