1827 Wine and spirit adulterators unmasked

25

since his last visit; concludes it is

the articles

all right; and, without any possible means on his part to prove it otherwise, it is passed as correct. Thus then we see, that, even without any diminu- tion of strength, the opportunities which a Gin- shop Advertiser has of adulterating his Brandy, are so great, that to do so, is neither a matter of much difficulty, nor attended with any great risk of detection. In making up low Brandies for what is termed the bar, or, as the Retailers themselves express it, * the glass and bottle trade,' * the best judges invariably sweeten them ; not only in order to conceal the strength, but, by the fullness it imparts to the palate, to prevent a discovery of the etceteras, used in their composition. It is necessary also, that, I should explain, that whenever sweets, such as British Brandy Bitters, British Cherry Brandy, Sugar, &c. have been mix- ed with Brandy, its strength cannot be proved by the hydrometer. But, as the Dealer, by a late regulation, has to keep the per centages of the strengths of his Brandy and other Spirits marked on each of the casks, which contain any Spirituous Liquors, and he takes care, that the strengths, shall * For the information of those who may be unacquainted with the meaning of these terms I must explain to them, that the ' glass trade refers to that class of consumers entitled dram-drinkers, the 'bottle trade' to those customers who apply for Spirits and Wine in the separate quantities of pint, quart, gallon, or upwards.