1863 The manufacture of liquors, wines, and cordials

II.

ARTICLES USUALLY EMPLOYED

IN THE MANUFACTURE OF

WINES, CORDIALS, LIQUORS, &c., &c.

ALCOHOL

CAN be obtained by distillation,

from any article

that is capable of undergoing fermentation. The alcohol that is commonly found in commerce, is obtained from corn or potatoes, and contains an essential oil which is removed by rectification or filtration with charcoal (see Filtration) : and when alcohol is thus cleansed of grain oil, it is then suited for the purposes of the manufacturer, and is known under the name of Neutral Spirit. This spirit, when flavored, and the various articles added to give a vinous, mucilaginous, oily, or dry taste, are called Imitation Liquors, by virtue of their possessing some of the leading characteristics of the distilled spirit which they are supposed to represent.