Make notes regarding alcohol enjoyed initially in retirement (4)
I believe the answer is:
earn
'make' is the definition.
(as in making money)
'notes regarding alcohol enjoyed initially in retirement' is the wordplay.
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
'in retirement' is a reversal indicator (retire can mean to go back or backwards).
The first letters of 'notes regarding alcohol enjoyed' is 'nrae'.
'nrae' written backwards gives 'EARN'.
(Other definitions for earn that I've seen before include "Get (money) for work or labour" , "Obtain (money) in return for labour or services" , "Warrant" , "Twist out of shape" , "and 3: Work for bed and board" .)