[entwisi]

One reason the vinegar tastes different is that chip shops use non brewed condiment vinegar whilst asda et al only sell malt vinegar(unless you are really lucky)

My mum won't buy malt so I have to keep my eyes open for when I see a bottle of NBC.

Anyway, as for thick vinegar, nope leave it as it is, teh spirit part is what gets up your nose and enhances the whole experience.

Balsamic is lovely, I particularly like it with sweet tomatoes that have been marinated in it for ages. Stawberries are lovely with a good coating of freshly ground black pepper or just dipped in a good quality brandy.