Wine, the vine and the cellar / [Thomas George Shaw].

  • Shaw, Thomas George.
Date:
1863
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Wine, the vine and the cellar / [Thomas George Shaw]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    into the cask named, and bring forward a large glassful. When this had been duly criticised, more of the same or of other importations might be tasted; or the ‘ customer ’ would perhaps return to the quay, and go into other vaults with some one else. The coopers were a shrewd intelligent set of men, and never did I see one of them tipsy. But other temptations were held out, too powerful to resist. From the conversations they overheard, and from being frequently asked to give their opinion about wines, they picked up a good deal of knowledge, and especially became acquainted with many of the dealers who came to the docks to buy. By speak- ing to them in a confidential way, of certain casks they could privately show, that were worth notice for goodness and cheapness, they were considered men whose services were worth securing. Accordhigly, it was known that several were in the pay of houses, and that they took every oppor- tunity they safely could to show the wines of those firms. They also managed to fine a cask or two of each parcel, which was thus bright, and with a ‘ beautiful face ; ’ while others were out of condition. It is also alleged, probably not Avithout grounds, that when a glass of another cask was desired to be brought forward, still the same '■fined ’ cask was the one dra'wn from, and its contents exhi- bited to the dealer. One of these coopers was a remarkable man, with