1) Pick as many ripe blackberries as you can get your little hands on. Rinse well, and pick off any stems and leaves. Don’t remove the overripe berries, they’ll just add sweetness…mmmmm..
2) Get a large glass or crockery jar or crock with lid. I like those big, gallon size glass jars that pickles come in. Have some plastic wrap handy.
3) Wash the crock or jar with hot soapy water and rinse well.
4) Now put a layer of blackberries in the bottom. This layer should be about an inch high.
5) Sprinkle a layer of sugar over the blackberries. If you’re using a gallon sized jar, use about a cup of sugar. This is not an exact science – a little more or less won’t make a whole lot of difference!
6) Put in another layer of blackberries followed by a layer of sugar.
7) Repeat layers until jar is about 1-2 inches from the top. The final layer should be sugar. Depending on the size of your jar or crock, you should have used about 3 lbs. of sugar. If you think you haven't used enough, just sprinkle it on top.
8) Pour a cup or two of water over the top. Do not use chlorinated water. If you have city water, then use bottled water.
9) Do not mix.
9) Cover top with plastic wrap and put lid loosely on the jar.
10) Place jar in dark place. Set it on a tray with low sides in case it bubbles over during the fermentation.
11) For the first 7 days, stir with a long handled spoon every other day. After a few days, you'll notice bubbles when you stir. You may also have the mixture foaming over the top of the jar. (You did put it on a tray, didn't you?)
12) After first week, stir once each week for three more weeks, then strain through cheesecloth. If you want it really clear, you can strain through coffee filters. That will take out all of the residue, but you'll also lose some of your brandy. You’ll get less, but it will be prettier. Bottle up in wine bottles with screw caps or mason jars and store in a dark cupboard. It will be best after about three months. Go ahead and decorate the lids with fabric covers. You’ll have a lovely gift for a friend or relatives at holiday time.