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Claire Rull's avatar

Love an Old Money No. 2!

Thank you for introducing me to another exciting member of the Kilner-on-the-shelf Club

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Mark Diacono's avatar

That neverending shelf…

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Lisa McLean's avatar

Another sweet meander through your life Mark, Thank you.

I too am not one for spirits generally, yet I presently sip a Campari after a day in the garden, a bath and a little Bach.

There are so many aromatic delights living in the tropics, yet not a walnut grove in sight. It’s the cross I must bear, begrudgingly. As for fenugreek tempering in ghee, almost unparalleled.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

I think that Campari combination sounds as good as life gets Lisa

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Lisa McLean's avatar

It did put a big smile on my heart Mark.

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In Europe's avatar

1 pint day: 2 pint evening (Guinness)= joy such a lovely read

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you!

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Lesley's avatar

Ah Mark, you would have loved my old garden in Occitanie. Two enormous walnut trees, maybe 100 years old, in full flush. One was a black walnut tree whose fruits were smaller but were much prized by the locals.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

I love a black walnut! And am glad you had time with those trees - how lovely

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Karen Barnes's avatar

So much to love here: the Waterboys! A liqueur made with soft walnuts! The caterpillars! (Found some of those munching away in our own garden last week.) Thanks, as always, Mark.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Kāren! The Waterboys, in Dublin, between curtains and New Year, on the Fisherman’s Blues tour was really something

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JP Clark's avatar

Another thing I now need to make! Cheers Mark.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Ha - nice to keep you busy JP!

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Undistorted, Radical Clarity's avatar

What a journey—geographically, sensorially, and internally. From the dark hum of Guinness and poitín to the delicate gold of Cinnabar caterpillars, this post unfolds like a slow fermentation of memory and meaning. I was especially moved by the acknowledgment that something can promise joy while quietly stealing it—your reflection on spirits was beautifully honest and relatable. And yet the continuation through ritual, creation, and shared pleasure—like the DiacoNocino—is such a grounding way to stay in relationship with what once consumed us. Thank you for the story, the recipe, and the reminder that evolution can be slow, bitter-sweet, and beautifully brewed.

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Sally Morgan's avatar

Great read - thank you. The walnut tree here is laden so I must try nocino - but I have to be quick as the walnuts disappear over the summer thanks to the activities of the squirrels

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Mark Diacono's avatar

That’s the joy of the nocino/pickled walnut approach - it means harvesting them before the squirrels get interested!

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Amela Marin's avatar

Nocino or green walnut liqueur is one of many typical drinks made here in Dalmatia. But Diaconocino sounds quite special. Lovely piece, as always.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Amela

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June Girvin's avatar

Nocino sounds wonderful, and those soft walnuts look the same.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you June

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Clare Heal's avatar

Just made a batch of this! Or something like it anyway. There wasn't quite enough vodka to cover the walnuts but I unearthed a bottle of brandy from the back of the cupboard and chucked that in too. Some of last year's got used to soak raisins which went alongside toasted walnuts in a very special fudge.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Necessity is the mother of invention! I bet it turns out really good too

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Kristin Jensen's avatar

I also suffer from migraines, and like you I’ve largely given up drinking because I’ll almost certainly get one the next day. Poor us!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Poor us indeed!

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Kristin Jensen's avatar

But also, Diaconocino is genius!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

bows deeply

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Casa Lucia di Lucy Hayward's avatar

Your writing is so whimsical and moving Mark.....I can always picture just what you are describing, (and the incredible photos help too).... As a resident of Le Marche, I can attest that Nocino is popular here too and traditionally the nuts are collected and turned into the dark mysterious liquid on St John's Day, 24th June... Usually served over Christmas and New Year.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

It’s great to hear about the tradition in your area Lucy, and thank you for your kind words

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

Walnuts are much underrated. Thanks for this Mark!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

They really are!

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Frances's avatar

Beautiful escape this, Mark - reading your travels then an education in green walnut shenanigans. I feel a bit tipsy. How wonderful. And congratulations on those 2 books of yours winning book of the year. Wow!

Frances

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Frances

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Vanilla Black's avatar

I don’t like walnuts. I like cider though.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

As Meatloaf almost said, one out of two ain't bad

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Vanilla Black's avatar

He probably did say that in rehearsals.

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