HOW WHISHT IS "DOCTORED" IN NEW YORK.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 75, 17 July 1869, Page 5

HOW WHISHT IS "DOCTORED" IN NEW YORK.

The "New York World," in its exposure of the adulterations of the food and drink of the Manhattanese, has at last reached spirituous liquors. As might have been expected, the revelations are horrifying. The " World's " reporters first visited the " first-class " bar rooms where the highest prices are charged, and where the best liqours are sold. Brandy purchased at the Metropolitan Hotel contained 34 per cent, of alcohol, and was " doctored " with fusil oil, tannin, and sugar. Bourbon whisky purchased at the same place contained 32 per cent, of alcohol and a quantity of tannin. At Crook, Fox and ISTash's, the most extensively patronised bar-room in New York, owing to its proximity to the City Hall, where the political friends of the Aldermen and Councilmen congregate, brandy (the best) was obtained with but 31 per cent, of alcohol, and a very large amo unt of fusil oil. The Bourbon whisky purchased at this place contained 33 per cent, of alcohol, a considerable quantity of tannin, and an immense amount of fusil oil, and was flavoured with plums. The analysis of the liquor was made by Professor John C. Draper, of the University Medical College. Delmonico'B best brandy is made up of water 68 per cent., alcohol 32 per cent., and is adulterated with fusil oil, tannin, and sugar; his Bourbon whisky contains the same substances, and is flavoured with some unknown material. The brandy of the St. Nicholas Hotel has but 30 per cent of alcohol, contains fusil oil and tannin, and is flavoured with raisins and plums ; the Bourbon whisky of this place is even worse than the brandy. If such is the character of the liquor sold in the firstclass bar-rooms, what must be tho value of those sold at low prices in the thousands of ordinary low whisky shops? As the favourite spirituous beverages of the Americans are brandy and Bourbon whisky, the effect of the "World's" scientific exposures may easily be imagined.