1827 Wine and spirit adulterators unmasked

14

Camomile Flowers,

Rectified Spirits,

Cassia,

Orange Peel,

Carraways, &c. &c. The cost is about 9*. 6d. per gallon.

An imitation of French : the compound of which, previously to distillation, consists generally of the following proportionate ingredients : 80 gallons of Rectified Spirits, 50 overproof. 7 gallons of Vinegar. 12 ounces of Grace Root. 15 pounds of Raisins. 2 pounds of Vitriol. The cost price is from 13s. to 14s. per gallon, twenty-two per cent, underproof. This is intended to answer the same purpose as British Brandy Bitters, but is more generally made use of, because the quantity of it applied does not prevent a trial of the strength of the Brandy by the hydrometer. Its qualities are highly pernicious, and even poisonous. Extract of Almond Cake is prepared by keeping a quantity of the cake in Spirits of Wine for a long time. It is intended to impart to adulterated Brandy a taste resembling the fine kernel flavor which the genuine article possesses. Known in the trade by the denomination of ' Devil. The Extract of Capsicums is made by putting a quantity of the small East India Chellies into a bottle of Spirits of Wine, and keeping it closely stopped for about a month. The same process is performed with Grains of Paradise. The purposes of both are obvious from their natures. They are used to impart an appearance of strength by the hot pungent flavor which they infuse into the Spi- rit requiring their aid. They are mixed separately,

British

Brandy.

Cherry- laurel water.

Extract of Almond Cake.

Extract of

Capsicums, or Extract ofGrainsof Paradise.