Scumble was introduced to fans of Terry Pratchett in the novel "Mort" as the Discworld equivalent of scrumpy (which Terry is personally, if briefly, familiar with).

According to the book, it's produced by preparing cider the usual way, and then leaving it outside in a barrel as the cold winter weather sets in. As the water freezes, it floats to the top, where it's removed regularly, leaving the alcohol (which freezes at a lower temperature) behind. The end result is a drink so concentrated it's ordinarily served in shot glasses the size of a thimble.

Scumble is an exceptionally strong spirit, made from apples. Mostly apples. Drinking even the tiniest portion of it will make even a knurd imbiber drunk. Drinkers on the disc don't appear to be too careful about their beverage quality or consistency thus we know of no reliable measurements of it's potency, but we can infer that scumble is at least 240% alcohol. It is said to taste something like apples, something like autumn mornings, and an awful lot like the bottom of a log pile. Apparently it cleans spoons, but it's not recommended. It's not recommended that it touch metal at all, or anything else for that matter.

Scum"ble (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scumbled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Scumbling (?).] [Freq. of scum. &root; 158.] Fine Arts

To cover lighty, as a painting, or a drawing, with a thin wash of opaque color, or with color-crayon dust rubbed on with the stump, or to make any similar additions to the work, so as to produce a softened effect.

 

© Webster 1913.