I really love the blackthorn English, the sugar + bitters makes this almost reminiscent of an old fashioned, but the Irish whisky, port and demerera take it in a completely different direction. I can see this becoming a new favourite. Excellent use of a nice but not amazing port. I nibbled a Danish butter biscuit alongside, added some nice sugar and vanilla characters.

Surprised how well this turned out with a cheap tawny port. Did use a solid Irish whiskey and some stellar Jamaican-brand demerara. But reading John and Marek's comments, oh yes, half the syrup is very much in order.

This was very nice. I did find it very sweet (and only used 1/2 of the sugar syrup). Great flavour and well balanced.