1827 Wine and spirit adulterators unmasked

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In order, however, to convey a sufficiently clear notion of the impositions to which this Spirit is pe- culiarly exposed, I must premise a few observa- tions on its nature, and on the regulations it is sub- jected to, from the earliest period of its manufac- ture. The Malt Distiller (who belongs of a different class to the Rectifier, and whose business, it must be borne in mind, is altogether distinct and separate) is the person, who first commences the manufac- ture of Gin. It is most commonly made from malt, and consists in placing a wash, prepared from the grain, in a state of fermentation, to deprive it of all saccharine matter, and after it has gone through this process, in distilling it into what is usually denominated Malt Spirit, or Whiskey. The enormous duties, however, with which the trade of Malt Distillers is chargeable, they being compelled to distill above a certain quantity of Spi- rit of immense bulk at a time, and the large capital which is required, rendering it possible only for a few individuals of great wealth to engage in this business, the natural consequence has been, to produce a monopoly* and community of interests * This monopoly of the Malt Distillers attracted the attention of Government, and, as some restriction, they have permitted the distillation of Gin, from Rum, or Scotch or Irish Whiskey ; but as the Malt Distillers have reduced their prices to the same level, and their article is generally preferred, the terms at which it is sold, though lower, continue as invariable as previously to the re- striction. Another circumstance, which also confines it as a rno- D 2