“Cask 01 Confidential”

Blog Title: “Sticky Fingers & Secret Recipes”VictoryFarmKitchen.com Blog • August Edition

By Harriet - Head of Chaos, Cookery & Cuddles.

Well butter my boots and pass me the vinegar- what a week it’s been at Victory Farm!

The Highland cows broke into the orchard again, Duncan lost one of his wellies in the goose pond (don’t ask), and I caught little Imogen under the kitchen table with a spoon and a half-empty bottle of clementine balsamic. “It tastes like sunshine, Mummy,” she said, face glowing with citrusy guilt.

I was about to give her the look—you know the one—when Kipper the Manx Cat sauntered in, tail-less and smug as ever, and knocked over the last jar of plum balsamic with a single swipe of the paw. He then stared me dead in the eyes and sat on the label. Typical. He thinks he's head of product testing (and marketing). Honestly, if that cat had thumbs, he’d run the whole farm.

We’ve just finished bottling the new batch of our Alchemist Farmer Balsamic Reductions both Plum and Clementine editions, aged for six years in Cask 01. They’re tart, rich, and ever so slightly addictive.

Great on pork, salad, or- according to Kipper- just licked off the counter.

Behind the Apron

Every jar we cork carries a bit of us: a puff of flour, a streak of jam, and a lot of bossing about from yours truly. It’s not fancy, but it’s ours. Even Kipper gets his whiskers into the process. He’s the only staff member paid in leftover cream and internet fame.

New on the Pantry Shelf

🍊 Clementine Balsamic Reduction XIV - citrusy, sharp, and scandalously good on grilled halloumi.🍑 Plum Balsamic Reduction XIV - moody, deep, and surprisingly sophisticated for something that lives next to the jam.

Victory Tip of the Month:Toss roasted root veg with a drizzle of balsamic, a crumble of blue cheese, and a dash of smugness. Call it a ‘warm salad’ and pretend you’re on a cooking show.

Kipper’s Corner:This month he’s stolen:

• 2 sausages

• A croissant from the guest’s handbag

• One hand-knitted tea cosy (still missing)He’s also featured himself in three product photoshoots and shredded my recipe notebook for "creative input." He says you're welcome.

Right. Off to rescue the hens (again). If you're cooking with our balsamic, send a snap! remember “Sticky fingers win wars.”

Cheekily yours,Harriet x

Chief Stirrer & Snack NegotiatorVictory Farm Kitchen