1827 Wine and spirit adulterators unmasked

taining illegal strength, the proper quantity of the same Spirit, at proof, to cause the strength to ascend to within the standard prescribed by Government. The impositions practised with Rum, generally consist in purchasing the low-priced Leeward Island Ruins, and by artificial means, such as the use of the following articles, vending it as fine old Jamaica Rum of peculiar softness and flavor Spirits they have of an Another way is, by adulterating low-priced Ja- maica Rums, by the admixture of Rectified Spi- rits of Wine and Leeward Island Rum, together with whatever is necessary of the flavoring ingre- dients I have named, to improve and render it saleable. Leeward Island Rums* are but seldom brought to this country at a higher rate of strength, than eight or ten per cent, overproof. The prices at which they may generally be bought are from 1*. 3d. and 1*. 9d. to 2*. per gallon ; the duty is at 8$. Qd. per gallon, which is * It should be observed, that Leeward Island Rums, and the generality of low-priced Jamaica Rums, are of so coarse and rank a nature, as to render them almost unsaleable, unless, altered in their flavors by artificial means, or blended with others of a better description. what Ale, Porter, Shrub, Extract of Grace Root, Cherry-laurel Water, Extract of Grains of Paradise, or Capsicums.