Sloe down

Last year at this time the Blackthorn boughs hung low under the weight of a healthy crop of sloes, the fruit of Prunus spinosa; this year all the trees I've seen are barren or bear solitary fruits. Usually this is the time to be planning Sloe Gin or Vodka, although I fear this year the picking will be meager and alternative fruit sources required. Blackberry Vodka I think.