1827 Wine and spirit adulterators unmasked

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tity * of Figuera and other interior Wines have been smuggled into Oporto, for exportation to England, although, to prevent the illicit traffic, which this is considered to be, by the Portuguese Government, the utmost power had been vested in the hands of the Royal Oporto Wine Company, and, from the mea- sures adopted by it, the purpose had always been fully effected, until the period when the unsettled state of the country almost threatened the demolition of Oporto, and suspended the jurisdiction, of a great part of its authorities. The principal portion of these Figuera Wines, which were then, with some degree of security, purloined into Oporto, and its immediate neighbourhood, have since been shipped to this coun- and, by means of the quibble which is afforded by such a document, they are now offered, by dishonest English Wine Merchants, as genuine Port Wines, although known by them to be what they really are. The total cost of these Figuera Wines, including the duty, does not exceed 45/. per pipe, and the admirable use to which they can be applied, independently of the assistance they afford in manufacturing fic- titious Port Wine, in stock, will presently be seen. A similar practise to that just described, is also carried on with respect to cheap Sherry. The Malaga Wines, which are the production of a h The total number of pipes of these Figuera Wines, which have been smuggled ii/to Oporto, as described, in some accounts is said to exceed 4000. I 2 try, under Oporto bills of lading ;