The Percy Special is peculiar to the Borders and is popularly supposed to be the invention of the 10th Duke of Northumberland. It is an ideal drink to proof you against the climatic vagaries of the region. It is a simple mix of equal parts of whisky and cherry brandy.
The Duke is said to have insisted on Cherry Heering, and the mixture should be 50:50. It is a lovely, soothing, rounded drink, and the first one slips down like mother’s milk, as does the second. So innocent and enticing is the drink that you may find yourself tempted by a third — prenez garde! It is three and three plus where you are standing into danger. The Percy Special carries a delayed action fuse which is liable to ignite after about half an hour. You are riding along without a care in the world and suddenly — whoomph! you are sitting on the ground wondering where you are and where your horse might be. (With grateful thanks to Willy Poole)
