Legal chemistry and scientific criminal investigation / by A. Lucas.

  • Alfred Lucas
Date:
1920
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Legal chemistry and scientific criminal investigation / by A. Lucas. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    38/200 (page 26)
    analysis should always be accompanied by tasting and smelling. The whisky imported into Egypt from the United Kingdom conforms entirely, or almost entirely, to the definition laid down by the Royal Commission and is therefore genuine whisky, though some of it is purely patent still spirit with very little flavour or aroma. In some cases however the description is altogether misleading, the liquor being called “ fine,” “ old,” “ fully matured ” when such is not the case, and the labels sometimes bear the names of non- existent firms and fictitious illustrations of awards given at various exhibitions. Of the whisky produced locally the greater part at one time was imitation made by the addition of essences and colouring matter to plain alcohol. In order to protect the British troops in Egypt this particular industry was made a punishable offence in 1915 and practically ceased. Genuine whisky however has been made in small quantity in Egypt for many years and this industry has recently increased. The imitation whisky referred to was frequently filled into empty bottles bearing the original labels of much advertised and well-known brands, or bore forgeries of genuine labels, some of which resembled the originals very closely, though others were very crude. Some of the labels found have been so badly worded, badly spelled and badly printed that they could not possibly deceive any one acquainted with English, though apparently they did succeed in deceiving many people not knowing English. As illustrations of these latter the following examples may be quoted :— 1. Scotch Whisky. White and Yellow (sic). As specially selected for the Royal House. Calvier Sons, Scotch Whisky Distillers, Glasgow, Leith and London. Report of Government. Anatylical (sic) chemical this to certify that it having been swred (sic) in wine casks and it con- sists with genuine pot still spirits from the fine character of the sample. 2. A variation of No. 1. Genuine Scotch Whisky. White and Yellow. As specially selected for Royal Houses. Anonimus Society, Scotch \\ hisky Distillers, Glasgow, Leith and London.