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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
Love an Old Money No. 2!
Thank you for introducing me to another exciting member of the Kilner-on-the-shelf Club
That neverending shelf…
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.
I think that Campari combination sounds as good as life gets Lisa
It did put a big smile on my heart Mark.
1 pint day: 2 pint evening (Guinness)= joy such a lovely read
Thank you!
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.
I love a black walnut! And am glad you had time with those trees - how lovely
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.
Thank you Kāren! The Waterboys, in Dublin, between curtains and New Year, on the Fisherman’s Blues tour was really something
Another thing I now need to make! Cheers Mark.
Ha - nice to keep you busy JP!
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.
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
That’s the joy of the nocino/pickled walnut approach - it means harvesting them before the squirrels get interested!
Nocino or green walnut liqueur is one of many typical drinks made here in Dalmatia. But Diaconocino sounds quite special. Lovely piece, as always.
Thank you Amela
Nocino sounds wonderful, and those soft walnuts look the same.
Thank you June
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.
Necessity is the mother of invention! I bet it turns out really good too
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!
Poor us indeed!
But also, Diaconocino is genius!
bows deeply
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.
It’s great to hear about the tradition in your area Lucy, and thank you for your kind words
Walnuts are much underrated. Thanks for this Mark!
They really are!
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
Thank you Frances
I don’t like walnuts. I like cider though.
As Meatloaf almost said, one out of two ain't bad
He probably did say that in rehearsals.