" ripple was not much better" Nor "Boone's Farm".

Ever make brandied fruit?
1 heavy glass jar
1 can fruit **** in heavy syrup
1 bottle maraschino cherries
1 packet Fleishcman's yeast

Mix ingredients in the jar and put on the back of your 'fridge so it will stay nice and warm. Should begin to bubble in a day or two. When the cherries are transparent and colorless, the fruit is about 80 proof. Pour over Bryar's ice cream. If you've been test driving your bong, there's nothing better.